Through all the ups and downs of the Phoenix Suns’ season, one thing has remained consistent—Kevin Durant’s reliability. As the team battles for a spot in the NBA Playoffs, Durant continues to be the driving force behind their success. His leadership and ability to perform at an elite level align with the goals he set for himself upon arriving in Phoenix.
“I’ve been just trying to get comfortable where I was going to be,” Durant once told me of his role with the team in 2023. “I feel like I’m going to be asked to do a multitude of things, so I got to be prepared for it.”
Indeed, he has lived up to that challenge. Durant is currently sixth in the league in scoring, averaging 26.4 points, along with 6.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. With the Suns sitting in tenth place in the Western Conference at 34-37, Durant’s presence has kept their playoff hopes alive.
Carrying the Load Amidst Roster Challenges
The Suns entered the season with high expectations after forming a Big 3 of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. However, injuries and inconsistency have plagued the trio, preventing them from reaching their full potential. Beal has missed significant time, and the Suns have struggled to find rhythm, resulting in a first-round playoff exit last season and a challenging road this year.
Despite the setbacks, Durant has continued to produce. In Phoenix’s 123-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, he showcased his dominance with a 42-point performance, adding six rebounds and eight assists while shooting 17/29 from the field. It was a statement game in a critical stretch of the season, reinforcing his role as the team’s most dependable star.
James Worthy on Durant: “He’s an Assassin”
NBA legend and Hall of Famer James Worthy recently praised Durant for his relentless scoring ability and unshakable mentality.
“He’s an assassin,” Worthy shared while chatting with Scoop B Radio. “He knows how to kill you from anywhere on the court. What I like about him is that he doesn’t force it. He lets the game come to him, but when it’s time? He’s one of the best at closing.”
Worthy, a three-time NBA champion, emphasized that Durant’s ability to score at all three levels makes him one of the toughest matchups in the league. His length, skill, and composure allow him to dominate even against elite defenders.
As the Suns fight for playoff positioning, Durant’s mindset—one that has drawn the respect of NBA greats like Worthy—will be key in determining how far Phoenix can go.
Amar’e Stoudemire: “They Have the Talent, Now It’s About Chemistry”
Suns legend Amar’e Stoudemire sees the potential in Phoenix’s current roster but emphasizes that talent alone isn’t enough to bring a championship to the Valley.
“Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal… the trio right there—those three guys are great basketball players,” Stoudemire told Scoop B Radio. “Now it’s a matter of putting those talents together and creating a formula that will create a championship. That’s the ultimate goal, so that’s what I want to see from those guys—to be able to put that talent together and create that. It’s not an easy deal, but it can happen.”
Stoudemire, who helped lead the Suns to multiple deep playoff runs alongside Steve Nash in the 2000s, knows the challenges of competing in a stacked Western Conference. He believes that Phoenix has all the necessary pieces to make a title run, but it will come down to how well they can build cohesion and trust on the court.
Shawn Marion on the Suns’ Championship Hopes
Four-time NBA All-Star and Suns legend Shawn Marion recently shared his thoughts on Phoenix’s title chances, expressing optimism but also acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“The Suns have the talent to compete for a championship,” Marion shared with Scoop B Radio. “But talent alone doesn’t win. They’ve got to put it together, build chemistry, and make sure everyone is on the same page. That’s what separates great teams from just good ones.”
Marion, who played a key role in the Suns’ high-powered offenses of the mid-2000s, stressed the importance of defensive intensity and consistency in a tough Western Conference. He believes that while Durant, Booker, and Beal give Phoenix one of the most dangerous offensive trios in the league, their ability to lock in on both ends of the floor will ultimately determine their fate.
“You can’t just outscore teams in the playoffs,” Marion added. “You need stops. You need grit. That’s what wins championships.”
The Suns’ Playoff Push and Coaching Change
The Suns are currently tied with the Dallas Mavericks in the standings, holding the tiebreaker due to head-to-head results. With a tough schedule ahead—including matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets—Durant’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through this final stretch.
Hoping to turn things around, Phoenix brought in former two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer to lead the squad. While the coaching change brings renewed optimism, there are still questions about whether the Suns have the right pieces around Durant to maximize their potential.
Marbury: Suns Still Need a Point Guard
Former Suns guard Stephon Marbury believes Phoenix is missing one key element—a true scoring point guard. While Booker has taken on playmaking responsibilities, the team lacks a natural facilitator to complement their offensive weapons.
“I think that they need a point guard,” Marbury said. “They need a scoring point guard. They need a guy that can get them going but can really go too.”
Marbury pointed to a player like Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton as an ideal fit for the Suns’ system while praising his ability to push the pace, handle the ball and create for teammates. He noted that someone who has his skillset would bring a much-needed dimension to Phoenix’s offense.
What’s Next for Phoenix?
With the playoffs approaching, the Suns must capitalize on every opportunity. While their depth has been tested, especially with injuries to Bradley Beal and their frontcourt rotation, Durant’s steady presence continues to be their anchor.
Phoenix’s upcoming games will determine whether they can avoid the play-in tournament and secure a more favorable postseason position. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear—Durant remains the heart of this team, proving night in and night out that he’s prepared for the challenge.
