The Phoenix Suns are dealing with another challenge, as Kevin Durant is out with an injury. After a strong start to the season, the team’s momentum has taken a hit without him. Durant injured his left ankle during the NBA Cup final against the San Antonio Spurs, and now there are concerns about how the Suns will perform in his absence.
Durant’s absence has been hard to ignore. The Suns were 11-2 when he played, but now they’re sitting at 1-7 without him. His scoring, rebounding, and defense have been crucial to their success, and without him, there’s a noticeable gap. While Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have stepped up in some games, neither has been able to completely fill the role Durant usually plays.
Durant will miss at least the next two games while he’s re-evaluated in a week. During this time, Phoenix will face the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. The team will have to rely on the depth and leadership of Booker and Beal to stay competitive. They already lost to the New Orleans Pelicans without Durant, a close 124-126 game, dropping their record to 12-9.
Kevin Durant’s Impact On The Suns
Kevin Durant has been an essential piece of the Suns’ success this season, averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Without him, the Suns have struggled, especially on both ends of the floor. Durant’s presence helped keep everything balanced, and now players like Royce O’Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones will need to step up. Booker, who is usually the leader, has had some ups and downs, while Beal is still adjusting to life with the Suns.
Without Durant, the Suns’ defense has looked less solid, like in their recent loss to the Pelicans, where they allowed 45 points in the third quarter. The Sun’s ability to dominate in the Western Conference relies on Durant coming back strong, and as he recovers, the Suns will need Booker and Beal to keep pushing.
