Feb 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) in the fourth quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images

NBA Announces Kevin Durant Punishment After Suns-Pelicans

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 4:07 PM ET

On Friday night against the Pelicans, Kevin Durant surprisingly hit rookie big man Karlo Matkovic in the first quarter. Despite the Suns being up double digits for the majority of the game, Durant let his frustrations out on the rookie.

In real-time, very little was made of the interaction during the game. However, fans online were shocked to see Durant take a swing at Matkovic almost out of nowhere.

Kevin Durant.

pic.twitter.com/5au00Z1Jxa
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 1, 2025

Two days later, the NBA decided to make an official announcement and punishment on Durant for his actions. They made the announcement on social media.

Via @NBAOfficial: "After league review, Kevin Durant (PHX) has been assessed a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 for this action against Karlo Matković (NOP) at 1:29 of 1st qtr on 2/28/25."

After league review, Kevin Durant (PHX) has been assessed a Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 for this action against Karlo Matković (NOP) at 1:29 of 1st qtr on 2/28/25.https://t.co/t2q2WQJ0rC
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) March 2, 2025

If the game between the Suns and Pelicans wasn't a blowout, making this decision could have been far more controversial for the league. Durant's flagrant would have resulted in free throws and possession for the Pelicans and could have been a huge game-changer in another situation. Fortunately, it wasn't, but the league should still conduct better officiating overall.

The Pelicans surprisingly split their pair of games against the Phoenix Suns in their back-to-back this week. Now, New Orleans faced off against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, while the Suns face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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