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OAKLAND – One of the few times last week, Kevin Durant appeared in peace.
Durant said he did not experience the same anger he had after the Draymond Green explosion last week. He apologized directly to this reporter for answering a question about his relationship with Green after triggering a series of vulgarities and addressing his independent agency on hold next summer. Durant also accepted the NBA fining him $ 25,000 for "guiding inappropriate language towards a fan" during Saturday's game in Dallas.
"The NBA is only doing its job, trying to clean things up," Durant said after the shooting session Wednesday morning. "So obviously, I knew what would happen once I said it. I just have to take what the NBA gives and move on. "
During the time was long enough for Durant to report that he feels much better. The warriors have a homestand of four games. He said he felt "rejuvenated" after Tuesday's practice, which involved working with the Hall of Fame leader and Warriors consultant, Steve Nash. Durant also plans to be with his family and friends for Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (12-6) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (10-6) on Wednesday at Oracle Arena, again reminding critics who have been following Durant since they left the Thunder for the Warriors there is two years.
"I know how competitive they are," said Durant about the Thunder. "It does not matter when the ball is upside down. The guys I know there will come play.
Durant no longer asks about his tension with Russell Westbrook since he left the Thunder. Instead, all eyes are on Durant's relationship with Green.
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Durant first told Yahoo! Last week's explosion would have no impact on his status as a free agent in anticipation of his withdrawal from the $ 31 million player option scheduled for next summer. Green will miss Wednesday's game because of a sore right foot, marking the third straight game he will miss because of his injury. Each time, they claim that last week's incident has no impact on his game or chemistry on the field.
"I really like to play with that childish joy that I have when I walk on the court," Durant said. "I really like being there. I try to remind myself of this every time I think of something that has nothing to do with basketball. It's a great place for me.
Before Wednesday, Durant channeled his frustration in a different way. And not always for the best.
Durant approached a provocative supporter behind the baseline during Saturday's game in Dallas. Durant then says, "Look at the [bleeping] play and closes the [bleep] up. "
"I do not say at all that what I said is right, but I'm just trying to move on," Durant said. "Understand what it's all about – the NBA is just trying to clean everything up, especially when you're watching a game and trying to play, you're trying to do that on both sides, so I understand that.
Durant has also responded to persistent criticism since last week's argument.
Colin Cowherd, a FS1 radio personality, said "Kevin Durant needs Warriors more than he thinks," citing the team's "leadership, muscle and emotional stability". Cowherd then called Duran "the most sensitive star in the world". Durant replied on Cowherd's Instagram page, writing: "The media are doing psychoanalysis … a time."
Stephen A. Smith of ESPN also called Durant for telling this journalist not to ask Green related questions. Durant answered with a handful of laughing emoticons. Although Durant said that he was trying to "ignore as much as possible," he did not often do it. He responded to C.J. McCollum, Portland goalkeeper, last summer, after interviewing him on Twitter for joining the Thunder. Durant has also accidentally written on his own account about his criticism of Thunder's coach, Billy Donovan.
"If for the moment, I feel that I need to say something, I will do it," Durant said. "If I do not feel obliged to say something, I move on. I'm trying to keep it that simple.
One way to keep it simple: During his commitment to focus on basketball. The Warriors have a series of three defeats and five of their last seven games. Durant has averaged 28 points per game on 39.6% shooting over the last five games. In the news, the Warriors were deprived of Stephen Curry (left groin) for six games and Green for five of the last seven.
"We have to figure out how to play differently," Durant said. "The coaching staff is doing a great job trying to understand that. As players, we do our best. "
To be at his best, Durant said he feels more comfortable with everything else when it comes to his fight with Green. He did not apologize for his free agency waiting. He pointed out that he had often said since the beginning of the season that he would not discuss publicly matters related to free will.
"I know your guys' work and I know it's a topic of discussion, not only with me, but also with a lot of players and their contracts," Durant said. "This is the nature of the beast we are in. I'm not saying that I enjoy talking about it. I know it should be playing the season. That's all I want to do. I understood. But at the same time, I would prefer to focus on basketball. I know a lot of people respect that, but I know some people will ask.
But in regards to the attention that his argument with Green has created? Durant seemed relatively more understandable about this reality than a week ago.
"He has grown so much and many people want to cover him. It's her beauty. I'm not saying that all the content is great. But it's amazing that the game has grown so much to have so much eye on me, "said Durant." I would have liked it to be more what we do on the field. "But I understand that Is also an entertainment for people. "
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