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Saturday night's star-studded showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City was expected to be a heated affair. Needless to say, the game certainly fit the billing as Warriors forward Kevin Durant and Thunder forward Carmelo Anthony headlined a number of disputes that occurred on the night.
The two got into a minor scuffle during the game that resulted in a double-technical. However, Durant feels his actions were not enough to spur a technical foul, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic:
“You seen it. Trying to get through the screen, he grabbed me and I tried to get off of him. He pushed me and we got double technicals,” Durant said. “Which was unfortunate because I'm sure everyone's going to say I'm trying to act tough when he pushed me and they gave me the tech so hopefully I get that one rescinded.”
The two had been battling it out around the free-throw line when suddenly Durant attempted to throw Anthony out of his way. Melo then retaliated with a shove of his own before the two came face-to-face and had to be separated.
Such hostility was to be expected in the game. Not only had the Thunder dominated the Warriors in their first two matchups of the 2017-18 NBA season, but there is still clearly an added edge to this showdown for both teams after everything that transpired between Durant and Oklahoma City.
Regardless, it makes sense that Durant would attempt to cover his own tail. He is among the league leaders in technical fouls this season and likely wants to save them so that he does not get suspended during the rest of the year.
