Stephen A. Smith responds to Kevin Durant calling him a "clown": "I will not disrespect him the same way he disrespects me. It's unfortunate that no matter how old he gets, his sensitivity seems to heighten with it and his maturity it doesn't. But that's something he has to deal… pic.twitter.com/nzujKIJUyU

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant had some support from his teammates after Stephen A. Smtih dissed Durant's leadership.

Stephen A. Smith responds to Kevin Durant calling him a "clown": "I will not disrespect him the same way he disrespects me. It's unfortunate that no matter how old he gets, his sensitivity seems to heighten with it and his maturity it doesn't. But that's something he has to deal… pic.twitter.com/nzujKIJUyU

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant had some choice words for ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, saying the divisive on-air personality has ‘always been a clown’

NBA star Kevin Durant and ESPN host Stephen A. Smith are at odds after Smith criticized Durant’s leadership. Following the Phoenix Suns’ season opener, Smith praised Durant’s talent but suggested he lacks the impact to inspire his team,

Though Stephen A. Smith may never have stepped foot on an NBA court as a player, he certainly carries the attitude of someone who won't tolerate anyone disputing his basketball acumen. So it is no surprise that after Kevin Durant labeled him a "clown" for questioning his leadership,

The back-and-forth between Stephen A. Smith and Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant continued Monday morning on ESPN’s First Take. After Durant clapped back at Smith for criticizing his leadership, calling him a “clown” in a postgame interview with The Athletic’s Suns writer Doug Haller before Smith teased Sunday,