Kevin Durant hit the ground up and running with his new team, the Phoenix Suns, and had an optimistic response about his debut.
Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the team’s 105-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets, the veteran forward believed he was fitting in well. “I just got to keep grinding, man, and this jersey on me will look normal as games go on,” Durant said.
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It was a good start for him, as he propped up 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in his maiden outing. Also leading the way was Devin Booker with 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists.
However, Durant admitted that he was nervous before he took the floor. “New environment, new situation, new team-mates, I mean I always feel I got to prove myself to my team-mates and my coaches every single day no matter what I’ve done in the league,” he opined. “So I feel like there’s pressure to be who I am every day.”
The Suns were automatically dubbed title contenders after Durant’s arrival. Given their good start with the forward, only time will tell if they can indeed go the distance.
Kevin Durant Talks Acclimatizing To Defensive Changes With The Phoenix Suns
While Kevin Durant is one of the team’s primary offensive weapons, he’s proved time and again that he’s no slouch on the defensive end.
He outlined his defensive reintegration with a new side. “Playing pick-and-roll coverages isn’t something I did much back then. I’m going to have to play all types of defense here. So it’s just a matter of all of us being on the same page, and communicating.”
Kevin Durant on his integration process defensively: pic.twitter.com/sVkp3BVgac
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) March 2, 2023
Durant to the Suns was one of the blockbuster moves ahead of the trade deadline, and while there was praise and criticism about the trade, Devin Booker was looking forward to having the 34-year-old in their ranks.
Speaking to ESPN, he said the Suns knew what they were getting with the veteran. “He has the type of game that you can throw into any system and he’s ready to go. So, I’m excited to play with him. Should be a lot of space out there, we’re gonna defend at a high level and I’m looking forward to it.”
With the regular season inching to an end. Phoenix is primed for a playoff spot with a healthy 34-29 record. They are placed fourth in the West and will look for a top-three finish. And now that they have Durant, their chances of achieving that objective look easy.
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