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Suns react to Kevin Durant’s clutch buckets against 76ers

Nov 4, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) puts up a layup over Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant hit two go-ahead shots, including what ended up being the game winner, in the final minute to help the Phoenix Suns improve to 6-1 with a 118-116 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Monday.

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Durant’s game-winner came on a layup with 24 seconds left after Grayson Allen got an offensive rebound off Durant’s missed 3-pointer earlier in the possession. Durant then got the ball back at the top of the key and attacked downhill and converted to put Phoenix up two.

Durant described what he saw that led to the clutch layup.

“We had proper spacing when I got the ball,” Durant said. “First of all, Grayson with the incredible offensive rebound. I think I might have shot a quick three there, but I was feeling good about myself, so I pulled that one. But Grayson made a great offensive rebound, which kind of set us up. Once you get the offensive rebound, they’re scrambling a little bit.

“We got (Guerschon) Yabusele on me, and that’s the matchup we wanted. He’s the center, so there is not really much rim protection back there. I just decided to drive. I think that Book (Devin Booker) was right next to me on the wing. That cut out from the wing allowed me to get some space so they can’t help off and help me in that driving lane. Stuff that we emphasize every day with spacing and was a good play for us.”

Phoenix went on a 14-3 run in the final five minutes of the game to give it the victory. Durant scored 10 of these final 14 points and finished with a season-high 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting.

“Tonight is an example of why such a great player makes tough shots. He can make something out of nothing and his length, he can just do so many things to put the ball in the basket,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said of Durant postgame.

“The last shot was great to get an offensive rebound, to get that extra possession with the matchup, they had their big on him away from the basket and he was able to drive him and finish. Kevin was great. I love that we were able to get an offensive rebound to create the extra possession. So, yeah, it was special from Kevin.”

Durant’s go ahead-layup came right after he hit a signature, tough mid-range shot at the left elbow over Caleb Martin to put Phoenix ahead by one with a minute to go.

“It’s over with,” Suns star Bradley Beal said of when Durant gets to the left elbow.

Beal added: “I know what it’s like to have somebody hugged up on me all game and not letting you breathe. It frustrates me when we don’t get K (Durant) the ball, right? So, I’ll go screen and get him open and make sure that he can get to his money. He’s seven feet, his ability to be able to shoot over guys is way better than my ability to shoot over guys or somebody else’s. So, I’m living with K 10 out of 10 times.”

Beal, who had 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, further discussed what he has learned about Durant now in their second season together as teammates.

“That’s exactly who he is. He’s an assassin,” Beal said. “He didn’t say a word, kind of like the last three minutes of the game, and you could just tell, ‘Okay yeah, K’s locked in. Just get him the ball and get out the way.’ It’s a blessing to have a guy like that on your team.

“We excel when he’s aggressive, and he has that mindset that he’s the greatest ever, so we drive him when he’s doing that.”

Durant is now averaging 27.1 points on 54.8% shooting, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 blocks on the year. Even at age 36, Durant, who has the eighth-most career points in NBA history, had a simple reminder about how he can get his shots off.

“It really doesn’t even matter where; you shouldn’t worry about me getting my shots,” Durant said. “I’m gonna figure it out. I’m gonna get my shots. I don’t need plays calling for me. I don’t need my teammates to force me the ball. If we just play together, random and spontaneous, the ball will find me.

“I don’t want you to think about it too much, where I’m getting the ball or the sets that they need to run for me. It’s gonna happen in the flow if we all just play together. I think that’s the good thing we’ve been doing throughout the whole season.”

The Suns have now won five-straight games and will next take on the Miami Heat (3-3) at home on Wednesday.

WATCH: Kevin Durant reacts to his game-winner to give Suns 5th-straight victory

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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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