What to Expect in Kevin Durant's Phoenix Suns Debut
After weeks of anticipation, the Phoenix Suns' very own superstar, Kevin Durant, will make his debut today against the Charlotte Hornets.
Coming off a sprained MCL suffered over a month ago, Durant will be making his debut in Phoenix with just 20 games remaining in the regular season. Here's everything to expect in his return to action:
Finding his fit
This game will be the first time that the Suns' "super team" starting five hits the stage together. Naturally, they shouldn't be expected to gel immediately.
Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton should know their roles and excel with Durant in the lineup. However, Devin Booker will have to adjust to being a potential second scoring option for the first time in his career. Durant is used to playing alongside superstars such as Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. While in Brooklyn and Golden State, he managed to find a balance in scoring with his fellow superstars.
For this reason, it won't be Durant that has to do all the adjusting.
Despite an unfamiliar situation for Booker, it should benefit his own production in the long run. He's spent the majority of his career with all the pressure on his shoulders, having to be the team's leader without a second elite scorer to pick up slack.
While it might take an adjustment on his end, he's more than capable of doing so and thriving in his new environment. With the attention drifting away from Booker for the first time, he could have a monster performance.
Taking it slow
As he's coming off an injury, Durant will likely not go for 40+ points in his first game back, especially considering he has a teammate capable of doing so. Monty Williams should ease Durant back into playing but knowing Durant's history, if it's a close game, there will be no restrictions on his playing time.
Regardless, there shouldn't be high expectations for his production tonight. Not to say that he will put up a stinker, but that it will likely be an average game for the Slim Reaper. That said, an average game for Durant is more than enough to aid the Suns to a win if all else goes according to plan. He'll have plenty of help around him to pick up any slack there may be until he's 100% healthy.
Prediction:
Kevin Durant: 20-25 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, with Devin Booker leading the way in a Suns victory.
