His transfer Kevin Durant to Phoenix Sans caused an earthquake of enormous proportions in the nba. It’s not every day that one of the best players in the league changes teams, let alone at the close of the market. The Arizonans made it clear that they were going all out and that their main goal was to win the ring on the fast track, taking advantage of the winning structure around Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. KD’s latest and unexpected injury cast doubt on the feasibility of this, but you only have to watch the star play to see that he is the most dangerous weapon in the entire league. western conference facing the beginning of the impending Playoffs.
Unlike other stars, Durant doesn’t dictate his game or his style regardless of the defense in front of him, but he adapts to it and makes the best of it. What does this translate to? In a constant threat to the opponent, who must execute a plan open to change, which constantly presents different scenarios.
But there is one area that any team Durant faces must avoid: the low post
In these latitudes of the field KD feels like a fish in water. The variety of tools at his disposal makes him a practically defenseless player when he receives the ball there. The star can score after the reception, face the basket, seek a penalty or well a fade impossible for the rest of mortals.
Why is this so important? For his transfer to the Playoffs ecosystem.
In the postseason it is always said that the pace and the game slows down, which is true to an extent. Defenses are more prepared and ready to deal with the opponent’s approach. As such, many times the offense systems are simplified, leaving the attacking stars free to express themselves. By that definition, Kevin Durant He is a master at solving situations where there seems to be no easy way out.
It all stems from his reported romance with the low post. In his 6 meetings with Phoenix Durant averaged 1.28 points per possession in such actions. A very high ERA to add to the 1.12 he achieved before moving to Brooklyn.
The variety he displays when solving in the post makes him a practically indefensible figure. before trap can take a fade in the direction where there are no defenders. If one side refuses, it will punish the opposite. And if you are very conservative you can look for the hoop at the end.
Although the pole is no longer used in the same way as it was 20 years ago, it is still a very useful space for some stars. Scoring from there guarantees a low wear opportunity and a high chance of going to the free throw line. And performing well here in the playoffs is critical.
Just take a look at a few clips to see how difficult it is to tackle Durant defensively when he’s receiving down there:
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However, another key to making the Suns a perennial threat heading into the postseason is his movement without the ball. Yes, KD can put the ball down and make a shot, but it’s more difficult for the opponent to deal with an oncoming catch or block from the front.
Monty Williams knows how to take advantage of that, and in the short time until the First Round, he’s laying the groundwork for what could make the Suns a major contender in the West.
Specifically in those situations in which he receives a screen from an interior such as Deandre Ayton:
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The outlook for the Suns ahead of the playoffs isn’t easy. If nothing changes, his opponent in the First Round will be inexplicable Clipperswhile in the Semi-Finals the winner of the series between Nuggets and 8th West
Even with everything, Phoenix aims to be the most dangerous team in its conference. Not only because of the presence of top-level stars, but also because of the multiplicity of resources they display. Especially with anything to do with Kevin Durant.
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