Kevin Durant’s arrival with the Phoenix Suns hasn’t been all easy crusing. Injuries have restricted the 13-time All-Star to simply 8 video games since he joined the staff in a mid-February shakeup. But, when Durant has performed, he is been spectacular, and the Suns are undefeated with him within the lineup, fueling hopes of a primary NBA championship for the franchise in its 55-year historical past.
Durant’s arrival provides to an already gifted Suns roster, which incorporates Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and DeAndre Ayton. The staff will face off towards the Los Angeles Clippers within the opening spherical of the playoffs, with the Clippers’ roster boasting two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook.
Although the Clippers are with out All-Star Paul George because of a knee harm, Coach Ty Lue is assured in his staff’s skill to be “locked in” and upward thrust to the problem towards the Suns.
The Suns are hoping to erase the reminiscence in their maximum humiliating postseason loss remaining 12 months, the place they had been defeated via the Dallas Mavericks within the Western Conference semifinals. Booker recognizes the loss and says the staff is decided to get again to the postseason and make it depend this time.
The playoffs may even see Durant and Westbrook face every different for the primary time since their days taking part in in combination in Oklahoma City. Despite the historical past between them, each gamers have expressed mutual admire and a want to compete.
Durant has made a vital affect in his restricted time with the Suns, averaging 26 issues in step with recreation and taking pictures 57% from the sphere, together with an excellent 53% from past the arc. The Suns will probably be hoping to have key veterans Bismack Biyombo and Cameron Payne to be had for Game 1 towards the Clippers, as they get well from accidents sustained throughout the common season.
Also learn | Ready for hoops and dunks? Here’s the right way to watch NBA Playoffs 2023 with out cable
As the playoffs get underway, all eyes will probably be on Durant and the Suns to peer if they are able to proceed their unbeaten streak and make a significant run at an NBA championship.