Kevin Durant’s impressive return: 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and an extremely awkward interview.
After the season opening of the Nets 125-99 on the Warriors, Durant held a brief interview with TNT’s “Inside the NBA”. Questions from Charles Barkley and the crew were usually answered with one-word answers.
Then Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal mocked Durant with a series of questions and uninterested answers among themselves.
The forward’s interview came a week after Barkley Durant’s teammate Kyrie Irving lashed out for the point guard’s media boycott. According to USA Today, Barkley later said he believed this was the reason for Durant’s peculiar reactions.
It was only the beginning of the network interview craze. After the Clippers’ 117-109 victory over the Lakers in the nightcap, Paul George was asked about him and Kawhi Leonard who received “preferential treatment” by the team last season.
After George’s clear response, Barkley and Smith debated the matter while George awkwardly waited.