Kevin Durant took just 11 shots, including four in the second half, in the Suns’ ninth loss in 12 games to Luka Doncic and the Mavs.
Kevin Durant has the fifth highest scoring average in the NBA and, some say, should be in the discussion for the best player in the world. The Durant Suns’ 128-114 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Monday at Footprint Center — Phoenix’s ninth loss in 12 tries — wasn’t treated like the best or one of the best basketball stars in the world. Durant took just 11 shots, which he attributed to Grayson Allen’s 19 points in the third quarter. However, Durant shot 4-of-11 and made just four attempts after halftime. Phoenix struggled to get its leading scorer and player to touch the ball consistently. Suns coach Frank Vogel shared his thoughts on why after the Christmas loss. “He’s just trying to play the right way,” he said. “When we moved the basketball, especially in the third quarter, and guys were shooting, there was another one where Kevin Durant was open and we didn’t get it.” our best ideal possession is for him to initiate the ball, use himself in one-two combinations, we pass the ball around the horn and the ball finds him. But a lot of times that didn’t happen.” Durant said he felt like he contributed to the team’s offense even though he made four shots in the second half, which shouldn’t be accepted given his skill and star power “It’s just the game,” Durant said. “Grayson got hot, he started, (redirects Chimezie) Metu started. The book worked. I think I did the right thing in giving them space. I often felt like my guy wasn’t going and needed a rotation and be able to get some free throws from behind. “I know people think of me as just a scorer and if I don’t shoot I’m not effective. But I think it was the more subtle things in the game that helped my teammates. But I know my shots are so strong that people think I’m just sees me as that type of player. But I feel like I’m still able to help the offense without shooting the ball and help the defense at the same time. Durant had six turnovers against the Mavs, but the Suns offense seemed to be pause. Phoenix saw guard and key player Devin Booker get trapped and shelled in the middle of the court, so they had to rely on Allen, who scored 32 points, and guard Eric Gordon (14 points on 6-of-12 shooting, 2-of-7). . three) to take photos. “I have to get better,” Durant said. “I think that’s holding the team back.”Durant would be frustrated. ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski said Durant’s sentiment is felt by those in Phoenix and the rest of the organization.The Suns traded Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder for Durant, who is expected to deliver a championship. He will face criticism, but he also has the ability to push for change, which is what fans are hoping for with the Suns at 14-15 just before the new year.The Suns will face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday before playing six straight home games through Jan. 7. Guard Bradley Beal is expected to return from a sprained right ankle at some point during that home game.
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