It didn’t take long for Kevin Durant to score his first basket as a member of the Phoenix Suns. Durant knocked down a left-handed layup off a Chris Paul assist early in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets. Wednesday night is his first game with the team after being sidelined with an MCL injury since early January, when he was still with the Brooklyn Nets.
Watch the ball go through the hoop.
Kevin Durant’s first game trip with the Suns
Shortly after scoring a field goal for the first time, Durant blocked Mark Williams and knocked down a transition 3-pointer after Devin Booker made a cross pass. Coach Monty Williams made the decision to start Durant in his first game with the team. Joining him in the starting five is Josh Okogie, who has been amazing for them lately.
Durant was impressive in the second half for the Suns. He fit right into Williams’ system and seemed comfortable with his new teammates. The 2014 MVP was able to create his own shot, which also became a problem for the Hornets. KD finished with 23 points, six rebounds and two blocks on 10-15 shooting from the field.
KD Phoenix Suns debut 🔥23 PTS (10-15 FG)6 REB2 AST2 BLK https://t.co/gTZXPti0Jy
With Kevin Durant’s first game, can fans safely assume the Suns can win the title?
It’s too early to assume anything. But considering how Kevin Durant played in his first game back from injury, it seems like the Suns are the biggest threat in the Western Conference. Durant was comfortable with Williams’ system, which is a sign he won’t have a problem adjusting his game to Booker’s or Paul’s.
Right now, the Suns are the favorites to win the title after they acquired the superstar from the Brooklyn Nets. The real test will obviously come in the postseason. This time, fans can gauge how Phoenix will play against Durant in a more physical seven-game series.
In addition, the health of the players must be taken into account during this last stretch of games of the season. It will determine his condition and impact come the playoffs.