The Phoenix Suns are navigating a critical juncture in their 2023 NBA campaign, grappling with the absence of star forward Kevin Durant due to a sprained left ankle. This injury transpired during a 104-93 victory against the San Antonio Spurs and is expected to keep Durant sidelined for at least a week. As the Suns prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic, they hope for Durant's return ahead of their matchup against the Utah Jazz.
Kevin Durant's impact on the Suns' fortunes this season has been undeniable. In the 13 games he has participated in, the Suns boast an impressive 11-2 record. Durant’s contribution has been pivotal, averaging 25.8 points per game with a remarkable 65.2% true shooting percentage. His performance has also extended beyond scoring, as he averages 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. Reflecting on Durant’s influence, Devin Booker remarked, “Yeah, obviously tough. It's impossible to replace what he brings to our team. Even just his presence around the team. Not even having him on the bench in the second half was tough. But we still fought.”
Despite Durant's injury, the Suns remain resolute as they continue to adapt to their evolving lineup dynamics under the guidance of head coach Mike Budenholzer. "You know it's part of our league. We're not any different. I'm sure there's not a team in the league that's not dealing with some people in and out of the lineups," Budenholzer observed. This pragmatic approach underscores the challenges inherent in managing a team through the rigors of an NBA season, where injuries and rotations require constant adjustments.
Adding to the Suns' recent woes, Jusuf Nurkic has struggled with a right thigh contusion, causing him to miss the last two games. As the squad faces this spate of injuries, Budenholzer emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability among his players. "Hopefully we teach and start to learn a way of playing that's good for everybody regardless of who's healthy and who's not, and guys can find ways to contribute," he stated. This philosophy has been crucial, fostering opportunities for other players to step up. As Budenholzer noted, "Other people have opportunities to get more minutes."
Durant's absence is particularly impactful given his limited play time with fellow stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal this season. The trio has logged just 175 minutes on the court together, a stat that speaks volumes about the inconsistent availability that has plagued the Suns thus far. Earlier in the season, Durant missed seven games due to a strained left calf, during which the Suns struggled to a 1-6 record. Beal, who was also absent for five of those games, underscores the delicate balance the Suns must manage to maintain competitiveness.
Despite these setbacks, the Suns' record stands at 12-8, showcasing their resilience and depth. Their 3-1 finish in the NBA Cup group play, although not advancing them further in the tournament, serves as a testament to the team's potential when firing on all cylinders. As they soldier on, the Suns remain hopeful that with adjustments and perseverance, they can weather this storm of injuries and emerge stronger.
As the Suns prepare for their upcoming games, the squad's ability to adapt without their superstar will be crucial. The return of Durant will undoubtedly provide a significant boost, but until then, the Suns will rely on their depth and the strategic acumen of Coach Budenholzer to sustain their momentum in the competitive Western Conference.