The Phoenix Suns have been making waves in the NBA world with the unveiling of their new partnership:
NBA: Durant and Booker - Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The duo showed early signs of potential in their first game together against the Charlotte Hornets, with Durant scoring 23 points in just 27 minutes and Booker putting up an impressive 37 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
It was during All-Star Weekend 2019 in Charlotte that Durant solidified his decision to partner with Kyrie Irving in free agency. Four years later, he was back in the same arena with a new partnership, this time with hopes for a better outcome.
Durant's playmaking combination with Booker left a lasting impression. When they were on the floor together, they created the sort of wing-scoring duo that the Durant acquisition was all about. Booker was in awe of Durant's effortless shots, while Durant himself felt comfortable with his new team.
However, it was when Booker and nba kevin durant were separated where the Suns' game plan with them came into focus. In both halves, Durant played stretches with four bench players, and both times the score went from close to double-digit Phoenix leads as he drilled a series of his trademark midrange jumpers. This made for a stress-free win for the Suns, as Durant ended the game with a plus-13 plus/minus, the second-best on the team.
The Suns' coach, Monty Williams, plans to increase Durant's minutes alongside Booker's once the minute restriction lifts, unlocking the team's full potential. Williams was pleased with how the team fed off of Durant just being himself in their first game together.
However, the game wasn't blemish-free. Concerns about the top-heavy potential of the Suns' scoring already showed up as only one other player, Deandre Ayton, was in double figures with 16 points. Chris Paul, who had 11 assists, had another poor shooting night, going 1-of-8. Josh Okogie, who kept his starting spot after averaging 18.5 points following the Durant trade, scored just four. The Suns also hinted at what might be an issue getting to the foul line at times with three players that specialize in midrange shots.
Despite these concerns, the Durant rollout was a success after a calculated plan that allowed for bonus practice and conditioning time and a game against one of the league's weaker teams. Durant himself admitted to feeling nervous in a new environment with new teammates, feeling pressure to be who he is every day.
Conclusion:
The Suns' new partnership of Durant and Booker shows early signs of potential, but it will take time for them to unlock their full potential. With more games under their belt, they will become more comfortable playing together and will undoubtedly become a force to be reckoned with in the league.
Keypoints:
1. Kevin Durant made his debut for the Phoenix Suns and showed early signs of a promising partnership with Devin Booker
2. Durant scored 23 points in just 27 minutes and played stretches with four bench players, making it a stress-free win for the Suns
3. Booker had a terrific all-around game with 37 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, creating a devastating wing-scoring duo with Durant
4. The Suns' game plan with Durant and Booker came into focus when they were separated, with Booker taking over the scoring duties
5. Coach Monty Williams plans to increase Durant's minutes alongside Booker to unlock the team's full potential
6. While the Durant rollout was a success, concerns about the Suns' scoring potential and getting to the foul line at times were hinted at
7. Despite the calculated plan and bonus practice time, Durant admitted to feeling nervous in his new environment and wanting to prove himself every day
