Kevin Durant’s Amazing Stretch

Recently, the Phoenix Suns have been playing well. They’ve competed in every game and have been getting good wins against great teams. Unfortunately, they haven’t been moving much in the standings.

As of March 12, they have been stuck as the sixth seed and are only a game outside of the play-in. But, if they keep winning like this, they’ll cover that gap in no time. They might even finally make it to the top four.

Of course, multiple players have contributed to this success. But one player that has shined in these performances is Kevin Durant.

The Nuggets

On March 5, the Phoenix Suns faced off against the Denver Nuggets. Obviously, this was going to be a tough matchup.

The Nuggets are the defending champions and they:

-are the second seed

-have an offensive rating of 117.8 (seventh in the NBA)

-have a defensive rating of 113.2 (10^th in the NBA)

-have a clear MVP candidate in Nikola Jokic

Essentially, the Nuggets have shown their championship DNA when it matters. With it, they gave the Suns a hard time.

The first quarter was close but, the Suns managed to go on a run in the second. Thanks to the efforts of players like Durant and Grayson Allen, the Suns led at the half 65-50.

Alas, the Nuggets responded. By the start of the fourth, the Nuggets were only down nine. By the end of regulation, the game was going to overtime (OT).

Until this point, Kevin Durant wasn’t having the best game. He had 27 points on 11-31 (35.48%) from the field. But he set the tone in OT. Here’s one of his shots below:

This shot was the momentum changer and, ultimately, led the Suns to beat the Nuggets 117-107. A great win for the Phoenix Suns, through Durant’s 35-point performance.

The Raptors and Celtics

On March 7, the Phoenix Suns went up against the Toronto Raptors. Unlike the Nuggets, the Raptors aren’t a championship-caliber team.

Particularly, they have a record of 23-42 as the 12^th seed. They aren’t even a play-in team. But one stat that makes them tough is their point differential.

As shown, the Toronto Raptors have a point differential of -4.1, meaning that nearly all their matchups are close. Although, that wasn’t the case the first half of this game.

By halftime, the Suns were up 67-53. In response, the Raptors went on a run in the third quarter. By the start of the fourth, the Suns were only up 89-82.

Once again, down the stretch, the Phoenix Suns looked to Kevin Durant to come in clutch. He didn’t disappoint.

He ended with 35 points on 57% from the field and the Suns beat the Raptors 120-113. It was a nerve-wrecking but good win.

Sadly, the same can’t be said for the upcoming matchup.

On March 9, the Suns played the Boston Celtics. Compared to the Raptors, the Celtics are a completely different team.

They:

-are first in the Eastern Conference

-have a point differential of 11.0 (first overall)

-hold opponents to 109.7 points per game (fourth overall)

-have a great duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum

Due to these factors, they bested the Suns. The Phoenix Suns seemed outclassed throughout the game.

They didn’t blow them out, but they always seemed to be in control. The Celtics led after every quarter.

In response, Kevin Durant tried his best to bring them back in it. But it wasn’t enough.

By the end of the fourth, Durant had 45 but the Suns lost 107-117. It was a tough loss but, regardless, they had to focus on the next game.

The Cavs

On March 11, the Phoenix Suns played against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Like most of the teams they’ve faced, the Cavs are a top team.

Their spot as the third seed in the East speaks for itself.

So, once again, the Suns were in for a tough game. Thankfully, they had more support.

This game, Devin Booker was fully healed and ready to go. (Right on par with Shams’s report about a week ago). It wouldn’t make this matchup easy, but it takes the pressure off the Suns’ roster, especially Kevin Durant.

As expected, the game was starting out kind of rough for the Suns. By the end of the first, the Suns were down 32-41. By halftime, they shaved a couple points off the lead making the score 63-70.

They weren’t down by much, but they didn’t make any plays to rattle the Cavs. That run would happen in the third quarter.

This quarter, the Suns came out running. Booker was making plays, Bradley Beal was driving, and Kevin Durant continued to be dominant.

Specifically, Durant went 5-7 from the field. This performance led him to, once again, play a vital part in the fourth quarter.

Despite going 2-6 from the field, he used himself as a decoy to help get the team the best shot. That led to players like Devin Booker and Grayson Allen to get fouls or make shots.

Kevin Durant ended with 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. And, luckily, the Phoenix Suns beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-111.

Its Significance

Overall, during this stretch, Kevin Durant averaged 38 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Putting it mildly, he has been dominant.

This stretch is a testament to how dominant a player Durant has been for nearly a decade. It also gives doubters questions.

But, most importantly, his performances are helping the teams get wins. Hopefully he can continue this stretch with both a win and another dominant performance against the Boston Celtics on March 14.

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