“They’re MFers to deal with too”- Kevin Durant hails Suns guard trio’s impact on his game
Kevin Durant has spearheaded the Phoenix Suns to an impressive 7-1 start to the 2024-2025 NBA season. The former regular-season MVP has been the roster's leading scorer, averaging 27.1 points per game to reaffirm his billing as one of the best offensive weapons in the league.
According to Durant, he could not have done it without the help of his Suns teammates, particularly their guards Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Tyus Jones. Durant first commended Booker, before mentioning Beal and Jones, for keeping defenders wary and occupied, allowing him to use his offensive firepower to perform well in games.
"Yeah, he is too,” said Kevin Durant in response to Devin Booker that he was tough to deal with on defense.
“He opens the floor for me so much that they don't wanna leave him or help off him or Brad or Tyus. So they're MFers to deal with too,” Durant added.
The Suns have won six straight games, including back-to-back victories against Eastern Conference contenders Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. Against the Heat, Durant topped the team in scoring with 32 points, his fifth 30-point game this season, as the Suns recovered from a 15-point deficit to stay unbeaten at home.
Booker quarterbacked Durant in the win with 22 points and nine assists, while Beal added seven points and three assists. Jones, the team’s starting point guard, had five points and eight assists, as the Suns finished with 29 assists.
The Suns are ninth in the league in assists per game with 27.3 assists. With a 7-1 record so far, they stand in a three-way tie with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors for the Western Conference’s top seed.
Devin Bookers throws praise on Kevin Durant as the Suns enjoy hot start
Before Kevin Durant gave credit to his teammates, Devin Bookers was the first to throw praise on his superstar comrade, describing how hard it is to defend Durant and how he helps organize the team in offense amid their hot start for the season.
“I just feel like we're organized, we're finding what works, and Kevin Durant is a motherf***er to deal with,” said Booker following their win against the Heat.
Playing behind Durant’s exploits, Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Last year, Booker played point guard for the team, finishing the season as the sixth seed before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs via sweep.
Booker has played his entire career with the Suns, playing in one NBA finals. This season is Booker’s third year with Durant, who has been in the NBA finals four times, winning twice with the Warriors.