Durant fined $25,000 by NBA for ‘menacing gesture’

Oklahoma Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) goes up for a shot against Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Bogut during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, April 11, 2013, in Oakland, Calif. AP

NEW YORK — The NBA has fined Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant for making a ”menacing gesture,” when he pretended to slice his throat after throwing down a big dunk during the Thunder’s victory against the Golden State Warriors.

The play that led to Durant’s costly celebration occurred with about 1:45 left in the second quarter of Oklahoma City’s 116-97 win at Golden State.

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook blocked Stephen Curry’s layup, and Durant corralled the ball and went in for a soaring dunk at the other end of the court. He then made throat-slashing gesture and crossed his hands in prayer.

”Kill ’em and pray for ’em after the game,” Durant said.

”It’s nothing against the team I’m playing against,” Durant added. ”Come out with a mindset and be friends after the game.”

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