Anybody who is anybody wants to want Kevin Durant, and he himself knows that. KD has a hard time staying on the floor, as he has missed an insane number of games since originally leaving the Golden State Warriors. Playing is the hardest thing for him, which is unfortunate for all the rest of us who value getting the chance to see one of the all-time greats play this mighty game. But he’s back again, so we can rejoice.
If you’re looking for NBA picks and parlays, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about the players in the game, including any injuries or other factors that could affect the outcome. For instance, Durant’s stats, his injuries, career points per game, and true shooting percentage.
The chance to win big on Suns games is pretty enticing, and with just eight days left in the regular season, it is all going to ratchet up before the postseason officially kicks off in two weeks. And of course, with Durant on the court, fans can rejoice and enjoy watching one of the greatest players of all time in action. The play-in is coming, and basketball is so back. Not that it ever wasn’t.
The Suns Version
Durant has been slandered many times. And it is not for what he is doing when he is actually suiting up because there is not a single negative word that could be uttered about the superstar.
All he does is score, and his effectiveness might be second only to Nikola Jokic in today’s game. To shoot with the percentages he does while taking the types of shots, he does is just nuts. Kevin Durant is a phenomenon that we get to watch play basketball. It’s lucky for fans.
He has only logged five games in Phoenix so far. But the team seems to win when he is out there, and he dropped 30 to get them past a short-handed Nuggets team just an evening ago.
The final record for Phoenix will be the worst in the last three years in which they qualified for the playoffs, but at least they are still going to get there. With a year of injuries and a long spell of no Devin Booker, getting in should feel gratifying, at the least.
The crazier part might be that despite being the #4 seed, the Suns have the highest odds of any NBA team to come out and win the title. Their bench has left a lot to be desired, but when they employ a lineup with the likes of Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and DeAndre Ayton around KD, that’s pretty hard to stop.
Josh Okogie provides defensive intensity and is a guy who can come up with a block when you least expect it.
If they can get enough from the bench, perhaps they could run the table in the wild west. They would face Denver in round two if both take care of early business.
Unreliable
As amazing as Durant has been in his career, since he left Golden State to join the Nets, he has not been able to be counted on to suit up. When the playoffs come, he’s ready to go, having partaken in the last two.
In his first season back after missing all that time, he logged minutes in just 35 of the team’s 72 games. He was there when it mattered most at the end of the year, hitting some big shots against the Bucks. But, still.
In the following campaign, he was a little healthier. But he only got time in 55 of the 72 games. He was still showing he could not be out there every night. And then this season, it’s been bad again. He has logged time in just 44 games, dealing with multiple long-term injuries.
He hurt his ankle in warmups a few weeks back, and it caused him to miss 10 more games. This is some sort of combination of bad luck and his body just not having his back.
A duo of Booker and Durant could win any game. They can both score incredibly well, and they know what it takes to win. KD has been to the NBA Finals four times, while Booker helped guide his team there a few seasons back. And adding in another veteran like Chris Paul would mean they are ready for almost any situation that may come their way.
The conference has been insane all season long, and that isn’t going to change. A number of teams are still battling for their spot in the seed they want, and if they don’t get it, the matchups will get even harder. Phoenix is pretty secure at four, so we’ll see who they draw.
Conclusion
After missing most of the 2019-2020 season due to injury, Durant’s return to the court was eagerly awaited by basketball fans and pundits alike.
Fortunately, Durant’s return has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite some early setbacks, he quickly found his form and began to dominate on the court, demonstrating his incredible skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ.
Durant’s return has not only been significant for the Suns, but also for the NBA as a whole. His presence on the court has made the league more competitive and exciting, and has helped to drive interest and engagement among fans.
Looking ahead, Durant’s return will be crucial in helping the Suns compete for a championship this season. With his talent and experience, Durant will undoubtedly play a key role in leading the team to success and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Overall, the latest return of Kevin Durant has been a major event in the world of basketball, bringing excitement, skill, and athleticism to the court. As the season continues, fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see what Durant and the Suns can achieve together.
