Kevin Durant dismisses critiques of All-Star Game intensity
kevin-durant-dismisses-all-star-game-intensity-criticism
HOUSTON — Kevin Durant said on Saturday that complaints about a lack of effort in the NBA All-Star Game overlook what the showcase is meant to be.
The Rockets forward, preparing for his 16th All-Star appearance on Sunday, told reporters he recently reviewed past games and did not notice the supposedly higher competitiveness often cited by former players and commentators.
“I’ve been watching All-Star Games and the intensity the older generation been talking about—I don’t know if I’ve seen it,” Durant said, shaking his head.
Viewership for the exhibition has fallen, including a significant drop last year, according to The Athletic’s Devon Henderson and Eric Nehm. Durant argued that the decline should not be pinned on current participants.
“I just feel like fans and media need something to complain about,” he said. “The All-Star Game don’t make them feel like it made them feel back when they were kids, so they need something to complain about.”
Durant framed the weekend as a celebration rather than a contest to be judged on playoff-level intensity. “I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, to be honest,” he added. “The All-Star Game, the All-Star Weekend, it’s here to celebrate the game of basketball.”
Source: Hoops Wire
