Kevin Durant’s leadership is not a new NBA topic, but during an Oct. 24 episode of “First Take,” ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith used it as a reason to argue against the Suns as a serious contender. The popular basketball analyst praised Durant’s greatness and commitment, but he questioned the 14-time All-Star’s leadership and ability to inspire teammates. After “First Take” posted the segment on social media, Durant responded on X, telling Smith that he respectfully disagreed and that he would argue “passionately” that his intangibles have always been on par with his talent. In the Phoenix locker room Saturday night, after several teammates had already left Footprint Center, Durant spoke more forcefully. “Yeah, Stephen A., I don’t understand how people even listen to Stephen A.,” he told The Athletic. “I’ve been in the league for 18 years. I’ve never seen Stephen A. at a practice, or a film session, or a shoot-around. I’ve never seen him anywhere but on TV talking s— about players. … He’s a clown to me. He’s always been a clown. You can write that, too.”
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
This OKC team has done something the KD/Russ/Harden teams never did: start out 6-0. – 12:48 AM
This OKC team has done something the KD/Russ/Harden teams never did: start out 6-0. – 12:48 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: PHX 103, POR 97
Booker: 28 Pts, 9 Ast, 9 Reb, 9-23 FG, 8-9 FT
Durant: 21 Pts, 9 Reb, 7-16 FG, 4-5 FT
Allen: 18 Pts, 3 Blk, 7-12 FG, 4-7 3P
Beal: 15-7-4, 5-13 FG
Simons: 20-8-6, 8-25 FG
Suns improve to 5-1 despite scoring 22, 21 and 16 points in 3 of their 4 quarters – 12:18 AM
Final: PHX 103, POR 97
Booker: 28 Pts, 9 Ast, 9 Reb, 9-23 FG, 8-9 FT
Durant: 21 Pts, 9 Reb, 7-16 FG, 4-5 FT
Allen: 18 Pts, 3 Blk, 7-12 FG, 4-7 3P
Beal: 15-7-4, 5-13 FG
Simons: 20-8-6, 8-25 FG
Suns improve to 5-1 despite scoring 22, 21 and 16 points in 3 of their 4 quarters – 12:18 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 87, POR 65
Durant: 21 Pts, 7 Reb, 7-13 FG, 3-7 3P
Booker: 18 Pts, 7 Ast, 6 Reb, 5-15 FG, 6-7 FT
Allen: 16 Pts, 3 Blk, 6-9 FG
Beal: 13 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 3-7 3P
Jones: 13 Pts, 6 Ast, 5 Reb, 5-8 FG
Grant: 15 Pts, 6 Reb, 6-18 FG
PHX outscored POR 44-18 in the 3Q – 11:44 PM
End of 3Q: PHX 87, POR 65
Durant: 21 Pts, 7 Reb, 7-13 FG, 3-7 3P
Booker: 18 Pts, 7 Ast, 6 Reb, 5-15 FG, 6-7 FT
Allen: 16 Pts, 3 Blk, 6-9 FG
Beal: 13 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast, 3-7 3P
Jones: 13 Pts, 6 Ast, 5 Reb, 5-8 FG
Grant: 15 Pts, 6 Reb, 6-18 FG
PHX outscored POR 44-18 in the 3Q – 11:44 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant bucket. Suns up 7. Timeout Portland with 8:11 left in 3rd. – 11:24 PM
Durant bucket. Suns up 7. Timeout Portland with 8:11 left in 3rd. – 11:24 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
I have said that I wish KD wouldn’t engage with people so much online, most of whom bring nothing to the table and have nothing to offer. But in this case…fire away, king. pic.x.com/LYHWHAr0r1 – 3:30 PM
I have said that I wish KD wouldn’t engage with people so much online, most of whom bring nothing to the table and have nothing to offer. But in this case…fire away, king. pic.x.com/LYHWHAr0r1 – 3:30 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Which was funnier/more entertaining:
Devin Booker vs. Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro after Phoenix Suns won opener at Los Angeles Clippers last week in OT.
OR Kevin Durant vs. Dunn after Suns defeated Clippers again Thursday.
