Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant hits first shot in return vs LeBron James, Lakers

Kevin Durant made a triumphant return to the court Tuesday night, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership in the Phoenix Suns’ dominant 127-100 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. After missing seven games due to a calf strain, Durant wasted no time making an impact, hitting a 3-pointer on his first shot and finishing with 23 points in nearly 30 minutes of play.

Suns Snap Losing Streak

The victory, which ended the Suns’ five-game skid, also marked the return of Bradley Beal, who joined Durant and Devin Booker to solidify the team’s core lineup. The Suns had struggled during Durant’s absence, posting a 1-6 record, but with their star trio back, they looked rejuvenated.

Phoenix (10-7) leveraged Durant’s presence, as his scoring and off-ball gravity opened up opportunities for teammates. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized Durant’s impact: “Kevin’s gravity away from the ball creates obvious space for the other four guys.”

Durant’s Rehab and Comeback

Durant detailed his rehab process, sharing how he worked to simulate game conditions during his recovery. Reflecting on the five-day break leading up to the matchup, Durant expressed gratitude for the extra time to heal: “Grateful for that.”

He initially felt the calf strain during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 8, but it wasn’t severe enough to sideline him immediately. While Durant admitted missing the camaraderie of traveling with the team, his return brought renewed energy to Phoenix.

Managing Minutes and Long-Term Goals

With Durant leading the Suns in minutes per game (38.8) this season, Budenholzer approached his return with caution, ensuring both Durant and Beal were integrated back into the rotation carefully:“Their long-term health for our group, we’ve got to keep that in mind.”

Durant, however, expressed his willingness to play as much as needed, quipping: “I want to play 48 minutes… but I’m coachable.”

Tuesday’s win not only gave the Suns momentum but also provided a glimpse of their potential when fully healthy. As Durant, Beal, and Booker continue to gel, Phoenix appears poised to make a significant impact in both the NBA Cup and the regular season.

The Suns’ next challenge lies in maintaining this energy and managing the workload of their stars as they aim for sustained success in the competitive Western Conference.