The numbers won’t tell you, but there’s something different about Kevin Durant this season.
And it was on full display down the stretch of the Suns’ 118-116 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at home on Monday night as he scored on three possessions late to turn a 7-point deficit into a 2-point victory.
Beyond the buckets, which are legendary, Durant is being unlocked so far this season in a way unfamiliar to Valley fans. We haven’t seen Durant in a flow state like this for a sustained stretch since the Suns acquired him in February 2023.
The combination of high-IQ mismatch hunting, pristine floor-spacing, and his own relentless talent have him looking like an MVP candidate early in the season. Against Philly, Durant had 35 points on 70% shooting with 6 assists and just 3 turnovers.
Postgame, he credited that spacing and high-effort, smart plays from teammates down the stretch for his own takeover. An offensive rebound for Grayson Allen, a screen by Bradley Beal, a cut from Devin Booker.
So Durant is piling praise on his teammates while he vaults them to victory. That means things are going great in the Valley.
On the show today, we break down Durant’s incredible start and the role Mike Budenholzer played in it. Then, a look at the Suns’ defense and rotations as their win streak extends to 5.
