While Kevin Durant He came to Phoenix Sans it was automatically assumed that no one could stop them anymore. They had the perfect mix of up-and-coming talent, veteran talent, and the star you need to win. However, few would have expected what would happen weeks after KD’s release: an injury in the middle of a pre-match warm-up. The blow to those from Arizona in this sense is huge because not only have they lost their big signing indefinitely, but they are going to reach the playoffs “in the blind”, with only 3 meetings with Durant.
Misfortune once again crossed the path of the Suns and KD, preventing both of them from using the rest of the regular season to smooth out the rough edges and find the best way to get to their best selves.
The worst thing about Phoenix is that they have no margin for error. After a regular season full of ups and downs, intermittent absences and changes, they face the end of the season in an uncomfortable position. Yes, they are still quarter-finalists in the West, but the distance to their pursuers is closing by the day. More so now than without Durant they are more vulnerable. Something that Sacramento Kings made it clear on Saturday, prevailing by 128 to 119 despite the great choral effort made by those led by Monty Williams.
| 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Sans | 32 | 27 | 36 | 24 | 119 |
| Sacramento Kings | 31 | 36 | 29 | 32 | 128 |
subscribe to NBA League Pass to see all games: United States | The rest of the world
Inconsistency was the hallmark of the Suns in this loss, their first since early March. They started well, lost in the second quarter, came back on top and small details ended up leading them to the inevitable defeat. With 15 out of 35 in triples (42.9%) and seven players in double figures from Mysterythey were of no use 28 points from Booker or 16 assists from Paul.
And it is that without Durant everything will be complicated for Phoenix.
Monk ➡️ Edwards for the dagger in Phoenix 🗡 pic.twitter.com/Z0wLBRgrZb
—NBA TV (@NBATV) March 12, 2023
Missing a KD-caliber piece always has an impact, but the void left hurts more when you consider everything that has been delivered to make it work. The Suns dismantled their second unit, one of the most reliable and correct in the league, as a price for the star. Three games played with it later a crisis looms.
Fans in the United Statesyou can watch the best games of the 2022-2023 NBA season at Sling TV. Register by clicking here.
So the big question is, Can the Phoenix Suns survive from here until Kevin Durant returns?
The answer to that question is not easy to argue, especially considering that Arizona has the second most demanding schedule in the entire NBA. With visits to the Warriors, Kings and Lakers and hosting the Bucks, 76ers, Nuggets and Clippers, Phoenix should end a very complicated final stretch of the campaign on a good note.
The squad at their disposal will have to deal with the situation as best they can, which means high shots for Paul, who clocked almost 39 minutes today, as well as relying on hard-working but inconsistent subs such as Craig, Okogie or Wainright.
The Suns’ championship window may be closing right now as Kevin Durant continues to recover from a sprained left ankle.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
