“Can you stop lying, please?” – Stephen A. Smith responds to Kevin Durant’s ‘clown’ remarks

Kevin Durant and Stephen A. Smith's war of words intensifies as Durant calls Smith a 'clown' after leadership criticism.

“Can you stop lying, please?” – Stephen A. Smith responds to Kevin Durant’s ‘clown’ remarks

Stephen A. Smith fires shot at Kevin Durant

As expected, the feud between Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant and ESPN’s eccentric host Stephen A. Smith escalated on Monday. Durant took the NBA stirred up a frenzy yesterday when he labeled Smith a “clown” after Smith had once questioned his leadership abilities.

During Monday’s episode of ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith responded, with his focus on Durant’s claim that Smith had never attended a practice, film session, or shoot-around during his 18-year career. While some may not know, the dispute began on October 24 when Smith called out Kevin Durant for his inability to motivate teammates.

YouTube video

If you’re expecting me to reciprocate with that kind of pettiness and childishness, it’s not going to happen. Kevin Durant is one of the greatest players to have ever played this game. He’s a future Hall of Famer, he’s a two-time champion, two-time Finals MVP. And I’ve been on the record saying, he’s also a good dude.

Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN’s First Take

And then he switched it up and said:

FS Video

So if he wants to resort to that level, even though we’re both grown men, if he has something to say he knows my number, and he refrains from doing so, that’s what he has to live with. But having said all of that, respectfully, Kevin Durant, can you stop lying, please?

Stephen A. Smith added

It was widely expected that SAS would respond today after he got slammed by the two-time NBA winner. Now, as KD didn’t let it slide the first time, it is expected that at some point the NBA world will be hearing a rebuttal soon.

Furthermore, with the new season up and running, the Slim Reaper has picked up from where he stopped last season. He currently averages 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game for the Phoenix Suns.

Josh Okogie defends Kevin Durant’s leadership amid Stephen A. Smith’s criticism

Josh Okogie stepped up to defend Kevin Durant’s leadership in response to criticism from Stephen A. Smith. Speaking to the press, Okogie emphasized Durant’s significant impact both on and off the court.

Kevin is Kevin, you know? People say his leadership isn’t this or that, but leadership is leadership, you can’t force it. We can’t say it’s not real leadership if it doesn’t fit a certain mold. Everyone has their own way of motivating others. Some are the vocal types, but that’s not us. We’re all about results, it’s either you do it, or you don’t.

Josh Okogie on Kevin Durant’s leadership to the media

There’s no doubt that Durant’s presence has made a significant impact on the Suns, as they have started the NBA regular season 5-1. Okogie went further to note that Durant brings a different energy to the game, as he has embraced his leadership role.

The Phoenix Suns are riding high in the competitive Western Conference standings with a 5-1 record. Their next game sees them welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to the Footprint Center.