Kevin Durant was ejected for a league-leading fourth time late in the Warriors’ 123-112 victory over the Knicks on Tuesday night. Prior to the 2017-18 season, Durant had only been ejected once in 10 years. Durant did not hold back when asked about official James Williams’ role in his ejection.
This incident highlights a year-long narrative of escalating tensions between NBA players and officials. During post-practice media availability Wednesday, Durant recanted his statements about officiating, perhaps in an attempt to save face and ease tensions among the two groups.
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Durant told reporters that upon reviewing his actions he “was being an a—hole last night, I was being a jerk… I shouldn’t have slammed the ball like I did.”
"I can go back and say I was being a jerk last night and I deserve whatever the league is going to throw at me," an apologetic Durant added.
Durant will likely face a fine for his statements. With 11 technical fouls on the season, Durant should be concerned that he is only five techs away from receiving a one-game suspension.