Phoenix Suns remind Billy Donovan that having immense star power still reigns in the NBA

The Denver Nuggets showed last season that a shift in the power trend may be coming. Whereas previous championship-winning teams like the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Los Angeles Lakers featured multiple All-Stars, the Nuggets showed that a deep and well-rounded team could also run for the title.

This development may have led Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan to believe they’re on the right path regarding building a team that plays like one. However, the Phoenix Suns reminded the Bulls that star power still reigns supreme in the NBA in their 115-113 win on Monday night.

Is the trend in power changing?

The Bulls came into their match against the Suns without All-Star guard Zach LaVine, who’s out with a sprained ankle. However, despite missing one of their most potent offensive options, the Bulls put up a good fight against the Suns.

They led by as many as 23 points before Kevin Durant exploded for 30 points in the second half, highlighted by the difficult game-winning jumper.

With rising star Coby White stepping up and producing 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, and the rest of the starting five scoring in double-figures, Donovan's team proved that they are more than just a one-man show.

“I think the league is changing in this perspective: It was always like you need to have these three stars, and if you don’t have these three stars, you can’t win,” Donovan said.

“I don’t know if that’s the case anymore. I think it’s the whole entire team because you’ve got to play 48 minutes.”

High off the glass!@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/01q1owf5G1
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 23, 2024

A reminder that stars still reign

The Suns have assembled a potent “Big 3” in the Valley of the Sun. Donovan believes that the All-Star trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal are the most talented trio in the league.

However, injuries have hampered their ability to play together consistently. In spite of that, Donovan believes that the Suns can achieve much in this league, including winning an NBA title.

“The three of them on the floor together are, like, head and shoulders the best offense in the league,” Donovan added.

“So I would think this group would continue to get better and be in position to do that.”

However, Donovan also thinks his Bulls are figuring out how good they can also be.

“These guys have been multi-time All-Stars. They had the star power; our team really competed against them,” Donovan shared.

Is the trend in power changing?

A reminder that stars still reign

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