Kevin Durant settling in well with the Phoenix Suns after first three games

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 03: Chris Paul #3 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center on March 03, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Durant blending right in

It does not need to be said of the abundance of years that Durant and Chris Paul have been close. As well as Devin Booker, given KD’s elite mentorship during Olympic workouts and unheard of love for the game that Booker has admired from previous summers. Suns coach Monty Williams was also with Durant as an assistant for the Oklahoma City Thunder and team USA.

Fresh off an exhilarating win against newly-divorced sidekick Kyrie Irving reminding the game of one of its newest rivalries, Durant, expectedly, looks like he was never injured. He has put up 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists through his first three games. Just like he does at his best, KD has hardly missed with 69/53.8/88.2% splits and an 80% true shooting percentage.

“For him, everything’s real slow,” Williams said following his clutch shot over the Mavericks that gave the Suns the victory. “He just takes advantage of whatever the defense does, gets to his spots. The other side is, he’s a willing passer. He was swinging that thing around the back side. Guy has 37 points and only takes 17 shots. That’s pretty efficient.”

If there was one thing about Durant that is no secret to the world, it is his love and obsession with basketball itself. One could argue that KD could be the easiest superstar in the league to plug in and complement a significant lineup of other stars, let alone him being the best player in the league.

In his debut, he shot 10/15 for 23 points and six rebounds with two threes. Durant let the flow of his non-forceful game take control and got buckets with ease. We know about his balance and otherworldly scoring ability as one of the greatest to score the ball, how he makes the toughest of shots look the easiest. His underrated parts that have grown in recent seasons are his defense and playmaking. Since 2018-19, KD is fourth amongst forwards in the league in assists per game with 5.8.

The Suns may not be the deepest team but with a Durant-Booker tandem, the sky is the limit with that offensive power. There are times this season where Paul and Deandre Ayton have not looked like their normal selves. Paul is at the remaining stages of his career and DA’s evolution has not been as stunning as many pictured early on along with early tension within the organization. Some outings may take a few Torrey Craig or Josh Okogie triples in the postseason.

Durant has the capabilities to elevate the team to a whole other level. This is exactly what they need, otherwise the window would be slammed shut sooner than later.