National Basketball Association

Durant says players won't back down

Published Sep. 18, 2011 12:24 a.m. ET

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Kevin Durant made his points on the court and off it Saturday, throwing down several thunderous alley-oops during a charity pickup game and saying afterward that the players will not give in to the owner's demands in the ongoing NBA labor negotiations.

Durant, John Wall and other NBA players headlined the ''Clash of the Superstars'' at Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C.

''I think we're going to stand up and stick to what we want,'' Durant said. ''I don't think we're just going to give in to a deal just because we want the season to start.

''I know fans may not want to hear that, but it's kind of tough to put us in that position, but hopefully, like I said, everything gets resolved.''

Several hundred people watched the glorified scrimmage, one of numerous games players have organized across the country to reach out to fans and keep their skills sharp while they wait for the union and the league to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.

''It was just fun for me,'' Durant said. ''We just want to continue to keep playing basketball first of all so that was our main focus, but to give back to the kids is something we all love doing.''

The Oklahoma Thunder star was joined by Washington Wizards guard John Wall, Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins, former Georgetown stars Jeff Green and Greg Monroe, Minnesota forward Michael Beasley and Charlotte guard Kemba Walker.

Walker agreed with Durant, saying the players are united to ensure they receive a fair agreement.

''We're just trying to stay together and get the best deal possible,'' he said. ''We're not going to settle for (anything) less.''

Negotiations soured last week after a Tuesday meeting between the owners and players union went nowhere. Training camps are scheduled to open Oct. 3 and the regular season on Nov. 1, but if the standoff continues those dates could be pushed back.

''Anything can happen,'' Durant said. ''12 a.m. they can make a deal and we start the season so we're just going to be optimistic about it and hopefully we start on time.''

Durant is considering playing overseas if a deal isn't reached, but said he will probably stay in the U.S. and continue to play in charity games.

''It's looking like more of a chance I stay here than anything,'' he said. ''I don't know. We've got to see what happens.''

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