Amidst a frustrating season where hopes of making the playoffs have been pushed to the brink, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant was seen in a heated confrontation with his coach.
During a showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, the Suns had a monumental collapse in the second half – getting outscored 41-19 and eventually going into the half down 65-49.
Durant was seen walking to the bench when his head coach, Mike Budenholzer, grabbed his arm in what appeared to be an attempt to talk to him.
In response, Durant yanked his arm out of Budenholzer’s grasp – leading the coach to shake his head.
On the broadcast of the game, commentators pointed to possible ‘miscommunication on an offensive set’ – which could have been the reason for the reaction.
A video of the incident went viral, but it was pointed out by reporter Cameron Cox that Durant was seen tapping on his coach to talk with him.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant was seen in a heated moment with coach Mike Budenholzer
Durant is seen here yanking his arm out of Budenholzer’s grasp in the midst of a close game
But Durant put on an inspired fourth-quarter performance to lead Phoenix to a comeback
After the game, Durant said that the moment between him and Budenholzer was common among the two of them and any speculation that they were feuding was blown out of proportion.
“That’s what usually happens when you don’t know the dynamics of a relationship,” he said, via PHNX Sports.
“You catch something on TV, you get a quote, and now you’re pushing that narrative as if me and Bud don’t do that s— all the time.
“We’re competitive as two individuals who want to see things done the right way. Sometimes, my way ain’t the way Bud want to do it and vice versa. … If we both didn’t care, we wouldn’t have stuff like that.”
The Suns were down by as many as 23 points in the game before they clicked in the fourth quarter.
Durant in particular was the catalyst for success – dropping 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks to help the struggling Suns eek out a crucial 119-117 victory.
Phoenix sits on the edge of the NBA playoff picture with a 29-33 record and is three games out of the final Play-In game spot.
Rumors surrounding the future of both Budenholzer and Durant have followed this team throughout the season.