Blazers vs. Suns Saturday at Footprint Center. #Suns pic.x.com/Fv3ujecm7r – 11:04 PM
Which was funnier/more entertaining:
Devin Booker vs. Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro after Phoenix Suns won opener at Los Angeles Clippers last week in OT.
OR Kevin Durant vs. Dunn after Suns defeated Clippers again Thursday.
Blazers vs. Suns Saturday at Footprint Center. #Suns pic.x.com/Fv3ujecm7r – 11:04 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Thunder starters vs Blazers
SGA
Joe
Dort
JDub
Chet
OKC can tie the Russ/KD/Harden 2012 Finals team for best start in Thunder history at 5-0 with a win. – 9:36 PM
Thunder starters vs Blazers
SGA
Joe
Dort
JDub
Chet
OKC can tie the Russ/KD/Harden 2012 Finals team for best start in Thunder history at 5-0 with a win. – 9:36 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Off the charts.”
Mike Budenholzer on Kevin Durant’s leadership. #Suns pic.x.com/I7mmvUbuH3 – 4:18 PM
“Off the charts.”
Mike Budenholzer on Kevin Durant’s leadership. #Suns pic.x.com/I7mmvUbuH3 – 4:18 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Column: The Suns and Bucks were parallel disappointments last year, but now Phoenix is soaring and Milwaukee is slumping out of the gate. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo will reach the same conclusion Kevin Durant did in Brooklyn?
@washingtonpost @PostSports
washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/11… – 3:50 PM
Column: The Suns and Bucks were parallel disappointments last year, but now Phoenix is soaring and Milwaukee is slumping out of the gate. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo will reach the same conclusion Kevin Durant did in Brooklyn?
@washingtonpost @PostSports
washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/11… – 3:50 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
That’s it from @IntuitDome.
Suns 125, Clippers 119 F.
Postgame interviews with Mike Budenholzer, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Tyus Jones posted.
Takeaways in the morning.
Suns (4-1), Golden State Warriors (4-1) only trail unbeaten Oklahoma City Thunder (4-0) in West. #Suns pic.x.com/Xo3itXlXPS – 3:48 AM
That’s it from @IntuitDome.
Suns 125, Clippers 119 F.
Postgame interviews with Mike Budenholzer, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Tyus Jones posted.
Takeaways in the morning.
Suns (4-1), Golden State Warriors (4-1) only trail unbeaten Oklahoma City Thunder (4-0) in West. #Suns pic.x.com/Xo3itXlXPS – 3:48 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I can’t even tell you.”
Ryan Dunn when asked if he foresaw having such a big impact as a rookie.
Career high 16 points, 4-of-9 on 3s in Suns comeback win vs. Clippers.
On relationship with Kevin Durant: “That’s my dawg.”
On Devin Booker’s 40-piece: “That’s a bad man.” #Suns pic.x.com/iK5fY6tghe – 2:54 AM
“I can’t even tell you.”
Ryan Dunn when asked if he foresaw having such a big impact as a rookie.
Career high 16 points, 4-of-9 on 3s in Suns comeback win vs. Clippers.
On relationship with Kevin Durant: “That’s my dawg.”
On Devin Booker’s 40-piece: “That’s a bad man.” #Suns pic.x.com/iK5fY6tghe – 2:54 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers led Suns 77-56 with 22:51 left to play
For rest of game, here’s what Suns did offensively:
– 18:6 AST-TO
– 12/23 3s (52.2%)
– 9/10 FTs (vs WALL)
– 4 oREB (3 by Plumlee)
– 58.5% FGs
Book/O’Neale/Nurk outscored LAC 46-42 from down 21 to final buzzer. No Beal, quiet KD. – 2:14 AM
Clippers led Suns 77-56 with 22:51 left to play
For rest of game, here’s what Suns did offensively:
– 18:6 AST-TO
– 12/23 3s (52.2%)
– 9/10 FTs (vs WALL)
– 4 oREB (3 by Plumlee)
– 58.5% FGs
Book/O’Neale/Nurk outscored LAC 46-42 from down 21 to final buzzer. No Beal, quiet KD. – 2:14 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“He’s taking that next step as a player.”
