"We're just figuring out how to be consistent"- Monty Williams hints the Phoenix Suns have a long way to go as Kevin Durant nears return from injury
The Phoenix Suns have just won back-to-back games for the first time since Kevin Durant’s freak left ankle injury. Before their modest winning run, they were just 1-6.
Suns head coach Monty Williams had this to say about Phoenix’s struggles and recent form:
“We’ve had so many obstacles and it breaks rhythm. I think we’re learning how to be consistent with things that come up. … We played on the road, came home for less than 48 hours, and then we’re out again. You have to adjust but the style of play can remain consistent. I think that’s what you’ve seen [in] the last couple of games.
“We played a really tough Philly team and beat them one way and then tonight we had a win against a team that’s been confusing a lot of offenses playing a zone and we beat them on their floor. So, I think we’re just figuring out how to be consistent with our style of play no matter who’s on the floor.”
Last Saturday, the Suns beat Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers and followed it up with tonight’s victory against the Utah Jazz on the road. Over their past two games, they’ve gotten contributions from everyone in the lineup.
In the win against the 76ers, Bismack Biyombo started at center without the injured Deandre Ayton. The backup big man took on the challenge of defending leading MVP candidate Joel Embiid and had a decent performance.
Biyombo finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and five blocks in 29 minutes. T.J. Warren and Terrence Ross, two of their newest acquisitions, combined for 31 points off the bench.
Tonight, Deandre Ayton returned and finished with 14 points and eight rebounds. Ross and Warren combined for 22 points in another stellar display coming off the bench.
But the most important player the Phoenix Suns want to see play again is Kevin Durant. He’s the needle that moves them to a championship-level team.
Kevin Durant could be back for the Phoenix Suns as soon as Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Durant has now missed nine straight games after a freak pregame ankle injury stopped a long-anticipated home debut in Phoenix last Mar. 8. The Suns were looking like legit title contenders in Durant’s three games before unfortunately spraining his ankle against the OKC Thunder.
Monty Williams had good news for Suns fans with this update:
"We'll see. I got to get the information from our team. He's working his tail off. I’m not quite sure because I’ve been so focused on the team that we have on the floor.
"When all the boxes are checked, we’ll evaluate him and see. He’s working his tail off. He’s done everything possible to get himself back as close as he can to game shape, but it’s hard."
After Kevin Durant sprained his ankle, the Suns informed the media that he is probably expected to return after three weeks. If things go as hoped, he could be back on Mar. 30 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.