Kevin Durant CLAPS BACK at Stephen A Smith dissing superstar’s leadership

Stephen A. Smith is still in doubt about Kevin Durant's leadership ability, despite the Suns' home opener win.

Kevin Durant CLAPS BACK at Stephen A Smith dissing superstar’s leadership

Stephen A. Smith fires shot at Kevin Durant

The Phoenix Suns opened their season with a nail-biting victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Suns’ Kevin Durant contributed to the 116-113 overtime dub with an efficient 26-point performance. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith commended Durant on his performance but quickly dismissed the Suns’ title hopes.

Kevin Durant, fresh off an Olympic Gold medal along with his teammate Devin Booker, seem to have set the tone for the season with the win. However, with all the positive reinforcements presented for the franchise, Smith is still not convinced of the star’s ‘intangible’ qualities. This came unsurprisingly as the analyst has been known for his criticism of Durant.

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When you talk about Kevin Durant… we’re not going to look at Kevin Durant and just measure him in terms of just his talent, it’s what ability you have to peel out of others… I think what he’s (Kevin Durant) done for the game of basketball is to be applauded but the flip side to all of that is that he’s been very relatively leaderless.

Stephen A. Smith on Kevin Durant

The Phoenix forward instantly addressed Smith’s comment on the matter, claiming his alleged issue to be non-existent. Smith’s main issue with Durant is his belief in the forward’s leadership.

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Kevin Durant did not make any further comments about the Phoenix Suns, but sounded defensive as he clapped back at the analyst under the same X thread.

Somewhat accurate to the analyst, Durant had fallen short of basketball success ever since he left the Golden State Warriors. Although injuries played a big part in his failed ventures, the star had enough supporting cast with the Brooklyn Nets to be successful. This time around the 7-footer is paired up with two All-Stars in Bradley Beal and Booker, looking for a deep run in the Western Conference Playoffs.

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Kevin Durant sparks new title hope for the Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns showed a positive outing with a winning start to the 2024-25 season. Their three stars, Beal, Durant, and Booker did not disappoint as they combined for an impressive 64 points. Surrounding last season’s disappointing exit in the playoffs, the franchise seems to be ready to finally make a deep run this year.

The franchise has been moving the chess pieces, getting a reliable floor general in Tyus Jones in the off-season. Not to mention the signing of the new head coach Mike Budenholzer, the team is throwing their last fight to gain title contention. Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Suns ‘Big 3’ will command over $150 million alone, which leaves the team with hardly any room for obtaining championship pieces.

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As per ESPN, the Suns are expected to finish fifth in a tight-knit Western Conference. Closing in with a 49-33 record for the regular season. Durant’s performance will play a big role in unfolding the team’s title hope. With little room to maneuver in the trade deadline, the Suns have to contend with their current roster.