Kevin Durant and Devin Booker faced the media after the Suns fell to a 105-93 loss to the Timberwolves, dropping them to 0-2 in the series. Both the Suns’ superstars held themselves accountable for this loss. Booker said that the team needed to come together as a group to succeed.
“Just talking to each other, holding each other accountable. We’re all trying to fight out there and so far this series, once it has turned to shit, we’ve kind of separated instead of being together and that’s everybody, top to bottom. We got to figure it out.”
"Just talking to each other, holding each other accountable. We're all trying to fight out there and so far this series, once it has turned to shit, we've kind of separated instead of being together and that's everybody, top to bottom. We got to figure it out." Devin Booker #Suns pic.twitter.com/3e90QgNZPS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 24, 2024
Booker was seen having many moments of extreme frustration on the court, arguing with referees and giving teammates the cold shoulder. He clarified that his demeanor was a result of the team’s struggles on the court.
“My frustration is just within the team. We need to execute. We play well when we’re playing and then we need to stick together once things turn bad. We’ve done that throughout the season. Something that has to be corrected.”
"My frustration is just within the team. We need to execute. We play well when we're playing and then we need to stick together once things turn bad. We've done that throughout the season. Something that has to be corrected."
Devin Booker on recurring problem this season. #Suns https://t.co/KGsS0VV3Um pic.twitter.com/NRGyKM3HEj
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 24, 2024
The Suns haven’t been able to score over 100 points in both Games 1 and 2 against the league’s best defense. Kevin Durant gave his thoughts on what the Suns could do differently to revitalize their offense.
“Just trying to figure it out. More than anything, they play really great ball. We are trying our best to get out of those slumps… We could play a little faster, get out in transition, but that comes with getting stops.”
"We could play a little faster, get out in transition, but that comes with getting stops."
Kevin Durant as Suns haven't reached 100 points in each of the first two games in falling down 2-0 to Minnesota in first round series. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/WV0BdNtlCp
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 24, 2024
Booker has struggled mightily this series so far, averaging 19.0 points through the first two games on 37.9% from the field. Kevin Durant had an impressive Game 1 performance but followed it up with an 18-point Game 2 performance where he shot 6-15 from the field.
The lack of a creator on the Suns has caused their offense to be completely jammed up by the elite defenders on the Wolves. The style of ball that helped them go 3-0 over the Wolves in the regular season is exactly what’s stopping them now, as they are too over-reliant on their stars producing big numbers for wins.
Bradley Beal Clears Air About Tense Exchange With Frank Vogel During The Game
In an off-camera moment, reporters and fans caught Bradley Beal yelling at head coach Frank Vogel during the game. When asked about the interaction after the game, Beal made it clear that it was related to the game and not a personal gripe between him and Vogel.
“It wasn’t between us. It was about what was going on in the game. Our efforts as a team. It wasn’t nothing between me and Coach.”
"It wasn't between us. It was about what was going on in the game. Our efforts as a team. It wasn't nothing between me and Coach."
Bradley Beal on exchange with Frank Vogel in 4th quarter of #Suns Game 2 loss to T-Wolves.
"We've got to do better coming together collectively." pic.twitter.com/aEUEidlEry
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 24, 2024
Frank Vogel was asked about this interaction and maintained what Beal said.
“Yeah, just talking through the game.”
This isn’t the best look for a Suns, especially with the struggling Beal at the center of this situation. Beal is averaging 14.5 points and 6.0 assists through the first two games. His offensive skills aren’t as consistent as his two teammates while also limiting variety, which is making it easier for Minnesota to limit their production.
The Suns are paying for the sins of an awkwardly built team without any playmakers who can help the role-players and struggling stars with easier looks. Instead, their iso-ball strategy is leaning perfectly into what the Wolves are equipped to stop with their elite team defense.
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