The Phoenix Suns have had a bit of a wild ride this season. They started off strong, but things have definitely slowed down recently. A big reason for that has been Kevin Durant’s injury – he’s been out with a sprained left ankle. His absence has really hurt the team, but there’s some hope on the way because it looks like Durant could be back soon.
When he’s on the court, Durant has been a huge asset, averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in the 13 games he’s played. His shooting has been on point, too, with a solid 44.9% from beyond the arc. In fact, the Suns have been 11-2 with him playing, which shows just how big of an impact he has. But without him, Phoenix has really struggled, posting just a 1-9 record. It’s clear how important Durant is to their success.
Coach Mike Budenholzer gave some hope by saying Durant participated in 90% of Wednesday’s practice, including a scrimmage. This could mean he’s ready to make his return as soon as Friday when the Suns play the Utah Jazz. Devin Booker also shared that Durant looked like his old self, which is a good sign. Getting Durant back could not come at a better time as Phoenix tries to stay in the playoff race, especially with a few other key players dealing with injuries.
The Suns are set to face the Jazz, who are struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 5-18 record. The Jazz have injury concerns, too, with Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson listed as questionable. Phoenix is the heavy favorite in this matchup, and Durant’s return would definitely help them snap their losing streak.
Kevin Durant’s Return Could Help, But Suns Need More Than Just Him To Stay Competitive
Looking ahead, the Suns are in a tough spot. With a 12-11 record, they’re still hanging onto a playoff spot, but without Durant, it’s been rough. Their struggles have raised questions about their depth. While they’ve invested a lot in their “Big 3,” it’s clear that without Durant, they haven’t been able to keep up with the top teams. If Durant does return on Friday, it could give Phoenix the boost they need to turn things around. But if they keep relying so much on him, it could cause issues in the future.
The good news is that Durant’s return is just around the corner, but the Suns also need to find a better balance to stay competitive in the tough Western Conference. The game against the Jazz is the perfect chance for them to get back on track, but the real question is whether they can keep it up without Durant in the long run.
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