Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekIncluded Columnist IVDecember 28, 2023
Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
There might not be must-wins in the NBA in December, however the Phoenix Suns required a triumph Wednesday.
And they got simply that.
Phoenix beat the Houston Rockets 129-113 in Wednesday’s Western Conference face-off at Toyota. The Suns, who lacked Bradley Beal (ankle), ended their three-game losing streak and enhanced to 15-15 general and 4-9 in the last 13.
Houston didn’t have Dillon Brooks (oblique), and Phoenix lost no time at all developing control behind its main playmakers. Kevin Durant packed the stat sheet with a triple-double of 27 points, 16 helps, 10 rebounds and 2 takes, while Devin Booker included 20 points, 7 helps and 4 boards.
It wasn’t simply a two-man effort either with Eric Gordon (27 points and 7-of-11 three-pointers) and Grayson Allen (16 points) likewise playing well, however social networks revealed a lot of love for Durant’s total playmaking:
Phoenix Suns @Suns
TRIPLE-DOUBLE FOR KD < a href="https://t.co/ITb6eLOiPd">> pic.twitter.com/ITb6eLOiPd
Phoenix Suns @Suns
KD drops the hammer! < a href="https://t.co/q5jeAas9yD">> pic.twitter.com/q5jeAas9yD
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Schedule it < a href="https://t.co/IsF1yfTKD0">> pic.twitter.com/IsF1yfTKD0
KDprime @forthefacts
Let Kevin Durant manage the ball like this and have the majority of the choices and you’ll see a historical offense, if book can be more off ball and everybody simply comprehends let kd decide mainly you’ll see historical offense with this group
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant with a career-high-tying 16 helps and just 1 turnover. Can’t state sufficient about his reaction after devoting 18 turnovers over the last 3 video games and stating he required to be much better in that regard
Stephen PridGeon ☯ @StayTrueSDot3
Durant’s been a beat or 2 more client than typical with his playmaking tonight, & has actually now connected his career-high with 16 helps<< br><> < br>> I believe he heard y’ all’s criticisms of his choice making
RB @RyB_311
Point Durant and Off Ball Book << a href="https://t.co/6YnOdv8wXa">> pic.twitter.com/6YnOdv8wXa
Suns Are Better @SunsAreBetter
I understand everybody (including myself) desires Durant to take 20 shots every video game, however this video game has actually been an excellent pointer of who he truly is.<< br><> < br>> At the half, he’s got 10 helps (w/ 0 turnovers) and 5 rebounds, with a +/- of +21.<< br><> < br>> He does what it requires to win. That’s all that matters.
DurantMuse @DurantMuse_
Kevin Durant at half:<< br>> 10 points<< br>> 5 rebounds << br>> 10 helps ❗ < br><> < br>> Is that Kevin Durant or magic Johnson < a href="https://t.co/wl6hkyRglg">> pic.twitter.com/wl6hkyRglg
DurantMuse @DurantMuse_
Enjoyed that effort in the very first half. This is the start of the turn-around we have actually been waiting on < a href="https://t.co/inikk4VFdz">> pic.twitter.com/inikk4VFdz
Albert Nguyen @AnalyticsCapper
I think Point Durant was what Phoenix required this entire time!<< br><> < br>> He has 10 helps at halftime. Profession high is 16.
$B14 @ShawnBlack_5
Yup Booker s pure scorer let kd run point this how yall play
Soul @SoulT_35
Point Durant is various
Phoenix was anticipated to be a champion competitor behind the trio of Durant,
