The Phoenix Suns didn’t think twice about dealing Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson to get their hands on Kevin Durant, putting some of their future on the line to win now.
They had an excellent start, going 8-0 in their first eight games as a team.
However, Durant isn’t getting any younger, so expecting him to shoulder all the responsibility alone at this stage of his career—especially after all the injuries—might not be feasible.
Skip Bayless, who holds him to a high standard, thinks he should be ashamed of himself for the manner he performed against the Denver Nuggets in Game 5.
Kevin Durant should be embarrassed by the way he played tonight on both ends.
Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 10, 2023
In actuality, Durant’s statistics were pretty strong.
He had 26 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block, which is more than one would anticipate from an NBA player.
Going 10-for-24 from the field, 6-for-9 from the free-throw line, and 0-for-3 from beyond the arc, he wasn’t as effective as he typically is.
Durant played for 41 minutes despite missing a few shots that he usually makes.
Devin Booker, who has been on a tear for the most of the playoffs, has put him somewhat in the background.
The Suns offense has also suffered from the absence of Chris Paul and a true pass-first point guard; this is only logical.
Perhaps it’s time to start praising Mike Malone and the Denver Nuggets for the defensive strategy they employed in trying to disrupt Kevin Durant’s rhythm.