The Phoenix Suns took care of business in Round 1 with an emphatic 4-1 series win over the Clippers. After dropping Game 1 to the Clippers, Kevin Durant and the Suns won the next four in a row to hand them a gentlemen’s sweep. Tonight, the Nuggets handed them a loss to kickstart Round 2. After the game, KD spoke to the media about Jamal Murray and the Nuggets.
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Kevin Durant put up 29 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks. Devin Booker had 27 points, eight assists, four rebounds, two blocks, and a steal. Despite the efforts, the Suns were handed a 125-107 loss.
After the game ended, KD sat down with the media, where they discussed Game 1, and took his reactions on the same.
Kevin Durant wasn’t ‘surprised’ about the Nuggets
KD and Booker combined for 56 points tonight. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the #1-seeded Denver. Their star duo of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic wreaked havoc. Murray put up a blinder of a performance tonight, scoring 34 points on 6 of 10 shooting from the deep. He also had nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals to go along with it. Jokic had 24 points and 19 rebounds.
After the game, Durant was asked if he was surprised by what he saw from the Nuggets. KD smirked and said,
“Am I surprised? Hell no! They’re the No. 1 seed for a reason.”
Kevin Durant: “The Nuggets? Surprised? Am I surprised about the Nuggets? Hell no. They’re the No. 1 seed for a reason.” pic.twitter.com/IPmayyjSEh
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 30, 2023
Further, KD talked about what the main problem tonight was. It was the turnovers that led to lesser FG attempts. The Suns had 16 turnovers, whereas the Nuggets only had 9.
Kevin Durant on what stood out from Game 1: “They got 100 shots up, we got 84. They got 37 3s up, we got 23. They made 16, we made 7. It’s a make-or-miss league.”
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 30, 2023
The Suns have their work cut out for them as they return to Ball Arena for Game 2 on Monday night.
Chris Paul and Devin Booker talk about Game 1
After the game, the leadership was shining bright in the Suns camp. Each star was ready to take responsibility. KD was mad at himself about the turnovers. Chris Paul felt like he should have helped the Suns maintain a faster pace.
“I think the biggest thing is we gotta play faster. That’s on me.” – Chris Paul
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 30, 2023
Devin Booker just felt like the Suns can be better in every category.
Devin Booker on Game 1: “It could be better. I think we can be better in every category.”
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 30, 2023
Deandre Ayton felt like the team needs to be more physical, and that’s what they’ll bring to Game 2.
Deandre Ayton on the Suns being more physical in Game 2: “We’re gonna be a complete different team in Game 2. I can tell you that. The physicality is gonna turn up a notch.” pic.twitter.com/Npz3mdbe6P
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 30, 2023
After hearing these comments, I feel the Monday night matchup for Game 2 should be fun.
