Kevin Durant settling in well with the Phoenix Suns
By Rob Greene
Booker’s three games with Durant:
vs. CHA: 37 pts, 7 asts, 6 rebs, 57.7% FG, 42.9 3P%
vs. CHI: 35 pts, 6 asts. 5 rebs, 50/60%
vs. DAL: 36 pts, 10 asts, 5 rebs, 60/33.3%.
Just as Durant has done with all his running-mates, he makes it easier for them to succeed. His mentorship will allow Booker to grow his game further beyond greatness in improving playmaking and his two-way game. Brian Windhorst had a strong statement on his podcast The Hoop Collective.
“I have to tell you, as much as they try to not show their emotion, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are absolutely giddy about this partnership,” Windhorst said. “Booker was saying stuff like, ‘I couldn’t believe it was real watching him out there, and I can’t believe how easy his shots come as if he’s never seen him shoot before.'”
Windhorst continued to describe how he has known, covered and interviewed Durant in every circumstance throughout his playing career calling his game timeless.
“He went 10-15 shooting in the game and he was like, ‘there was about four shots I should’ve made,’ he said that,” added Windhorst. “Booker was like, he couldn’t hide his smile after the game. He was effusive. Usually when you ask Devin questions, he’ll answer it in sort of the minimum number of words. He was like, going on and on and on. And the smile on his face was just… couldn’t suppress it.”
He also added how Durant said he was nervous, which he has not said much in all his years in the league.
Phoenix certainly has some holes in the roster, but the ceiling of their tandem of artistry can take them to the promise land with some continuity under their belt if the team’s health can hold up.
Durant knows what the Suns have at stake, and he is ready to put on a show with the world watching Phoenix’s win-desperate, hungry squad of all-time greats.
The Suns are on the clock and Durant acknowledges that. KD’s new team will be facing his first love in the Thunder for his Suns’ home opener this Wednesday at 9 p.m.