During the Phoenix Suns’ impressive 130-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors at San Francisco’s Chase Center on January 31, 2025, a notable exchange took place courtside between Suns forward Kevin Durant and NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton Sr. Renowned for his defensive skills and legendary trash-talking during his playing career, Payton engaged in a lively back-and-forth with Durant, who is also known for his on-court banter.
“By the time you was my age you was the 8th man on the bench.” – Kevin Durant to Gary Payton
After the game, Durant discussed their interaction and clarified that their playful rivalry began during the 2024 Paris Olympics. He recounted, “I think it started that summer at Team USA. We were all in the same room, and the first thing I said to him was that he couldn’t guard me because he’s too small. The opponents he faced back in the day weren’t close to my level. I was just talking some trash, and I guess we just picked it up from there.”
Durant emphasized the mutual respect that underlies their banter, stating, “GP is a great sport about it. He’s one of my favorite players, someone I look up to, and I have major respect for him.” He also highlighted the importance of connecting with players from previous eras, noting, “I love that I can have that rapport with the older generation of players and let them know that I’m like their little brother.”
The video captured the moment when Durant and Payton smiled and gestured at each other, delighting the fans in attendance.
This light-hearted moment between Durant and Payton Sr. highlights the camaraderie and respect that transcend generations in the NBA, giving fans a glimpse into the playful yet competitive spirit that defines the league.
