On February 28, 2025, in a matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans at the Footprint Center, what looked like a routine screening play became controversial. Kevin Durant, veteran superstar, appeared to deliver a quick jab or punch to rookie Karlo Matković of the Pelicans after a pick-and-roll. It wasn’t flagged live by officials, but the league later reviewed the play, issued a penalty, and sparked debate about intent, player protection, and officiating.

Let’s dive into what happened, why it matters, and the implications.

What Exactly Happened Between Durant And Matković?

The incident occurred early in the first quarter. Matković set a screen on Durant; the interaction looked physical, albeit within the standard range of NBA pick-and-roll contact. Shortly after the

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