Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
Ready or not, Clippers ahead for Durant, Suns
PHOENIX — Kevin Durant’s arrival in the desert hasn’t gone exactly to plan. Because of injuries, the 13-time All-star has played just eight games with the Phoenix Suns since he was acquired in a mid-february franchise shakeup.
But those eight games sure were impressive.
The Suns are unbeaten when Durant plays, giving the franchise plenty of hope that it can win an NBA championship for the first time in its 55 seasons. No. 4 seed Phoenix opens the playoffs Sunday against the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Clippers.
“Chemistry matters, being on the same page with your team matters,” Durant said. “In a perfect world, I would have loved to play more than eight games with this team. But I’ve just got to rest on me playing 1,000 games in the NBA.
“I’ll figure it out.” Durant’s arrival has given the Suns a star quartet that also includes Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. Phoenix is trying to make it back to the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons — they faced the Bucks in 2021 and took a 2-0 lead before losing in six games.
The Clippers are back in the playoffs after getting bounced in the play-in tournament last season. It’s a talented roster that includes nine-time All-star Russell Westbrook, two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and other strong role players like Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac and Nicolas Batum.
Much like the Suns, the Clippers spent a big chunk of the season battling injuries. They’re still missing All-star Paul George — who is out with a sprained knee — at least to start the bestof-seven series
“We know the Suns are a great team and have a great coach in Monty Williams, but we’re up for the challenge,” Clippers coach Ty Lue said.
They spent eight seasons together in Oklahoma City, where they made the 2012 NBA Finals and lost to Miami in five games.