Kevin Durant sparked controversy during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans after punching rookie Karlo Matković.
The incident occurred in the first quarter of the matchup at Footprint Center.
Officials missed the exchange, but it quickly caught the attention of fans and analysts, who criticized Durant’s reaction.
Durant Strikes Matković After Screen
Late in the first quarter, Pelicans rookie Karlo Matković set a screen on Durant, then rolled to the hoop.
Suns center Mason Plumlee, who initially defended Matković, gave the rookie a slight shove in the lower back, pushing him into Durant as the screen was set.
Durant took exception to the contact and jabbed Matković in the stomach.
The play happened so quickly that the officials didn’t notice, leaving Durant unscathed from any penalty.
Matković had words for Durant once play stopped, but the situation remained calm as the two talked without further escalation.
Reactions and Game Outcome
The altercation sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many fans expressing surprise and disappointment over Durant’s actions. Some even questioned his composure on the court.
Despite the controversy, the Suns secured a 125-108 win over the Pelicans, with Durant contributing 17 points, six assists, and two rebounds.
With the win, Phoenix improved to 28-32 and now sits three games behind the Sacramento Kings (30-28) for the Western Conference’s final play-in spot. The Suns are hoping to turn their season around in the final stretch, but frustrations are clearly spilling onto the court.
