Controversial: Shaquille O’Neal Backs Kevin Durant in Heated Dispute With Stephen A.

The whole NBA world is fully aware of the dispute going on between Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has now weighed in on the beef by siding with Durant.

Shaquille O’Neal made his opinion known while on a recent episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” O’Neal was of the opinion that Kevin Durant deserves more respect for his contribution to the beautiful game. He also asserted that analysts like Smith should show him more respect, given his impressive 18-year career.

For so long (people said), ‘Oh, you ain’t do it…’ He did it, and y’all questioned how he did it. It doesn’t matter, he did it. He’s one of the greatest, give him his respect…When you challenge us to do it, and we’ve done it, we have G14 classification. Give us respect because if you don’t, it sounds like hate. Stephen A. has been doing it his whole career.

Shaquille O’Neal on The Big Podcast with Shaq

The feud, which has lasted for a while now, began when Smith questioned Durant’s leadership on ESPN’s “First Take,” as he suggested it might hinder the Suns’ title chances. Durant followed up of recent on social media, where he labeled SAS a “clown” and defended his leadership.

The back and forth continued as the ESPN analyst responded on “First Take,” by taking the high road while he offered backhanded compliments. He expressed hope that Durant wouldn’t get swept in the playoffs again, as he referenced his last postseason struggles.

Kevin Durant delivers again as Suns edge Heat 115-112 for 7-1 start

It was a great time for fans of the Phoenix Suns as they watched their team extend their impressive start to the season with a 115-112 victory over the Miami Heat, and improved to 7-1. Kevin Durant, not letting the Stephen A. Smith beef distract him, once again proved clutch, as he sank a crucial shot with 16 seconds remaining to seal the win.

However, the game was closely contested, as the Heat took control in the third quarter and built a 15-point lead. However, the Suns surged late in the quarter, and trimmed the deficit to 87-84 entering the fourth.

The final 12 minutes of the game saw a thrilling back-and-forth battle, which culminated in Durant’s decisive shot. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Durant’s heroics.

And the end it was Devin Booker that sealed the win with a crucial free throw, and the Suns held on to secure their best start through eight games. The Suns now look ahead to Friday’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.