Kevin Durant on Royce O’Neale, who scored 21 points, hitting 5-of-6 from 3, and grabbed 7 boards off the bench in Suns win over Clippers. #Suns #ClipperNation pic.x.com/1cpEN1UigL – 2:11 AM
“He’s taking that next step as a player.”
Kevin Durant on Royce O’Neale, who scored 21 points, hitting 5-of-6 from 3, and grabbed 7 boards off the bench in Suns win over Clippers. #Suns #ClipperNation pic.x.com/1cpEN1UigL – 2:11 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I feel like we got a deep team, guys that’s been around before. Understand what it takes. We’ve got a veteran coaching staff who understands adjustments and schemes, how to utilize the bench, the whole team.”
Kevin Durant on rotations after Suns comeback win vs. Clippers. #Suns pic.x.com/lGGZIzqudf – 2:02 AM
“I feel like we got a deep team, guys that’s been around before. Understand what it takes. We’ve got a veteran coaching staff who understands adjustments and schemes, how to utilize the bench, the whole team.”
Kevin Durant on rotations after Suns comeback win vs. Clippers. #Suns pic.x.com/lGGZIzqudf – 2:02 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“He came to my academy.”
“You never invited me to your academy.”
The start of Kevin Durant and rookie Ryan Dunn interaction after Suns comeback win over Clippers. #Suns #ClipperNation pic.x.com/MxGK6sRuOi – 1:44 AM
“He came to my academy.”
“You never invited me to your academy.”
The start of Kevin Durant and rookie Ryan Dunn interaction after Suns comeback win over Clippers. #Suns #ClipperNation pic.x.com/MxGK6sRuOi – 1:44 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant on Ryan Dunn… with Ryan Dunn listening in 🤣 pic.x.com/OVmpNNRXp5 – 1:21 AM
Kevin Durant on Ryan Dunn… with Ryan Dunn listening in 🤣 pic.x.com/OVmpNNRXp5 – 1:21 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: PHX 125, LAC 119
Booker: 40 Pts, 8 Ast, 5 Reb, 3 Stl, 11-18 FG, 13-15 FT
Durant: 18 Pts, 5 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Blk, 7-13 FG
O’Neale: 21 Pts, 7 Reb, 7-8 FG, 5-6 3P
Dunn: 16 Pts, 4-9 3P
Harden: 25-13-10-2-2, 8-19 FG
Suns outscored LAC 73-49 in the 2nd half – 12:57 AM
Final: PHX 125, LAC 119
Booker: 40 Pts, 8 Ast, 5 Reb, 3 Stl, 11-18 FG, 13-15 FT
Durant: 18 Pts, 5 Reb, 4 Ast, 2 Blk, 7-13 FG
O’Neale: 21 Pts, 7 Reb, 7-8 FG, 5-6 3P
Dunn: 16 Pts, 4-9 3P
Harden: 25-13-10-2-2, 8-19 FG
Suns outscored LAC 73-49 in the 2nd half – 12:57 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Durant evaluating before Jones runs up to get the ball.
Booker screen, Booker short roll, O’Neale 3. Boom. – 12:50 AM
Durant evaluating before Jones runs up to get the ball.
Booker screen, Booker short roll, O’Neale 3. Boom. – 12:50 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant another big block, ball off Derrick Jones Jr.’s head. #Suns #ClipperNation – 12:37 AM
Durant another big block, ball off Derrick Jones Jr.’s head. #Suns #ClipperNation – 12:37 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Rim protector Kevin Durant
Clippers tried to get Nico Batum on a cut: blocked by Durant
Derrick Jones Jr. tried to slash: blocked by Durant
It’s a 108-105 Suns lead. Bud takes a timeout with 4:52 left. He might take another soon. – 12:37 AM
Rim protector Kevin Durant
Clippers tried to get Nico Batum on a cut: blocked by Durant
Derrick Jones Jr. tried to slash: blocked by Durant
It’s a 108-105 Suns lead. Bud takes a timeout with 4:52 left. He might take another soon. – 12:37 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant with 2 blocks here in this quarter after recording 4 last game. He’s got at least 1 block in all 5 games so far this season – 12:37 AM
Kevin Durant with 2 blocks here in this quarter after recording 4 last game. He’s got at least 1 block in all 5 games so far this season – 12:37 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Got 6:41 left in the game, Nurkic, Durant, Jones, O’Neale and Dunn on the floor for the Suns, who are up 105-102.
