Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns were the first team to be eliminated from the postseason. Despite championship aspirations, the Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves, losing 122-116 in Sunday’s Game 4. The 14-time All-Star reportedly was not comfortable with his role alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal in Frank Vogel’s offense. Shams Charania and Doug Haller of The Athletic wrote:
Durant, among the best scorers in NBA history, was not always happy with how he was used. Sources briefed on the matter told The Athletic that Durant never felt comfortable with his role in Phoenix’s offense alongside Booker and Beal this season.
Those sources said Durant had persistent issues with the offense, feeling that he was being relegated to the corner far too often and not having the proper designs to play to his strengths as the offense was built around pick-and-rolls. At the same time, some teammates and people close to the organization believed Durant needed to voice his concerns more adamantly and directly with Vogel and his coaching staff. [h/t The Athletic]
Despite his concerns with his usage, Durant continued to play at an elite level in his 17th season. The 2013-14 NBA MVP averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 52.3% from the field, 41.3% from three-point range and 85.6% from the free-throw line. Phoenix will have plenty of decisions to make this offseason, with limited assets available. They are set to once again pay a massive luxury tax bill in 2024-25.
Anthony Edwards looking forward to trash-talking Kevin Durant this summer
Anthony Edwards had an elite series as he led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a four-game sweep against the Phoenix Suns. The two-time All-Star averaged 31.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 51.2% from the field, 43.8% from three-point range and 83.9% from the free-throw line.
Speaking to the Inside the NBA crew, Edwards, who has shared that he admires Kevin Durant, was asked about eliminating the two-time champion, responding:
It felt great. I got the utmost respect for KD. He comes in and competes every night. I’ve watched every last one of his games since I’ve been about five. I love that guy, man, and I’m excited to play with him this summer. Talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home.
The two stars will be teammates on a loaded Team USA roster at the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer. Edwards will look to capture his first Olympics gold medal, while Durant is hoping to win his fourth gold medal. If he is able to do so, the 14-time All-Star would break a tie with Carmelo Anthony for the most gold medals in Olympics men’s basketball history.
Check out Anthony Edwards’ comments on sweeping Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns’ below:
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