Heading into the 2024 regular season, the Phoenix Suns were expected to contend for a playoff spot, fueled by a significant investment in talent, including a veteran coach in Mike Budenholzer and the presence of a top-20 player like Kevin Durant. But fast-forward to April, and the team’s outlook has shifted dramatically. With a five-game losing streak, the Suns now sit 11th in the Western Conference, just two games behind the 10th-seeded Sacramento Kings. Their last victory came on March 25th, a narrow 108-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, where Durant played a crucial role with a 38-point, 8-rebound, and 5-assist performance in 37 minutes. However, Durant has been sidelined for the past two games due to a left ankle injury, leaving the team struggling.
The Suns’ upcoming game against the New York Knicks presents a significant challenge, especially with Durant still unavailable. The Knicks, despite missing star guard Jalen Brunson for an extended period, have managed to secure a playoff spot thanks to their team cohesion, something the Suns need to emulate. With Durant out indefinitely, the Suns will look to other players to step up and carry the load.
On the injury front, Durant’s absence has been felt heavily. He has been averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season, making him the most experienced and reliable player on the team. However, Durant has refused to fully take on the role of the team’s leader, which has hindered the Suns’ success. Devin Booker, despite his strong individual performances, has struggled to step into the captain’s role. Booker has averaged 25.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists this season and has been effective in his supporting role alongside Durant. However, with Durant out, Booker has continued to impress, notably putting up a double-double (39 points and 11 assists) against the Bucks, as well as 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists against the Celtics.
With Booker and Bradley Beal fit to play, the Suns will be looking for any glimmer of hope, but the absence of Durant has raised significant questions about the team’s ability to make a push for the playoffs. Kendrick Perkins, an ESPN analyst, believes that the Suns should shut Durant down for the rest of the season. He argues that the team is too inconsistent and that bringing Durant back would not solve their issues. The Suns’ record without him has been dismal, losing 13 of their last 15 games. There was a sense of dread when Durant rolled his ankle in a game against the Houston Rockets, and with no clear timeline for his return, the Suns’ playoff hopes remain uncertain.
The Suns’ next game against the Knicks is crucial for their playoff chances. The Knicks have already secured a playoff spot, which could lead to them easing up on the intensity. The Suns will need to capitalize on any potential complacency from New York in order to stay in the race for the play-ins. However, with Durant’s status still uncertain and no significant updates, the Suns’ fate this season appears increasingly uncertain.
The article raises the question: is Durant’s absence the real reason behind the Suns’ downfall this season? Fans and analysts alike continue to debate the impact of his injury and whether the team can recover without him. As the Suns head into a must-win game, the situation remains tense, and it will be interesting to see how the team responds without their star player.