Durant block on Batum to get defensive stop out of the timeout. Then Jones scores. #Suns – 12:34 AM
Got 6:41 left in the game, Nurkic, Durant, Jones, O’Neale and Dunn on the floor for the Suns, who are up 105-102.
Durant block on Batum to get defensive stop out of the timeout. Then Jones scores. #Suns – 12:34 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant checks back in. Tie game with 7:57 left. #Suns #ClipperNation – 12:29 AM
Durant checks back in. Tie game with 7:57 left. #Suns #ClipperNation – 12:29 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker corner 3 after two-man game between Durant and Nurkic.
Zubac answer. Durant 3. Suns down five. #Suns #ClipperNation – 12:09 AM
Booker corner 3 after two-man game between Durant and Nurkic.
Zubac answer. Durant 3. Suns down five. #Suns #ClipperNation – 12:09 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker starts 2nd half on a quick heater, hitting 3 straight shots for seven points, but Suns aren’t getting stops to make that burst meaningful.
Clippers call timeout after Durant 3. Suns down 79-62. Have trailed by as many as 21 points. #Suns #ClipperNation – 11:58 PM
Booker starts 2nd half on a quick heater, hitting 3 straight shots for seven points, but Suns aren’t getting stops to make that burst meaningful.
Clippers call timeout after Durant 3. Suns down 79-62. Have trailed by as many as 21 points. #Suns #ClipperNation – 11:58 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers up 79-62 but the Suns are boiling, scoring on each of their first four possessions:
– Booker middy
– Booker middy
– Booker 3
– Durant 3
Tyronn Lue timeout only 109 seconds into second half – 11:57 PM
Clippers up 79-62 but the Suns are boiling, scoring on each of their first four possessions:
– Booker middy
– Booker middy
– Booker 3
– Durant 3
Tyronn Lue timeout only 109 seconds into second half – 11:57 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant come out firing in the 3rd quarter, but it won’t matter much if the Suns can’t string together some stops. They’re having a hellacious time defending rollers right now – 11:57 PM
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant come out firing in the 3rd quarter, but it won’t matter much if the Suns can’t string together some stops. They’re having a hellacious time defending rollers right now – 11:57 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Nurkic starting 2nd half. with Booker, Durant, Jones and Dunn, who picked up Harden full court. #Suns #ClipperNation – 11:53 PM
Nurkic starting 2nd half. with Booker, Durant, Jones and Dunn, who picked up Harden full court. #Suns #ClipperNation – 11:53 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Ass whipping statistics
– Clippers outrebounding Suns 33-15
– offensive rebounds: Suns 5, LAC 12
– Clippers outscoring Suns 36-18 in paint
– Kevin Durant: Suns outscored by 24 points in his 18:43 – 11:43 PM
Ass whipping statistics
– Clippers outrebounding Suns 33-15
– offensive rebounds: Suns 5, LAC 12
– Clippers outscoring Suns 36-18 in paint
– Kevin Durant: Suns outscored by 24 points in his 18:43 – 11:43 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: LAC 70, PHX 52
Booker: 15 Pts, 3-6 FG, 8-9 FT
Durant: 10 Pts, 4-9 FG
Dunn: 9 Pts, 3-5 3P
Harden: 13 Pts, 10 Ast, 8 Reb, 2 Blk, 2 Stl, 4-10 FG
LAC out-rebounded PHX 33-15 and outscored them 36-18 in points in the paint – 11:38 PM
Halftime: LAC 70, PHX 52
Booker: 15 Pts, 3-6 FG, 8-9 FT
Durant: 10 Pts, 4-9 FG
Dunn: 9 Pts, 3-5 3P
Harden: 13 Pts, 10 Ast, 8 Reb, 2 Blk, 2 Stl, 4-10 FG
LAC out-rebounded PHX 33-15 and outscored them 36-18 in points in the paint – 11:38 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns have two rookies, Durant, Booker and O’Neale on the floor.
