Why Kevin Durant Views Clippers As Template for Suns to Get Back on Track

The Phoenix Suns star explained how the Los Angeles Clippers have served as a blueprint for how to respond to adversity.

More than three weeks ago, the Phoenix Suns were sitting below .500 after a Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Mavericks, and star Kevin Durant reportedly was disappointed in his supporting cast in the absence of Bradley Beal.

However, it appears that Suns have flipped the switch and begun to figure things out. Since the 128–114 loss to Dallas on Dec. 25, Phoenix has won seven of its 10 games.

A big factor in the Suns’ turnaround is the return of Beal, who missed 24 of Phoenix’s first 30 games due to back and ankle injuries. The Suns’ trio of superstars—Beal, Durant and Devin Booker—only have played in eight games together.  

Although Durant doesn’t like comparing the Suns to other teams across the league, he does believe Phoenix is starting to come together, similar to how the Los Angeles Clippers did after suffering an initial five-game losing skid following the acquisition of James Harden.

“The Clippers, I feel, figured it out because they’ve got high-IQ players who play simple ball,” Durant told The Athletic. “Kawhi [Leonard] … PG [Paul George] doesn’t do too much with the ball. And James [Harden] doesn’t do too much, you know? So, I feel like they’re simply vibing, they’re (healthy), and that’s something that we’re doing now too. … I like how everybody is staying together, staying upbeat and positive and optimistic about the situation, knowing that every day is an opportunity for us to (get better).”

Durant is currently averaging 29 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 52.6% from the floor and 46.9% from three-point range in 32 games this season. The Suns (21–18) sit eighth in the Western Conference standings and play host to the Sacramento Kings (23–16) at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday.