The Phoenix Suns recently played against the top-seeded Eastern Conference team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Star player Kevin Durant scored 23 points, one assist, and seven rebounds. Unfortunately, the lack of support from his teammates meant that Durant’s performance was not enough to secure a win. The Suns lost the game with a final score of 118-92.
Durant was visibly frustrated with the disappointing loss to the Cavaliers. During the post-game interview, he made critical remarks about head coach Mike Budenholzer. Additionally, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance against the Cavaliers.
“It’s a tough defense to score on if you thinking a shot is going to come open for you without you pressing the issue. We could’ve drove it a little bit more, but we don’t play against zone every game. We don’t have a zone package yet.” Durant said.
"It's a tough defense to score on if you thinking a shot is going to come open for you without you pressing the issue. We could've drove it a little bit more, but we don't play against zone every game. We don't have a zone package yet." Kevin Durant after Suns loss to Cavs. #Suns pic.twitter.com/wMPcZ8F7DY
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 21, 2025
After this loss, the Suns sit in the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings. They currently hold a record of 21 wins and 21 losses for the 2024-25 NBA regular season.
Kevin Durant Commends Nick Richards For Stellar Debut Performance
Nick Richards signed with the Suns on January 15, 2025, following a five-year tenure with the Charlotte Hornets. He made a significant impact in his Suns debut three days later, posting an impressive double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds from the bench, contributing to a 125–121 victory over the Detroit Pistons. In an interview, Kevin Durant praised Richards for his outstanding play.
“He was terrific, finishing around the rim.Getting extra possessions with offensive boards. He was special tonight. And he was 7-for-8, knocked down his free throws and he’s getting more comfortable. He was vocal out there, he was talking to us, anchoring the defense,” Durant said.
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"He was terrific, finishing around the rim. Getting extra possessions with offensive boards. He was special."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 19, 2025
Kevin Durant on Nick Richards 21 and 11 in Suns debut.
On him and Booker combined 17 of Suns 27 in 4th: "End of the game, got to get your best players the ball." #Suns pic.twitter.com/IMnTNhxq1Z
Richards etched his name in the Suns’ record books, becoming the first centre in franchise history to achieve a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds in his debut while entering the game off the bench. This feat underscores his potential and sets a high standard for future performances. The Suns will play their next game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET at Barclays Center.
