Phoenix Rising ☀️
03/02/2023
By: Jeff Yoder
Kevin Durant Scores 23 in Suns Debut as Phoenix Looks to Take Over the West
Devin, meet Kevin. The new-look Phoenix Suns only have a month to gel before the playoffs, but their offensive firepower may be unmatched. Kevin Durant scored 23 in his Suns debut on Wednesday night as Phoenix beat Charlotte (105-91). Durant went 10-for-15 and looked comfortable in his role as the Suns’ No. 2 scoring option. That may change as time goes on, but Devin Booker (37) is still the primary scoring option, for now. The Nuggets still own the West, but Phoenix is rising with Durant healthy down the stretch.
Watch: Kevin Durant Scores 23 in Suns Debut
Other NBA Highlights
Bucks Streak Hits 16 Straight: There’s a new top team in the NBA standings. The Bucks won their 16th straight game last night against the Magic (139-117) behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 31-point night. Milwaukee (45-17) has officially overtaken Boston (45-18) for the best record in the NBA.
Knicks Knock Nets in New York: The battle of New York lost a little flash after the departures of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant from the Nets, and it showed on Wednesday. The Knicks shredded the Nets (142-118) behind a monster night from Jalen Brunson (39-6-5). Brunson shot 15-for-18 from the field and 5-for-6 from deep to lead the Knicks in a 3-point sharp-shooting performance (20-for-35, 57.1%).
Celtics Clip Cavs: With the Bucks taking over the top spot in the East, the Celtics held off the Cavs last night (117-113) to keep pace with Milwaukee. Cleveland rallied in the fourth quarter but came up short while Jayson Tatum (41-11-8) and Donovan Mitchell (44 points) put on a show in the potential Eastern Conference playoff matchup.
Photo: Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images