Durant: Suns have `all the pieces'

Kevin Durant watched the Phoenix Suns from afar over the past few years, admiring the budding nucleus of Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.

Now he’s thrilled to be a part of it.

“We’ve got all the pieces to be successful,” Durant said.

The 13-time All-star was introduced Thursday on the floor at Footprint Arena in front of about 3,000 fans, who showed up in the middle of the afternoon just to hear the veteran forward answer a few questions.

Many were already wearing his No. 35 jersey, which has been a hot seller at the downtown fan store since GM James Jones pulled the blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets just before last week’s trade deadline.

Nearly every time Durant tried to speak on Thursday, he was interrupted by cheers from fans overjoyed by the biggest superstar arrival in Phoenix since the Suns traded for Charles Barkley in 1992.

The two-time Finals MVP soaked in the applause, but said he didn’t deserve it.

“I appreciate your warm welcome, but we’ve got work to do,” Durant said.

He later added: “I feel like

I’ve still got to prove myself. I want to put good stuff on film every day. That’s the only thing I’m concerned with at this point in my life, is putting good stuff on film every night. I’m looking forward to doing that for Suns fans and hopefully they accept me after that.”

The 34-year-old Durant is still playing at an elite level, averaging nearly 30 points per game this season. Durant is recovering from a sprained knee ligament, and when he returns he will join a Phoenix lineup that suddenly could be one of the best in the Western Conference. He said he hopes to be back soon after the All-star break.

Rising Stars

New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado’s drifting 3-pointer clinched a 25-20 win for Team Pau (Gasol) over Team Joakim (Noah) in the title game of the Rising Stars event Friday at Allstar weekend.

Alvarado, who was named the Most Valuable Player, had five points in the title game.

The win capped a memorable day for Gasol, who was named a Basketball Hall of Fame finalist earlier Friday along with Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki and coach Gregg Popovich.

“I’m going out on top. It may be one and done for me,” Gasol said of his coaching debut.

New York’s Quentin Grimes scored 14 points in the final but was wrapped up — literally held at times — by Alvarado down the stretch.

“I didn’t know you could do that in the Rising Stars game. I should have alerted the refs to call a technical or something,” Grimes said. “It was all fun but I was going for the win tonight.”

Said Alvarado: “It might not have been (legal), but he was doing good.”

The four teams, comprised of 21 first- and secondyear NBA players along with seven G League players, competed in semifinals games to a target score of 40.

Alvarado’s 13 points helped Team Pau top Team Deron (Williams) in the first game 40-27, despite an array of spectacular dunks by Trey Murphy III.

In the second semifinal, Grimes scored 13 points including the winning 3 to power Team Joakim over Team Jason (Terry), composed of the G Leaguers. Mac Mcclung, who is competing in Saturday’s Dunk Contest, nearly stole the show with 10 points in the comeback bid but missed a jam on his last attempt.

Celebrity game

Team Dwyane rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Team Ryan 81-78 in the NBA All-star Celebrity Game. Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Basketball Hall of Fame finalist Dwyane Wade served as honorary captains of the celebrity teams.

Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf paced Team Dwyane with 20 points and 10 rebounds — but he’ll be best remembered for an array of dunks. Actor Everett Osbourne led Team Ryan with 23 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Metcalf was named the game’s MVP.

Each celebrity team included a WNBA All-star. Phoenix guard Diamond Deshields played for Team Ryan. Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale played for Team Dwyane. Other notable athletes participating included former NFL player Calvin Johnson and former MLB player Albert Pujols.

Wade added former NBA player Carlos Boozer to his team in the second half. Smith countered by adding former NBA player Richard Jefferson. Jefferson served as part of the officiating crew during the first half; he also worked as an official for one quarter of a Summer League game in Las Vegas last year.