The Phoenix Suns are off to an impressive start in this NBA season, with 8 wins in their first 9 games, boasting a nearly 90% win rate and solidifying their position among the top teams in the Western Conference. This achievement is even more commendable as 7 of these wins are considered clutch games – tightly contested matchups decided by a margin of less than 5 points in the final 5 minutes. This shows that the Suns are on the right path, with the resilience and competitive spirit needed to contend strongly throughout the season.
Kevin Durant has been a key factor in the Suns’ success so far. On average, Durant has scored 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, with an impressive shooting efficiency of 55.3% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc. He has frequently stepped up during the Suns’ clutch moments, often delivering the final, crucial points to push the Suns past challenging opponents. His presence has been especially impactful, setting him apart from other stars on the team, such as Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
However, the Suns’ good fortune has hit a setback, as ESPN’s trusted insider Shams Charania reports that Kevin Durant is dealing with a calf strain and will need to sit out for at least 14 days. This news is a blow for the Suns and their fans, as Durant’s absence means losing a highly efficient scorer and a key player. Should his recovery take longer than expected, his prolonged absence could pose a significant hurdle for the team.
During Durant’s time away, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are expected to take on more responsibility in leading the team’s offense and scoring. Additionally, Royce O’Neale could see an increase in playing time, as he’s performed reliably so far this season and could step in to fill some of Durant’s minutes. The Suns hope Booker and Beal can maintain strong performances to keep the team competitive in the coming games.
Their next matchup is against the Sacramento Kings on Monday morning (11/11), followed by their first NBA Cup game against the Utah Jazz on November 13. With Durant out, the Phoenix Suns will need to maintain their focus and intensity to stay high in the standings, eagerly awaiting their star player’s return.
