Kevin Durant: Charles Barkley calls out Warriors star over Patrick Beverley issue
KEVIN DURANT has been locked in a feisty battle with Patrick Beverley in the NBA Playoffs so far, but Charles Barkley can't understand why the Golden State Warriors star is engaging in it.
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Beverley is not in the same league as Durant as a player and the match-up should technically be an easy one for Durant to overcome.
The Warriors star stands over half a foot taller than his opponent, but it's the invasive defensive style Beverley has which has thrown Durant off through the opening two games.
Both players were ejected in Game 1 after repeatedly jawing at each other in the fourth quarter.
And Beverley continued to pest Durant in Game 2, forcing him to take just eight shots as well as the Warriors star fouling out.
Durant's lack of shooting clearly affected the Warriors in their second home game as the Clippers fought back from 31 points down to stun the defending champions and tie the series.
While the Warriors are still heavy favourites to advance to the conference semi-finals, the Clippers - particularly Beverley - know they can get under the skin on Durant.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been very vocal in the media this week leading up to Game 3, calling Beverley a "pest".
But NBA legend Barkley has called on Durant to ignore all the noise from Beverley and just play his own game.
"I have no idea what's going on with Kevin Durant," he said on ESPN's Get Up!
"I think he should just go to the post, say 'throw me the ball'.
"I love Patrick Beverley, but he's got no chance of guarding Kevin Durant.
"I think Kevin makes things worse trying to get the ball 30 feet from the basket and trying to dribble."
He added: "Just go to the post, say 'throw me the ball'.
"Force them to double, that's going to open up Steph, Klay or Draymond for a three.
"He's just trying to frustrate him.
"I don't even understand... I have no idea why he's punching down."