Kevin Durant’s arrival with the Phoenix Suns hasn’t been all easy crusing. Injuries have restricted the 13-time All-Star to only eight video games since he joined the workforce in a mid-February shakeup. But, when Durant has performed, he is been spectacular, and the Suns are unbeaten with him within the lineup, fueling hopes of a primary NBA championship for the franchise in its 55-year historical past.

Durant’s arrival provides to an already gifted Suns roster, which incorporates Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton. The workforce will face off in opposition to the Los Angeles Clippers within the opening spherical of the playoffs, with the Clippers’ roster boasting two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook.

Although the Clippers are with out All-Star Paul George attributable to a knee damage, Coach Ty Lue is assured in his workforce’s capacity to be “locked in” and rise to the problem in opposition to the Suns.

The Suns are hoping to erase the reminiscence of their most humiliating postseason loss final yr, the place they have been defeated by the Dallas Mavericks within the Western Conference semifinals. Booker acknowledges the loss and says the workforce is decided to get again to the postseason and make it depend this time.

The playoffs can even see Durant and Westbrook face one another for the primary time since their days enjoying collectively in Oklahoma City. Despite the historical past between them, each gamers have expressed mutual respect and a want to compete.

Durant has made a major influence in his restricted time with the Suns, averaging 26 factors per sport and taking pictures 57% from the sector, together with a formidable 53% from past the arc. The Suns shall be hoping to have key veterans Bismack Biyombo and Cameron Payne accessible for Game 1 in opposition to the Clippers, as they get well from accidents sustained throughout the common season.

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As the playoffs get underway, all eyes shall be on Durant and the Suns to see if they’ll proceed their unbeaten streak and make a critical run at an NBA championship.