Shawn Marion Disrespects Kevin Durant After Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 Win ... - Yahoo! Sports

Kevin Durant helped lead the Oklahoma City Thunder from behind to beat the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series. Despite the solid play of the Thunder in the final two minutes, Mavericks forward Shawn Marion called it a lucky shot, disrespecting the Thunder's superstar.

"Y'all just remember that one shot," Marion said. "How many easy buckets did he get last game? Fast-break dunks? How many shots did he shoot with a contested hand in his face that he hit? That's what you got to factor in."

Marion also claimed that Durant couldn't even see the shot after he made it and fans should just wait for Game 2. Now, I don't really have a problem with Marion in general but his comments to me scream unsportsmanlike. Durant made the shot, lucky or not, and Dallas lost. Now, get over it and move on.

However, talking trash about the shot and pointing out how bad Durant played through the game is disrespectful. Yes, Durant struggled from the floor and said as much after the game. In post game interviews, Durant said he was having trouble through the game but his teammates picked it up for him.

Here is what I would like to know from Marion. If Durant played so bad and Dallas should have won, why was he even in the position to make the shot at all? Dallas had a big lead at times in the game but Oklahoma City always fought back. Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka all broke 20 points in the game. They also limited their turnovers and put themselves in a position to win.

Maybe Marion was caught at a bad time and lashed out at the loss. However, what Marion needs to do is figure out how to stop Durant and company for a full game. I am sure Dallas really wants to win Game 2, but they won't win by making excuses.

Author Shawn S. Lealos has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma (2000) and is an avid sports fan that has lived in Oklahoma for over 40 years. He used to religiously follow the Dallas Mavericks until Oklahoma City found a team to call their own.

Source: NBA.COM