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Kevin Durant makes costly mistake in Game 1 versus Clippers

By Tony Pesta

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers plays tight defense on Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. Both players were ejected later in the game. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers plays tight defense on Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2019 in Oakland, California. Both players were ejected later in the game. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Warriors coasted to a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1, but Kevin Durant may have made a costly mistake.

To no ones’ surprise, the Golden State Warriors cruised past the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the 2018-19 NBA Playoffs. Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry both had great games. However, Durant made a mistake that could come back to haunt him.

As the Warriors gradually began to take a comfortable lead over the Warriors, tempers continued to flare up. The Clippers have more than enough players to create some controversy and their style of scrappy basketball could frustrate any opponent.

When Patrick Beverly continued to poke away at the Warriors buttons, Durant fell victim to his antics. Despite winning the battle fairly easily, Durant found himself picking up two technical fouls and was ejected from the game.

In the present, this ejection doesn’t impact the Warriors much. But, if Durant collects five more technical fouls during this postseason he will be suspended for a game. The Warriors know all too well how this can hurt a championship run as Draymond Green‘s 2016 suspension might have cost them an entire title.

Overall, the Dubs managed to squeak past the Clippers behind a strong performance from their superstar point guard. Curry became the first player in NBA Playoff history to record 38 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and 8-made 3-pointers. Durant chipped in with 23 points and 4 rebounds of his own.

Moving forward, Durant will have to be aware of his temperament. He can’t afford to pick up technical fouls this early in the Warriors playoff run.

The Clippers are going to test him every chance they get. Beverly and the rest of the roster will relentlessly attack KD now because this reaction is exactly what they wanted. Durant will simply have to be smarter at handling his emotions.

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