Kevin Durant and Gary Payton Sr. engaged in a heated yet playful trash-talking session during the Phoenix Suns’ 130-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Durant, who played three seasons with the Warriors and won two championships with the franchise, found himself exchanging words with the Hall of Famer during stoppages in play, keeping the competitive fire alive across generations.
Kevin Durant – Gary Payton exchanging words. 😂😂
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 1, 2025
After the game, Durant explained the nature of their verbal battle, making it clear that he relishes the opportunity to challenge players from the 1990s era, especially those who claim that their time in the league was superior to today’s game.
“It’s always good when I run into an older player, especially if they played in the ’90s, because they feel like that’s the golden years of the NBA. so I try to let them know, especially GP, I try to let them know what it would have been like if they’d have been on the court with me.”
“They tend to talk down on the mentality of our era’s players. G’s a great sport about it, one of my favorite players, somebody I look up to, got major respect for. I think this started in the summer with Team USA. We were all in the same room with Team USA, and the first thing I said to him was that he couldn’t guard me.”
“‘You’re too small. Them dudes that played back in the day wasn’t close to me.’ I was just talking crazy to him, so I guess we picked it up from there.”
“And I love that I can have that rapport with the older generation of players and let them know that I’m like little bro to them you know I always looked up to them my whole life so yeah I’m gonna talk a little shit to them you know so that was fun I got major respect for GP.”
Durant, known for his 7-foot frame and elite scoring ability, was asked how Payton—a 6’4” guard known for his defensive prowess—would have fared against him. Durant didn’t hold back, making it clear that he would have had a distinct size and skill advantage.
“We’re going right into that post. He’s too small, man. 6-4, not really physical like that. He’s just too small for me. And he knows that. But GP is one of those players, you’re not going to get that last word on him.”
Durant also took a jab at Gary Payton II, Payton’s son and current Warriors guard, suggesting that his father’s best defensive strategy against him would be to foul.
“I still don’t know [how he’d guard me]. He’d probably just try to foul me, just like his son does.”
Durant finished the night with 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting, adding 6 rebounds and 3 assists. While his numbers were below his season average, his third-quarter explosion, where he drilled three consecutive three-pointers, was a defining moment of the game. After hitting his final three of the quarter, Durant walked over to Payton’s courtside seat, continuing their exchange with a smirk.
KD and Gary Payton trashing talking each other at the game 😭
Gotta love it. (via @957thegame)pic.twitter.com/dxDTohfJ8V
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 1, 2025
The Warriors, now 24-24 on the season, struggled offensively, with Stephen Curry managing just 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting. Golden State’s defensive breakdowns allowed the Suns to shoot 56.2% from the field and 48.7% from beyond the arc. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 31 points and 10 assists, while Bradley Beal added 21 points off the bench.
Gary Payton II had a quiet night, scoring just 3 points on 1-of-6 shooting in 12 minutes. The Suns’ defense, led by Durant and Booker, clamped down on the Warriors, ensuring their dominant victory.
Despite the intensity, Durant and Payton’s exchange was all in good fun. Durant appreciates the competitive fire of past generations, but he also enjoys reminding them that today’s stars are just as elite, if not better.
The Suns and Warriors will meet again later in the season, and fans can only hope Payton will be in attendance to keep the trash talk alive.
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