Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant went viral for the wrong reasons during their showdown with the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.
Late in the first quarter of the game, Pelicans rookie Karlo Matkovic set a screen to prevent Durant from getting to Trey Murphy III. After Durant bumped into Matkovic as a result of the screen, it appeared the Phoenix scorer took issue with it.
In the following moment, Durant was seen throwing a punch at Matkovic and hitting the side of the 23-year-old.
Social media account Pelicans Film Room shared a slow-motion video of the incident, which quickly drew plenty of angry reactions.
KD took a swing at Karlo Matkovic pic.twitter.com/1pqqBF7buH
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) March 1, 2025
“How is that not an ejection,” a disappointed commenter wrote. Another one said, “he needs to be suspended.”
“Bro mad at a practice level screen,” a critic added.
Another angry poster shared, “Kevin Durant u a dirty player, tryna be slick punching players, just play basketball and stop disrespecting the game.”
“They could NEVER make me like this freak idc how skilled he is at the game he’s a loser,” a disappointed social media user added.
“KD losing his mind man,” a sixth viewer shared.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant wasn’t ejected in the game and proceeded to finish with 17 points, two rebounds, six assists and three steals in 35 minutes of action. The Suns also took the 125-108 win over the Pelicans.
However, what Durant did is certainly not a good look for him and the Suns, especially with the backlash he’s currently getting.