“They have Kevin Durant” – Clippers feel THREATENED by Phoenix Suns veteran ahead of NBA playoffs first-round clash

How Kevin Durant and the Suns pose a big challenge for the Clippers in the playoffs.

“They have Kevin Durant” – Clippers feel THREATENED by Phoenix Suns veteran ahead of NBA playoffs first-round clash

Kevin Durant (L), Russell Westbrook (Top R) and Terance Mann (Bottom R)

The Los Angeles Clippers are gearing up for a tough battle in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs: taking on Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns. The Clippers, who clinched the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 44-38 record, will have to deal with Durant’s elite scoring ability, versatility and leadership on a Suns team that went unbeaten with him in the lineup.

Durant, who landed in Phoenix in a stunning trade in February, is one of the most prolific offensive players in NBA history. He averaged 26 points on 57% shooting from the field and 53.7% from three-point range in eight games with the Suns, who finished fourth in the West with a 45-37 record.

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The Clippers are well aware of Durant’s potential to dominate, especially in the playoffs. He has burned them several times in his career, including a 50-point performance in Game 6 of the 2019 first-round series that knocked them out.

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Durant’s scoring ability has earned him respect and admiration from his peers and opponents alike. Many players have praised him as one of the best players and scorers of all time, and some have even admitted feeling intimidated or helpless when facing him. For example, Terrance Mann said this, “I mean they have Kevin Durant, so…,” on being questioned by Tomer Azarly, he added, “Yeah. That’s just really it. That’s not just any trio. You got one of the best scorers of all time out there. It’s almost a completely different team because he’s out there.”

Russell Westbrook on facing Kevin Durant: “It’ll be normal for me. I think people still think there’s some beef or something. There’s no beef. I got not hing but respect for him and things he’s done with his career. Happy to see him back from injury.”

Devin Booker of the Phoneix Suns said that he’s still a student of the game and is learning from Durant’s game. “I’m still a student of the game… I’m watching every step that [Kevin Durant] makes very closely and I’ve always watched his game that way, but from a distance. Now, the chance to get it live & right in front of you is even better.“

Also Read: “Wouldn’t sit down with Charles Barkley” – Kevin Durant SOUNDS OFF on his beef with NBA TNT analyst

How will this series unfold?

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Kevin Durant and Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns (Via Twitter)

The Clippers-Suns series is expected to be a close and competitive one, with both teams having star power, depth and coaching. The Clippers have more playoff experience than the Suns, but the Suns have more momentum and chemistry than the Clippers.

The key factor in this series could be Durant’s health and availability. He missed most of the season with injuries, and he only played eight games with his new team. He could be rusty or out of sync with his teammates, or he could re-aggravate his injuries under playoff pressure.

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If Durant is healthy and effective, he could be the difference-maker for the Suns. He could elevate their offense to another level, create mismatches for the Clippers’ defense and take over games when needed. He could also inspire his teammates to play with more confidence and intensity.

If Durant is not healthy or effective, he could be a liability for the Suns. He could disrupt their offensive flow, force bad shots or turnovers and lose his defensive focus. He could also frustrate his teammates or himself with his lack of production or involvement.

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