Down 16. #Suns #ClipperNation – 11:31 PM
Suns have two rookies, Durant, Booker and O’Neale on the floor.
Down 16. #Suns #ClipperNation – 11:31 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
With 6:22 left, Suns going with O’Neale, who came in for Dunn, Durant, Booker, Plumlee and Jones.
Suns down 10. #Suns #ClipperNation – 11:22 PM
With 6:22 left, Suns going with O’Neale, who came in for Dunn, Durant, Booker, Plumlee and Jones.
Suns down 10. #Suns #ClipperNation – 11:22 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Much-needed burst from Devin Booker here with KD on the bench. He’s up to 12 points on 3-4 FG and has gotten to the FT line 5 times already – 11:14 PM
Much-needed burst from Devin Booker here with KD on the bench. He’s up to 12 points on 3-4 FG and has gotten to the FT line 5 times already – 11:14 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: LAC 37, PHX 20
Durant: 6 Pts, 3 Reb, 3-6 FG
Booker: 4 Pts, 2-3 FG
O’Neale: 3 Pts, 1-1 3P
Harden: 12 Pts, 7 Ast, 5 Reb, 4-7 FG – 11:04 PM
End of 1Q: LAC 37, PHX 20
Durant: 6 Pts, 3 Reb, 3-6 FG
Booker: 4 Pts, 2-3 FG
O’Neale: 3 Pts, 1-1 3P
Harden: 12 Pts, 7 Ast, 5 Reb, 4-7 FG – 11:04 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns going with O’Neale, Allen and Morris along with Durant and currently Nurkic as Plumlee is at the scores table ready to check in. #Suns – 10:53 PM
Suns going with O’Neale, Allen and Morris along with Durant and currently Nurkic as Plumlee is at the scores table ready to check in. #Suns – 10:53 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant jumper over Derrick Jones Jr. out of the timeout.
Suns down 13-6. #Suns #ClipperNation – 10:49 PM
Durant jumper over Derrick Jones Jr. out of the timeout.
Suns down 13-6. #Suns #ClipperNation – 10:49 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Turnover on first Suns possession. Durant.
Team had 22 vs. Clippers in opener. Suns down 4-2. #Suns – 10:42 PM
Turnover on first Suns possession. Durant.
Team had 22 vs. Clippers in opener. Suns down 4-2. #Suns – 10:42 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“I would rather you get away from wanting to be Kevin Durant, and start being more like a GIannis Antetokounmpo.” 👀
@chiney and @KendrickPerkins evaluate Victor Wembanyama’s start to his sophomore season
pic.x.com/cfZ4O5hqDD – 3:41 PM
“I would rather you get away from wanting to be Kevin Durant, and start being more like a GIannis Antetokounmpo.” 👀
@chiney and @KendrickPerkins evaluate Victor Wembanyama’s start to his sophomore season
pic.x.com/cfZ4O5hqDD – 3:41 PM
More on this storyline
Durant doesn’t claim to be a perfect basketball player — “Of course, I got things I need to work on,” he said — but he said when people try to find something to criticize about his game, they often settle on leadership, “stuff that’s, like, so vague and subjective.” -via New York Times / November 3, 2024
Asked if he’s tried to be more vocal this season, Durant, 36, said he’s been the “same dude.” “Obviously, you grow as a human being, you get more comfortable with yourself, you get more comfortable talking to crowds as you experience more and more in the league,” he said in the locker room. “… I’ve always been on this trajectory, of diving deep into the game, not just for myself but for the whole team. To say that I’m just sitting here, you paint this picture of me coming into the locker room, not talking to my teammates, quiet, not talking to my coaches. Like, come on, man. It’s just ridiculous.” -via New York Times / November 3, 2024
Gerald Bourguet: Josh Okogie on Kevin Durant’s leadership: “You can’t say, ‘If it ain’t leadership like *this*, it ain’t leadership.’….Kevin is a guy who makes sure everybody is held accountable.” So why is it always a talking point with KD? “People just like to use him as the easy target.” pic.x.com/NFH4JZJoAj -via Twitter @GeraldBourguet / November 2, 2024