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.
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