Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant had a little fun at the expense of bettors after his team’s 125-119 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome on Thursday night. Following the game, Durant took to social media to acknowledge the outcome of his fourth-quarter performance—or rather, the lack thereof—which had significant implications for those who had placed bets on his scoring.
Durant entered Thursday’s game fresh off three consecutive 30-point performances, and it seemed likely that he was on his way to making it four in a row.
By the end of the third quarter, Durant had already racked up 18 points on an efficient 7-of-13 shooting from the field, putting him well within reach of the over on his points prop bet. Fans and bettors alike were expecting a big finish from the star forward, especially given the tight nature of the game against the Clippers.
However, in a surprising twist, Durant’s scoring came to an abrupt halt in the fourth quarter. Despite the back-and-forth battle between the Suns and Clippers, Durant did not attempt a single shot during the final period.
Instead, it was teammate Devin Booker who took over, scoring 14 of the Suns’ 34 points in the fourth quarter to propel the team to a hard-fought comeback victory. With Booker on fire and the Suns finding a rhythm, Durant opted to play a more supportive role, facilitating plays and drawing defensive attention to create opportunities for his teammates.
After the game, Durant addressed his unusual fourth-quarter stat line with a lighthearted post on X (formerly Twitter). He acknowledged the bettors who had wagered on his points total, likely expecting him to surpass his points prop for the night. “Great dub Suns, and for my parlayers, better luck next time lol,” Durant wrote, showing his awareness of the impact his scoreless final frame had on those who had placed bets on his performance.
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Durant’s points prop for Thursday’s game opened at 26.5, but with heavy betting action on the over, the line eventually moved up to 27.5 before tip-off. Given Durant’s recent scoring streak, many bettors felt confident that he would exceed that mark. However, with his score stuck at 18 points, those who backed the over were left disappointed.
Durant’s playful jab at his bettors was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports—even the best players can have off moments, or in this case, choose to take a step back for the benefit of the team.
Despite the scoreless fourth quarter, Durant’s overall performance this season has been nothing short of impressive. In his 18th NBA season, Durant is averaging 26.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 46.2% from beyond the arc. He has been a key contributor to the Suns’ early success, helping them to a 4-1 start to the season.
Durant’s ability to score at will, combined with his versatility and willingness to adapt to the needs of the team, continues to make him one of the most formidable players in the league.
The Suns’ victory over the Clippers highlighted the depth and talent of their roster, with Booker stepping up when it mattered most and Durant showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple ways beyond scoring.
For Durant, the decision to step back in the fourth quarter and let Booker take over was a testament to his trust in his teammates and his commitment to winning, even if it meant disappointing some of his fans in the betting community.
As the season progresses, Durant’s playful interaction with his bettors is likely to be just one of many memorable moments.
His competitive spirit, combined with his willingness to engage with fans off the court, makes him a unique and beloved figure in the NBA.
And while his scoreless fourth quarter may have left some bettors wishing for more, there’s no doubt that Durant’s impact on the game extends far beyond any individual stat line or betting prop.
