Kevin Durant has been historic so far this season and last night, the 35-year-old ended up with the game-winning block against the Jazz.
However, his block was originally called a foul and left a huge debate on social media of why the referees overturned the call. The Suns (7-6) won 140-137, so this would have been three free throws for Lauri Markkanen and a chance to tie the game.
GAME-WINNING DEFENSE. pic.twitter.com/4V2HS96Vfi
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 20, 2023
Durant responded to one of these thoughts on the block. A fan said that it would have stayed a foul had it been Markkanen fouling KD and not the other way around.
I guess we’ll never know. https://t.co/M7qNbGysKO
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) November 20, 2023
Durant, who is averaging an incredible 31.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists on 53/48/87 splits so far this season, also spoke on the call with the media at the end of the game.
His reaction on the court and with the media say it all: he knew it was a clean block all the way.
"I knew I blocked the shot and I knew that I didn't touch him at all, but that's just how the game is. It was a quick play for her so I'm sure she wanted to review it and get the right call."
Kevin Durant on referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich foul call.#Suns won challenge, 2OT game. pic.twitter.com/8UZcRaAiTL
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 20, 2023
Here is the official reasoning from last night’s crew chief Zach Zarba on why they overturned call:
Referee Zach Zarba’s comments to a pool reporter regarding overturning this from a foul to a clean block https://t.co/h0V4UNtG56 pic.twitter.com/ta7unm0lnZ
— Brendan Mau (@brendan_mau) November 20, 2023
Do you think the referees made the right call?
Referee Zach Zarba explains overturning Kevin Durant’s foul call to a clean block
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
