Effort Was Key In Suns Second Straight Win In The Kevin Durant Era

© Kamil Krzaczynski- USA TODAY Sports

The most impressive thing about the Suns’ two-game winning streak in the Kevin Durant era isn’t the efficient scoring or even the flashy Devin Booker performances. It’s been the Suns’ defense that has been getting the job done the past two games.

So much so that the Suns only gave up 104 points to a team that has two 20-point-per-game scorers in Zach Lavine and Demar Derozan. The Suns had a total of 6 steals and 7 blocks after just coming off of a game with 8 steals and 9 blocks.

Head coach Monty Williams after the game alluded to the teams’ all-around effort on both ends of the floor especially in the second half for this to come true.

"I thought we came out of halftime with 'not today attitude.' We just came out and said enough, and I applaud our guys."

🗣️ Coach Monty Williams on the team effort in tonight's win. pic.twitter.com/ptHDjJzhsY

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 4, 2023

The Suns have looked like a well-oil machine in minutes with Durant on the court. Durant has a +/- of 18.5 over his last two games and the team has looked like world beaters getting off to quick early leads. Durant after the game is still hard on himself despite a very efficient night from the floor.

"I missed three shots tonight and a free throw, which was terrible, but I felt I should've made every shot, too."

Kevin Durant on his 20-point night on 7-of-10 FGs (4-of-5 FTs) in #Suns win over #BullsNation Friday. pic.twitter.com/3yI8ryhOes

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 4, 2023

Devin Booker after the game also added to the sudden stops the team was getting after a tough second quarter in which the team played with a lot of effort.

"We started getting stops."

Devin Booker after #Suns win at #Bulls. pic.twitter.com/9DhrkdNKGa

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 4, 2023

Kevin Durant Moves 13th in All-Time Scoring List

The Suns have a lot of momentum going for them ever since Durant joined the lineup on Wednesday night. It will only get tougher now with a date on Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks which looks to be a must-watch game throughout the NBA scene.