The footage of Green and Durant deliberately coughing before the game caused an enormous uproar.
And Link's characteristically simple, blunt response undoubtedly pushed the matter to its climax.
Though it had only been a little over half a month since the two sides last faced off, Durant and Link clearly could not wait to begin another round of their battle.
That was how conflicts between bitter rivals worked. Their fight did not play out solely on the basketball court.
That night, the Warriors ultimately defeated the Magic by 20 points. Durant put up 27 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds, delivering an all-around performance.
At the postgame press conference, Durant spoke without reservation. "I don't believe any player could play like that while running a high fever. And why did he suddenly come in during the second half? If Link really had a fever and wasn't planning to play, why wasn't he put on the injury report? It's too strange. None of it makes sense."
With a superstar like Durant backing them up, those fans who questioned whether Link had faked his illness became even more aggressive online.
Then, another reporter asked Durant, "KD, how long do you think the Grizzlies' winning streak can last? Since beating you on January 7 to snap their two-game losing streak, the Grizzlies have now won eight straight! Do you think they can finish every remaining game in January undefeated?"
"Compared with the Grizzlies, we're more likely to finish the rest of January undefeated. Just wait and see. Sooner or later, we'll reclaim first place in the West. It's only a four-game gap. Anything can happen from here."
"As for Link wishing Green and me would cough ourselves to death... hahaha, sorry, but I'm afraid I can't grant your wish."
Every sentence Durant uttered