Kevin Durant and Desmond Bane clashed during the Phoenix Suns’ 120-118 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on March 10, 2025, marking another tense moment in Durant’s recent string of on-court confrontations.
The incident began in the final seconds of the third quarter when Durant attempted a pass, only for Grizzlies rookie Cam Spencer to intercept it. Spencer then sprinted down the court and drained a corner three off a pass from Bane.
As Spencer celebrated by taunting Durant, a heated verbal exchange ensued.
Bane stepped in to defend his teammate, leading to a face-to-face confrontation with Durant. Frustrated, Durant shoved Bane before officials and teammates intervened.
Both Durant and Spencer received technical fouls, while Bane avoided any penalty.
This was just the latest in a series of heated incidents involving Durant as tensions rise amid the Suns’ struggles.
More Heated Moments: Clashes with Karlo Matković and Chris Paul
This wasn’t Durant’s only recent outburst. In a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, he struck rookie Karlo Matković after an aggressive screen.
Suns center Mason Plumlee nudged Matković, causing him to collide with Durant, who retaliated with a jab to the stomach. The officials missed the incident, allowing Durant to escape any penalty.
Days earlier, he also had a heated exchange with former teammate Chris Paul during a 120-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
The two engaged in a verbal altercation in the second quarter, leading to double technical fouls. Even at halftime, Durant continued shouting at Paul, forcing teammates to step in before things escalated further.
Suns Set to Trade Durant This Summer
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports the Suns have decided to trade Durant this offseason. Despite averaging 27.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, his individual success hasn’t translated to team wins. After being swept in the first round last season, the Suns are now 11th in the West, outside the play-in race.
Phoenix explored trading Durant to Golden State before the deadline, but he declined a reunion. With frustrations mounting and the team looking to rebuild, his departure this summer seems inevitable.
