N.C.’s Charlotte Kevin Durant made his decision to team up with Kyrie Irving when both became free agents the following summer at this location during All-Star Weekend 2019. Four years later, a new partnership in the same field was announced, this time with optimism for a better result.
Durant made his debut for the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, and in a 105-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets to end their five-game winning streak, he displayed early indications of the potentially lethal one-two punch he can build with Devin Booker.
Durant scored 23 points in just 27 minutes, and his jump shot looked unrusty after being sidelined since January 8 due to a right MCL sprain he sustained while playing for the Brooklyn Nets.
“I believe I blend in fairly nicely. Everyone around me was attempting to make me as comfortable as they could, “Durant remarked. “I just have to keep working hard, man, and as the games go on, this jersey on me will look normal.”
Durant’s playmaking with Booker created a dynamic wing-scoring duo.
The Suns’ game plan with Durant came into focus when Booker and Durant were separated, as Durant shot midrange jumpers with four bench players and the score went from close to double-digit Phoenix leads.
Durant and Booker combined for a plus-13 plus/minus, second best on the team, while Booker made 15 of 26 shots and Chris Paul had 11 assists.
The Suns’ full potential can be unlocked with Durant’s increased playing time, but concerns remain about the top-heavy scoring of Deandre Ayton.
The Suns struggled to get to the foul line with three players who specialize in midrange shots, while the Hornets drew 13 more free throws.
The Durant rollout was a success, but he admitted he was nervous due to the new environment, new situation, and new teammates.