Ranking each Western Conference playoff team based on their best player

6. Phoenix Suns

Best player: Kevin Durant

Three things are certain in life: death, taxes, and Kevin Durant shooting 50 percent from the field during the regular season. The last time he shot below 50 percent from the field was in the 2012–13 season. He did it again this season, shooting 52 percent while averaging 27 PPG, seven rebounds, and five assists. 

However, I only have Durant at six on this list. The reason is that in his last two postseason appearances, he has not been at the level he is supposed to be at for a superstar. In 2022 with the Nets, he shot 39 percent from the field and got swept. 

Last year in the playoffs, he was better, as he shot 47 percent from the field, but came up small in big games against Denver. In three of the Suns’ four losses, Durant had 24 points (10-27 FG), 27 shots, 39 points on 31 shots (12-31 FG), 26 points on 24 shots (10-24 FG), and 23 points on 19 shots (eight-of-19). Durant also shot 22 percent from three for the series.

Durant forced a move to Phoenix after being unhappy in Brooklyn. This is his first full season with the team, but he is not getting any younger and the clock is ticking. Given his recent postseason form as well, it remains to be seen if he can be the player the Suns need him to be.