How many points did Kevin Durant score last night on debut vs Charlotte Hornets? Looking at his debut and best plays
After a nearly two-month long layoff, Kevin Durant was back in action last night. KD debuted for the Phoenix Suns in a 105-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina.
The former MVP dropped a very efficient 23 points in 27 minutes. He hit 10-15 field-goal attempts, including 2-4 from behind the arc.
KD's Phoenix Suns debut đŸ”¥
23 PTS (10-15 FG)
6 REB
2 AST
2 BLK https://t.co/gTZXPti0Jy
Kevin Durant last played against the Miami Heat on Jan. 8 while he was still with the Brooklyn Nets. Jimmy Butler rolled onto his right knee, causing an unfortunate right knee sprain.
KD was already traded to the Phoenix Suns before he was able to lace it up again to show his stuff. Against the Hornets, he later admitted that he was a little nervous, but it never showed up in the game.
Durant quickly reminded the NBA just how good he is with his first bucket for his new team:
KEVIN DURANT’S FIRST BUCKET AS A PHOENIX SUN. https://t.co/YtD1xWgFO3
Mark Williams, a rookie out of Duke, was clueless about what to do against the streaking Kevin Durant. The "Slim Reaper" could have easily pulled up for one of his silky-smooth jumpers or attacked the rim just as he did in that sequence.
Durant's handles for someone his size is just elite. A slight fake toward his right after dribbling toward the paint froze Williams. KD continued his rhythmic dribble and finished his move with a lefty layup.
Charlotte's defense also couldn't help their starting center as Devin Booker and Chris Paul were well-positioned to drain a 3-point shot. Deandre Ayton, who was rampaging toward the basket, could have easily gotten the offensive rebound had Durant missed the shot.
The Kevin Durant effect was evident in just his first game with the Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul and the rest of the Phoenix Suns played with a little pep in their collective steps. Kevin Durant, one of NBA history's best players, can have that effect.
Booker, in particular, might not have gotten as many open looks as he did in last night's win over the Hornets.
On Phoenix's first possession on offense, "Book" received a hand-off from Deandre Ayton near the 3-point line. Josh Okogie was stationed in one corner waiting for an outlet while Kevin Durant and Chris Paul were also outside positioning themselves for a kickout.
Charlotte's defenders had no choice but to stay on them. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton ended with a straight pick-and-roll play that had the big man scoring underneath the basket.
Suns coach Monty Williams had the luxury of resting both Booker and Chris Paul together without getting blown off the floor. With Ayton, Durant and the second-stringers, they even extended their lead.
Some fans were dismissive of the Suns' win as they faced one of the worst teams in the NBA record-wise. The Hornets also didn't have point guard LaMelo Ball to lead them.
Regardless, the Phoenix Suns showed the potential of how a juggernaut they can be when things start to click. If they can manage to squeeze out just a little more from their bench, they may find themselves deep into the postseason.
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