The Phoenix Suns’ wait for a win in Atlanta continues. The Hawks managed to edge out the Kevin Durant and Devin Booker-powered Suns in a close game. The contest although close only featured four lead changes. The Suns led for a brief period in the third quarter. The spell came when the Slim Reaper let loose, going on a solo scoring tear to discourage the Hawks. However, even then, the home team took the lead entering the third quarter.
A look at the box score tells the story for the Phoenix Suns. Durant and Book combined for 67 points in the 117-122 loss. Normally, they can’t be blamed. Both the protagonists showed out attempting to spring some momentum into the volatile Suns team. But even though he had a near-spotless performance, Durant felt he could do better.
Particularly, he referenced the third quarter. Off his game’s tally, 14 came in those 12 minutes. His run sparked a 20-6 run for the Suns. But it came bearing consequences. “Once I get going sometimes it might stall the offense when I start making 4 or 5 shots in a row and people are watching me play. Maybe that third, I for sure am happy to knock down some shots but maybe I should have see if I could get some guys going a little bit more in that third. Then maybe we could build some momentum” Kevin Durant said about his electric third-quarter performance.
His confession comes amidst a sensitive time for the Phoenix Suns. The rumor mills for Jusuf Nurkic are running hot and with Bradley Beal on the bench, the franchise could be poised to reposition themselves. However, with Durant’s links to a return to the Bay and the Rockets present since the offseason, a troubling record doesn’t bode well.
As far as his comments go, Durant has spoken about how a solo spree does lead to changes in the opposition defense. Could he have deferred to teammates in a flow state? Maybe. It would land better looks and engage everyone on the floor. However, that’s not where the Suns lost tonight.
The Hawks fought to take the victory against Kevin Durant and the Suns
There was only two times the Suns had the lead. Once a narrow edge in the first quarter and then during Durant’s explosion in the third. Yet, each time the Atlanta Hawks raged back. That wasn’t due to exquisite shot-making. Although Trae Young scored a season-high 43 points, the Suns shot the ball better from the field.
What made the difference was their hustle. The Hawks battled to win every possession.
They grabbed 20 offensive rebounds in contrast to the Suns’ 6. Center Onyeka Okongwu made a major contribution to his beastly performance. From his career-high 21 rebounds, 10 of them were offensive rebounds. He scored as many second-chance points through such possessions while the Hawks outscored the Suns by 18 points in that department.
That’s what created separation between the two sides. Even when the Hawks missed shots, they earned possession and most times, made good of it. For the Suns, while the trade rumors spike, there does seem to be a need for some change. Maybe an interior enforcer could help tie together the defense which in hindsight did a great job as far as defending the ball goes.
A positive is with Beal operating the second unit, both Kevin Durant and Booker have consistently managed to take control of the offense. Now, it’s about building on the remaining weaknesses. Do you think the Suns will fill them during the trade deadline? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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