OAKLAND, Calif. _ For Kevin Durant, the interview table quickly became a confessional booth.
The Warriors' star sought forgiveness for getting ejected with 4:41 left in the team's Game 1 win over the Los Angeles Clippers of their first-round matchup on Saturday after collecting two double technicals with Patrick Beverely within a 19-second span.
"I don't want to disappoint my coaches, my fan base and owners who expect me to be out on the floor," Durant said following morning shootaround on Monday. "I apologize for getting thrown out of the game."
How does Durant avoid committing the same sins when the Warriors play against the Clippers in Game 2 on Monday at Oracle Arena?
"Keep my mouth shut and play the game," Durant said. "Simple."
Durant had different sentiments about his ejection following the Warriors' Game 1 win over the Clippers. First, Durant stressed he had no issues with Beverley's defensive tactics. Secondly, Durant questioned the ejection, saying "I just thought it was one of those plays where (I) could show a little bit more emotion than I usually show."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr also argued official Ed Malloy should not have ejected both Durant and Beverley. Kerr has stressed to his team, however, "don't take the bait." As for Durant? Kerr expressed concern that Durant is just five technicals shy of receiving an NBA-imposed one-game suspension for a playoff game, though he maintained confidence Durant would avoid that scenario. While Klay Thompson also lamented Durant's technicals, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green defended Durant's behavior.
