The Phoenix Suns ended their preseason with a record of 4-1. Ultimately the wins and losses mean absolutely nothing but how did they play? What players stood out? Do the stars look like they are ready to carry the load when needed? Let’s start with Kevin Durant.
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In the Suns first preseason game they were on the road against the Detroit Pistons. The Suns won the game 130-126 in overtime. Detroit made a comeback in the fourth quarter of that game to make it close. The first three quarters were dominated by the Suns.
Kevin Durant led the charge in that dominance. He played 13 minutes and had 12 points on 4/7 shooting from the floor. Durant’s plus/minus was a +14. The offense flowed very naturally as if this was not the first game that Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal played together. The execution was on a very high level for the first preseason game.
Portland Trailblazers in Portland
None of the big three, Durant, Beal, or Booker played in the second preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. In the third preseason game against Portland. Durant and Booker played and looked very good. In the second quarter the Suns went on a 21-2 run to close out the half. Durant was a huge part of that run.
He didn’t have the best shooting night going 6/15 but he was still able to have a major impact. He finished with 16 points, six assists, and a plus/minus of +25. Phoenix went on to win 122-111.
Trailblazers in Phoenix
The Suns played against the Trailblazers in back to back games. The second one played out in a similar fashion to the first game. The second quarter seems to be the Suns favorite quarter. They were able to create another 20 point lead against Portland in that game.
Durant had 19 points on 6/10 shooting from the floor and 6/7 shooting from the free throw line in 15 minutes. The Suns won 117-106.
Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Durant started off the game slowly against the Lakers. Los Angeles came out with great intensity and physicality on the defensive end of the floor. Taurean Prince and the Lakers were able to hold Durant and the Suns in check in the first quarter. In the second quarter Durant adjusted to the physical play and went 7/7 from the floor.
Kevin Durant’s shot chart from the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Durant scored 21 points in 17 minutes on 8/14 from the floor and 2/3 from three point range.
Kevin Durant’s Preseason Grade
Looking back at Durant’s preseason as a whole. He looked great on both ends. When he played with Devin Booker and/or Bradley Beal the offense had a smooth flow to it. In the minutes where he was the only star on the court. He adjusted to the defense and kept Phoenix in the game. Kevin Durant’s grade for the preseason is an A. There was not much more he could have done better.
