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Kevin Durant Makes Epic Return with 23 Points in Phoenix Suns Victory
In Charlotte during 2019’s All-Star Weekend, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving formed an alliance in preparation for their upcoming free agency. Four years later, the same arena saw the announcement of a different partnership, with the expectation of a more favorable result.
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On Wednesday, Durant made his debut with the Phoenix Suns and, in a 105-91 win, demonstrated the potential of the dynamic duo he could form with Devin Booker, ending the Charlotte Hornets’ five-game winning streak.
Durant put up 23 points in only 27 minutes, his shot looking sharp after missing time since January 8 due to a right MCL sprain he had while still playing for the Brooklyn Nets.
Durant commented that he is feeling accepted and comfortable, with everyone around him trying to make him feel at ease. He went on to say that he just needs to keep working hard and that the uniform he wears will eventually feel natural as he plays more games.
The most striking aspect of Durant and Booker’s partnership was their playmaking ability. Booker had a great game with 37 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, which formed a formidable scoring duo from the wings, the result of Durant’s arrival.
Booker remarked that it felt unreal, as if every time he shoots the ball, it is so effortless with even the strongest of defenders trying their best to challenge or go around screens, but he remains unaffected.
When Booker and Durant were no longer together, the Suns’ strategy with them became more apparent. During both sessions, Durant had periods where he was accompanied by four reserves and both times the score was widened to a ten-point Phoenix advantage as he successfully executed a sequence of his signature mid-range shots. He shot a total of 10-of-15 by the end of the game.
The Suns had a comfortable victory, never being behind and Durant finished with the highest plus/minus on the team at +13, coming in second overall.
Durant, who was restricted to four six-minute shifts and then the last three minutes, was on the bench while Booker was busily shooting 15 of 26 shots, aided by Chris Paul’s 11 assists, as usual.
Once the time restriction is removed and both Durant and Booker have more playing time, Coach Monty Williams appears to believe the team can reach its full potential.
Williams remarked that it was “cool” to be able to hand the ball off to the guy who could then find his position and put up a good shot, which the team seemed to be inspired by his natural style.
Wednesday night’s contest was not flawless; worries about the Suns’ reliance on scoring from the top of their roster were evidenced as only Deandre Ayton had more than ten points with 16.
Paul, who has been struggling with his shooting this season, had another off-night, converting only 1 of 8 attempts. Josh Okogie, who has been averaging 18.5 points since receiving an increased role following the KD trade, managed only four points.
The Suns implied that the lack of trips to the foul line could be attributed to three players who typically shoot from the mid-range. Conversely, the Hornets, who were without star LaMelo Ball due to a fractured ankle, were awarded 13 more free throws.
Kelly Oubre Jr. directed Charlotte with 26 points even though he was 9-of-24 shooting, and the Suns maintained the Hornets to 36% shooting. Despite this, the rollout of Durant was triumphant after a premeditated blueprint that authorized additional practice and conditioning time, as well as a showdown against one of the NBA’s inferior squads. In spite of that, Durant conceded he was anxious.
No matter what my accomplishments have been in the past, I feel that I need to demonstrate my worth to my colleagues and coaches every day in my new environment, with new people around me. There’s pressure to maintain my identity on a daily basis.
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