Kevin Durant was sufficiently enthralled by Phoenix Suns forward Udoka Azubuike to leap from his seat and pump his fist.

Durant was then called for a technical foul for strolling on the floor. Suns player Devin Booker, who had protested about Durant’s technical, followed suit.

When asked about the call after the game, Durant chose the high road, despite the fact that many spectators thought referee Josh Tivens made a poor choice.

Duane Rankin of AZCentral.com reports:

“I talked to the ref about it,” Durant stated following the game. “I stepped a little too far onto the court, and I can’t do that.” It’s disrespectful to the officials and the game itself. I can’t break the game’s laws like way because I’m thrilled for my teammates regardless of what type of play it was.”

Durant had every right to be delighted.

Azubuike had 11 points and 11 rebounds despite only appearing in two games and nine total minutes this season. He connected on all five of his shots.

For the first time this season, Azubuike filled in for the Suns, who were without starter center Jusuf Nurkic. Nurkic did not accompany the team due to personal obligations.

Azubuike discussed his performance with Rankin. Suns coach Frank Vogel referred to Azubuike, the former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and second-team All-American at Kansas, as a “ass-kicker.”

“It feels good,” Azubuike, who shot 5-of-5 from the field, said. “Whenever I have the opportunity to go out there on the floor, I’m playing, I play for them, it always feels good.”

Durant’s technical, according to Azubuike, startled him.

“I didn’t know why he got the tech,” Azubuike admitted. “He was just happy it was a great play.”

Given his play, Azubuike might find himself in the Suns’ starting lineup.