Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant faced offensive struggles during Sunday’s 118-110 home loss to the OKC Thunder. Nonetheless, Suns coach Frank Vogel attributed Durant’s challenges not to his performance but to questionable officiating throughout the game.
Durant concluded the match with 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists on 6-for-15 (40.0%) shooting while contributing five of the Suns’ 22 turnovers. In contrast, the Thunder only committed six turnovers.
Throughout the season, Phoenix has grappled with ball security issues, averaging the fourth-most turnovers in the NBA (15.0). Following Sunday’s defeat, Vogel addressed this recurring problem. Rather than pointing fingers at his team, he took the opportunity to criticize officials for consistently neglecting Durant’s fouls via no-calls.
Vogel emphasized Durant’s frequent fouls on drives and while in motion without the ball, which referees reportedly disregard. He consequently urged the NBA to investigate the matter.
“I’ll start by saying that they fouled the s**t out of Kevin Durant all night,” Vogel remarked. “Whether he has the ball and he’s getting stripped three or four, maybe five times. Then, every time he tries to get open, he’s being held, which is something I want the league to look at. That’s where it starts with the turnover problem.”
