On March 3, Beijing time, the NBA officially issued a statement that after the league's review, on March 1 (Beijing time), when there was 1 minute and 29 seconds left in the first quarter of the Suns vs. Pelicans game, Durant's behavior against Matkovic was upgraded to a first-degree malicious foul.

The video shows that during one of the Pelicans' offensive rounds, Matkovic bumped into Durant while covering his teammates, and Durant then punched Matkovic in the waist, a move that was not noticed by the referee on duty.

The American media commented: "Durant unexpectedly made a move on the big man Matkovic in the first quarter. Even though the Suns held a double-digit lead for most of the game, Durant took his frustration out on the rookie. ”

At the time of the match, the clash did not attract much attention at the time. However, fans online were shocked to see Durant punch Matkovic almost without warning.

Two days later, the NBA decided to issue an official statement and punish Durant for his actions.

If this Suns-Pelicans game isn't a one-sided affair, the league's decision to make that could spark even more controversy. Durant's foul foul would have given the Pelicans free throws and possession of the ball, which could have been a major game-changer in other situations.

The Pelicans have a one-one-loss record in two straight games with the Suns this week. Today, the Pelicans will take on the Jazz, while the Suns will take on the Timberwolves.

So far this season, Durant has averaged 26.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, shooting 53.1% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. The Suns are 28-32 and in 11th place in the West. Matkovic, 23, is the No. 52 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 draft and only landed in the NBA this season.