To snap a three-game losing streak, Kevin Durant returned from injury with 30 points and eight assists as the Phoenix Suns were able to claim a high-scoring, 134-126 win over the Utah Jazz.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Devin Booker led all players with 34 points while Tyus Jones picked up a double-double (19 points, 11 assists) for Phoenix (13-11). 1-9 when he was sidelined, they improved to 12-2 when Durant has played this season.
With an 18-point half, Jordan Clarkson finished with 23 for the Jazz (5-18). Utah is 1-7 in its last eight games, remaining as one of the worst teams in the Western Conference.
Dec 13, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) goes to the basket between Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) and forward Kyle Filipowski (22) during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Even though Phoenix was able to score at will, nothing came easy for the Suns as it was a 3-point shootout from start to finish. They were 11-of-17 (64.7%) in the first half and 22-for-45 (48.9%) on the night while the Jazz were 15-of-22 (68.2%) in the first two quarters and 22-for-39 (56.4%) overall.
Coming very close to being full strength, Durant, Jusuf Nurkić, Ryan Dunn and Grayson Allen all came off of injuries. Right before the game, Bradley Beal’s name popped up on the injury report yet again with right knee swelling but the team clinched a much-needed win despite the adversity.
Here is some of what the fans said after the offensive war in Durant’s return:
I’d take Jordan Clarkson over Beal tbh #SunsUp
— freudian bip (@hyphaekidsrus) December 14, 2024
Kevin Durant impact is so crazy dog lmao. Defensive stop, and just feeds his teammates. Dude is shooting the best on the floor and still just makes the right play and gets his teammates going. Crazy how impactful he is
— KDprime (@forthefacts) December 14, 2024
Tyus Jones has been draining those 3s lately ????????#SunsUp
— Siro (@KenyanSuns_Fan) December 14, 2024
Kevin Durant is so skilled.
— Cboy_14 (@14Cboy) December 14, 2024
If the #Suns end up with Nurkic after the trade deadline am rioting. #SunsUp
— Tamale Moses (@tmostunna) December 14, 2024
Booker is the number one option when he and Beal are on the court. The team's main focal point is stopping KD when he’s on the floor. KD is taking away more pressure than Beal.
— Suns Takes (@BestSunsTakes) December 14, 2024
I wouldn’t blame the defense for that first half, Jazz are just having that kind of game where all shots go in… #SunsUp
— AZ Sports Zone (@AZSportsZoneIE) December 14, 2024
RYAN DUNN BACK HOOPING!!! #SunsUp
— Content Johnny ???? (@JCW2_) December 14, 2024
@Suns do this every single game.They turn into fouls merchants and end up losing a lead and then losing the game. Stop worrying about the fouls! Keep playing! #Sunsup @Suns
— JesusisKing1 (@DrylikeBook) December 14, 2024
Kevin Durant is the best player in the world!
— Stark (@EasyMoneyStark) December 14, 2024
bro suns are getting fouled and beaten up this wild
— Kam SpecialK ???????????? (@boredroomKam) December 14, 2024
The Suns are doing better now KD and Book cooking #SunsUp
— Arizona Sports Fan (@James0620549530) December 14, 2024
Nurkic has had a good game today.
Granted I think everybody has on both teams for the most part lol but still ????
— PhxSuns (13-11) (@PhxSunsAlways) December 14, 2024
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, ASU Athletics and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
