The ongoing dispute between Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has captured the attention of the NBA world. Now, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has chimed in, siding with Durant in the heated exchange.
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During a recent episode of *The Big Podcast with Shaq*, O’Neal made it clear that he believes Durant deserves more respect for his remarkable 18-year career. O’Neal emphasized that analysts like Smith should acknowledge Durant’s contributions to the game, particularly considering his legacy as one of the NBA’s top players. The feud between Durant and Smith began when the ESPN host questioned Durant’s leadership on *First Take*, suggesting that it might impede the Phoenix Suns’ chances of winning a title. Durant, not one to shy away from defending himself, responded on social media by calling Smith a “clown” and affirming his leadership credentials.
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The back-and-forth continued when Smith addressed Durant’s remarks on *First Take*, taking the high road but still offering a backhanded compliment. Smith expressed hope that Durant wouldn’t experience another postseason failure, referencing the Suns forward’s struggles in previous playoff runs.
While the beef between the two continues to make waves, Durant has remained focused on his game. He once again showed his value as a clutch performer in the Suns’ 115-112 win over the Miami Heat, which pushed Phoenix to a strong 7-1 start. Despite the Heat building a 15-point lead in the third quarter, the Suns mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 87-84 heading into the final frame. In a thrilling back-and-forth finish, Durant nailed a crucial shot with 16 seconds left to give the Suns the lead and seal the win.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter Durant’s heroics. Devin Booker added the finishing touch with a key free throw in the closing seconds, securing the victory for the Suns and their best start through eight games in years. With the win, Phoenix now turns its attention to their upcoming matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, hoping to extend their impressive early-season run.