The Phoenix Suns welcome back their superstar small forward, Kevin Durant, who made his return to the court in a pivotal game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Durant missed 10 games due to a sprained ankle, but his return could not have come at a better time for the Suns.
Durant’s return is good news for Phoenix
Without Durant, the Suns admirably weathered his absence but now need him to secure a homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs as they are currently a game up on the Los Angeles Clippers in the loss column with seven games remaining. The Suns have six contests against playoff contenders and cannot afford to lose any matches.
A victory against the Timberwolves was critical for Phoenix since Minnesota has won four in a row and is currently in contention for the 6th seed. However, it was not just about winning; it was also about how Durant can impact the team’s performance on his return.
Durant’s impact on Suns’ Performance
Durant’s presence on the court gives immediate stability and simplifies the team’s scoring production, making everyone around him better. His arrival has already developed trust with all of his teammates, who know that he can lead them to success during crucial moments.
The Suns’ intended starting lineup with Durant, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul, and Josh Okogie had a 37.3 net rating during the 49 minutes they played together. Ayton’s involvement in the Suns’ offense needs to increase, and Durant has been deferring to Ayton during their actions, allowing the big man to get the ball and develop the play.
Furthermore, Durant’s presence unlocks new possibilities for the Suns’ defense, especially with two 7-footers on the court. The team can diversify its schemes and take advantage of Durant’s weak-side rim protection.
However, Durant’s return will change the Suns’ rotation again, and Coach Williams needs to figure out the best lineup to fit around Durant to optimize the team’s offense and defense.
The Impact of Durant’s arrival on Suns’ Championship Odds
The Suns’ championship odds jumped when they acquired Durant from the Nets. Durant is a proven champion, as he has won two NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors. With his arrival, Phoenix’s odds have increased significantly, and they are now one of the favorites to win it all.
DraftKings offers a single-game parlay against Minnesota with KD’s performance as a factor. This clearly shows how much everyone expects from Durant, who is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the league.
Conclusion
Durant’s return is a much-needed relief for the Suns, who have been struggling with inconsistency recently. His presence on the court immediately impacts the team performance on both ends of the floor. It will be interesting to see how Coach Williams adjusts his rotation to fit around Durant and whether they can secure home-court advantage for their upcoming playoff run. The road ahead is tough but having a player of Durant’s caliber definitely gives them a better chance at winning it all.
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