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Kevin Durant Speaks on Suns Losing to Knicks, Bradley Beal Injury, Jalen Brunson Career Night

Kevin Durant postgame press conference after the Phoenix Suns (13-12) fall to the New York Knicks (14-10) 139-122 in another tough loss

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The Suns lost their second straight game at home, and it was also their sixth loss in their past eight games.

Jalen Brunson propelled the Knicks to the victory scoring a career-high 50 points, while shooting a perfect 12-for-12 from the field in the second half. Overall, he went 9-of-9 from beyond the arc, becoming the first player in over 30 years to score 50+ points on 100% shooting from three-point range (min. 8 attempts). His play helped New York outscore Phoenix 42-23 in the fourth quarter.

“Great scorer, got the confidence,” Durant said of Brunson. “That’s his franchise, so they all there to support him and put him in best position (possible). He can be a hall-of-fame player by the end of his career the way he playing out there. So, if he keep this up, he’s on great pace to do that, but they all support him. They put in sets for him, they run plays for him. When he gets hot they continue to get him to ball, so tonight was one of those nights for him.”

After missing 19 of the first 22 games due to a low back strain, Bradley Beal returned to the court earlier this week on Tuesday. However, he exited the game on what appeared to be a really bad fall when he landed on Jusuf Nurkić’s foot after a very tight closeout by Donte DiVincenzo.

“Shit happens,” Durant said. “We got great training staff, he’s got great support behind him. He’ll be back out there.”

As for the team, Durant explained their mindset on the injury.

“Obviously, everybody’s little pissed off, sad that he didn’t finish the game, and he twisted his ankle,” Durant said. “But he’s a strong-minded player, person and just get ready for rehab and looking forward to having him back. So it’s a tough situation, but he could deal with it.”

Durant scored 29 points and tacked on six assists and 0 turnovers in the loss. The Knicks’ 139 points were the most Phoenix has allowed in a game this season.

“No negative feelings, it is next man up,” Durant said. “This is pro sports, we been a part of it this for long time. Guys get injured, shit happens. I think we rallied around each other in the first half, played some solid ball. Played some solid ball in the third quarter too. They made shots, got hot and aggressive. They killed us in the pick and roll and that was the game.”

The Suns next conclude their 5-game homestand Sunday night, as they play host to the Washington Wizards (4-20).

Jalen Brunson’s record-breaking night leads Knicks to a win over Suns

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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau

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