After the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-113 in overtime, spoiling Steve Ballmer's Intuit Dome debut in Los Angeles, ESPN's Stephen A Smith had some harsh words for superstar Kevin Durant. While not questioning Durant's greatness, he doesn't believe much in the two-time champion's ability to lead Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and the Suns to a prosperous 2024-25 campaign.

Using proof of last year's past, Smith doesn't believe the Suns can succeed with Durant as their appointed leader.

“I don't question the greatness nor commitment of Kevin Durant. … When you are that great … you should be able to be a better leader than he has shown,” Smith said, per First Take's X, formerly known as Twitter. “And because that hasn't been the case, whether it was in Oklahoma City, whether it was later on in Brooklyn, why am I going to believe that that's something you can do in Phoenix? I don't see that.”

Durant replied to the video itself on X, formerly Twitter.

“I would disagree stephen,” Durant replied. “I would argue, passionately, that my intangibles have always been on par with my talent.”

Durant's game-tying shot sent the Suns into overtime, where they won their first game of the 2024-25 campaign.

Article Continues Below
More Phoenix Suns News
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks on against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Footprint Center.
Stephen A. Smith’s Kevin Durant-Heat fit comes with Timberwolves warningJoey Mistretta ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) protects the basketball from Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the second quarter at Kaseya Center.
Kevin Durant gets Heat recruiting pitch from ex-playerJulian Ojeda ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after fouling a Houston Rockets player in the first half at Footprint Center.
Suns rumors: Insider predicts Kevin Durant trade will happen very soonZachary Weinberger ·
Magic Johnson attends the 2024 NWSL Championship match at CPKC Stadium.
Magic Johnson shares his thoughts on viral ‘superstar’ debateSteve Silverman ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shields the ball from Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at Footprint Center.
NBA rumors: Shams reports ‘traction’ on Suns’ Kevin Durant trade scenariosJackson Stone ·
Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores (left) former Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas and Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia pose after the game at Little Caesars Arena.
Bill Simmons drops bombshell rumor of Isiah Thomas’ involvement with Suns hiresJackson Stone ·

Stephen A Smith believes in Suns coach Mike Buddenholzer

Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) battle for the ball in the first half at Intuit Dome
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While Stephen A Smith doubts Suns star Kevin Durant's ability to galvanize a locker room, he knows KD's talent is undeniable. However, will it materialize into a deep postseason run for the Suns?

“Now, Buddenholzer's there. He's an outstanding coach, and I think that's an upgrade. But I saw them give up a lead late again last night before they pulled it out.” Smith added. “But I think they'll be better. Tyus Jones, that pickup. I think is gonna help them immensely because that brother can play, and he's a point guard, and I think that that stabilizes them to a large degree.”

The Suns will face the Lakers on Friday.