‘Nothing but Respect’: Kevin Durant Opens up on the Heated Confrontation With Trae Young

Brooklyn Nets continued their fine form as they beat Atlanta Hawks in a closely fought battle at the State Farm Arena. Kevin Durant and Trae Young led the scoring charts for the game as both of them scored 31 points. James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 and 15 points respectively, which was enough to send the Nets to the top of the Eastern Conference table.

However, Nets star Kevin Durant was engaged in a heated moment with Hawks star Trae Young with just 2 minutes left on the clock. Even after the referee called the foul, Durant stayed over Trae and the 23-year-old Texas-born had to push back the 2-time NBA champion.

Both of these were assessed as technical fouls.

Dec 1, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) reacts to a made basket in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

However, after the game, they both hugged each other. That doesn’t take away the fact that it got a bit heated between the two during the game.

Post-game, Durant opened up on his heated exchange with Trae.

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Kevin Durant has nothing but respect for Trae Young

Durant and Trae Young have a picture together when the latter was of a young age. Young used to be a Durant fan back then and managed to get a picture with him. A decade later, they are fighting it out on the court against each other. However, Durant acknowledged he has known Young for a long time and has a lot of respect for him despite the confrontation during the game.

“I’ve known Trae (Young) since he was 10 years old,” Durant said.

“That’s the spirit of the game. I got nothing but respect for Trae.”

It’s all love between KD and Trae pic.twitter.com/nDphLgbSN2

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 11, 2021

However, it’s all good in the end, as they both hugged each other after the game. Moreover, it doesn’t take away the fact that Young has been a lifelong fan of Durant. The Nets triumphed at the State Farm Arena and restricted the Hawks to a .500 this season. The team has maintained an 18-8 record so far as they lead the conference table.

The Nets have no time to celebrate a big away win as they have another game on the road versus Detroit Pistons. The Hawks, on the other end, face a struggling Houston Rockets side, who have won just 8 in 25 games so far.

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