Kevin Durant had a lot to say on and off the courtroom Friday evening because the Phoenix Suns dominated the Golden State Warriors 130-105 at Chase Middle. The Suns’ star ahead not solely helped his workforce safe an emphatic win, however he additionally engaged in a heated back-and-forth with Corridor of Famer Gary Payton Sr., who was seated courtside.
Durant, who spent three seasons with the Warriors and received two NBA championships, returned to the Bay Space and put up 19 factors on 6-of-13 taking pictures. Whereas his scoring was under his season common of 27.3 factors per recreation, he got here alive late within the third quarter, hitting three three-pointers within the ultimate two minutes. His late scoring prolonged the Suns’ result in 98-79 heading into the fourth quarter, successfully sealing the sport.
Throughout a stoppage in play, Durant exchanged phrases with Payton, a former Seattle SuperSonics nice recognized for his relentless protection and legendary trash speaking talents. Their verbal battle appeared to ignite Durant, who later walked over to Payton’s seat and continued jawing with him after his third three-pointer.
“It is at all times good once I run into an older participant, particularly from the ‘90s,” Durant stated postgame. “They really feel like that was the golden period of the NBA… particularly GP. I attempt to allow them to know what it could’ve been like if he’d have been on the courtroom with me.”
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The trade between Kevin Durant and Payton reportedly started final summer season throughout Workforce USA coaching when Durant instructed the previous Defensive Participant of the Yr that he wouldn’t have been in a position to guard him. Payton, with 9 All-Defensive Workforce picks to his title, was fast to fireplace again.
On the courtroom, the Warriors struggled to maintain tempo. Stephen Curry completed with simply 14 factors, taking pictures 1-of-6 from past the arc. No Warrior managed to attain 20 factors, and Golden State fell again to .500 with a 24-24 file. However, Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 factors and 10 assists, whereas Bradley Beal added 21 factors off the bench.
Gary Payton II, son of the Corridor of Famer, had a quiet evening, scoring simply three factors on 1-of-6 taking pictures in 12 minutes of motion. The Suns’ protection held the Warriors to 42.7% taking pictures from the sector, limiting their common offensive firepower.
With the win, the Suns are actually 25-22, which is sweet for No. 8 seed within the Western Convention. They are going to face the Portland Path Blazers subsequent on Saturday. On the identical time, the Warriors missed out on their first three-game win streak since mid-November and are the No. 11 seed within the West with a 24-24 file. They are going to face the Orlando Magic on Monday.