A pair of Mavericks fans may have a lot to thank for saving Suns superstar Kevin Durant from being ejected from American Airlines Center on Thursday night.
Two fans, a man and a woman, were sitting near the Phoenix players coming out of the locker room when a member of the crowd yelled “bitch” at Durant as he took the floor. According to WFAA’s Jonah Javadwas standing courtside and filming a video.
Durant heard the comment loud and clear and quickly turned to face two fans sitting three rows back from the floor.
The music playing over the PA system made it difficult to hear what the two-time NBA Finals MVP was saying in the video, but the conversation was long and the female fan tried to reach for what appeared to be a high note. . Five times with a few handshakes with Durant.
Both fans were wearing Mavericks costumes, and Durant eventually waved in frustration and walked away.
However, the situation worsened when security attempted to throw the two fans out of the building, and Durant walked back to tell them to stop, Javad reported.
In recent years, players have become more willing to confront fans or be kicked out of games if they feel their comments cross the line.
And Thursday’s incident wasn’t the first time this season that fans have caused potential problems during a Mavericks-Suns game.
Just last month, Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic had fans removed from Footprint Center after fans yelled at Doncic that he “looked tired” and that he “needs to get on the treadmill.”
After a game in January, Durant was asked about the ejection of fans at Suns Arena.
“If someone says something terrible to me, I say it back and move on.” Durant told the Arizona Republic after the Doncic incident: “Normally that’s how it should go. If it goes too far, it’s so rude that you have to stop the game, but that’s not the case. A little short word here and there is never a bad thing. ”
Durant found himself in a similar situation Thursday and looked like a man of his word.
The Suns lost 123-113 to the Mavericks on Thursday, and Durant finished the night with 23 points on 9-of-23 shooting.
The NBA superstar is in his first full season with the Suns after being traded to the Nets last year to end the “Big 3” era.
In an interview aired on ESPN earlier that night, Durant was asked if he wanted to finish his career in Phoenix.
“Right now, this moment, without thinking about the next moment, yes,” Durant said. “But that’s for now and I can’t predict what will actually happen, but I love playing in Phoenix. I love the fan base and this city. I came to understand what their mission is and how much they value their team.
“Now that I’m starting to understand the history of the Suns, I’m happy to be a part of it. I’d love to be in that Ring of Honor one day.”
The Suns are the fourth organization Durant has played for during his NBA career.
