Kevin Durant’s arrival with the Phoenix Suns hasn’t been all easy crusing. Accidents have restricted the 13-time All-Star to only eight video games since he joined the crew in a mid-February shakeup. However, when Durant has performed, he is been spectacular, and the Suns are unbeaten with him within the lineup, fueling hopes of a primary NBA championship for the franchise in its 55-year historical past.
Durant’s arrival provides to an already gifted Suns roster, which incorporates Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. The crew will face off towards the Los Angeles Clippers within the opening spherical of the playoffs, with the Clippers’ roster boasting two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook.
Though the Clippers are with out All-Star Paul George on account of a knee damage, Coach Ty Lue is assured in his crew’s skill to be “locked in” and rise to the problem towards the Suns.
The Suns are hoping to erase the reminiscence of their most humiliating postseason loss final yr, the place they have been defeated by the Dallas Mavericks within the Western Convention semifinals. Booker acknowledges the loss and says the crew is set to get again to the postseason and make it rely this time.
The playoffs may even see Durant and Westbrook face one another for the primary time since their days taking part in collectively in Oklahoma Metropolis. Regardless of the historical past between them, each gamers have expressed mutual respect and a want to compete.
Durant has made a major influence in his restricted time with the Suns, averaging 26 factors per sport and taking pictures 57% from the sector, together with a formidable 53% from past the arc. The Suns shall be hoping to have key veterans Bismack Biyombo and Cameron Payne accessible for Sport 1 towards the Clippers, as they get better from accidents sustained through the common season.
Additionally learn | Prepared for hoops and dunks? This is learn how to watch NBA Playoffs 2023 with out cable
Because the playoffs get underway, all eyes shall be on Durant and the Suns to see if they will proceed their unbeaten streak and make a critical run at an NBA championship.