Kevin Durant uncomfortable with his role in Phoenix’s offense
Meanwhile, 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.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Timberwolves 122 Suns 116 Final
Minnesota sweeps Phoenix. First time Suns have been swept in the playoffs since 1999.
PHX: Devin Booker 49 points, Kevin Durant 33.
MIN: Anthony Edwards 40 points, Karl-Anthony Towns 28. #NBAPlayoffs #Suns #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/ygSPJc58qJ – 1:25 AM
Timberwolves 122 Suns 116 Final
Minnesota sweeps Phoenix. First time Suns have been swept in the playoffs since 1999.
PHX: Devin Booker 49 points, Kevin Durant 33.
MIN: Anthony Edwards 40 points, Karl-Anthony Towns 28. #NBAPlayoffs #Suns #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/ygSPJc58qJ – 1:25 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Suns can’t trade Beal because of the no-trade clause.
They can’t trade KD because then they just have two overlapping small guards who aren’t good enough to be a title team No. 1.
They can’t trade Booker because he’s their whole future.
I don’t see an out here. They’re screwed – 1:24 AM
Suns can’t trade Beal because of the no-trade clause.
They can’t trade KD because then they just have two overlapping small guards who aren’t good enough to be a title team No. 1.
They can’t trade Booker because he’s their whole future.
I don’t see an out here. They’re screwed – 1:24 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kevin Durant on Anthony Edwards: “So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league at 22. His love for the game shines bright. That’s one of the reasons why I like him the most because he just loves basketball, he’s grateful to… pic.twitter.com/RbRj7mkZqJ – 1:19 AM
Kevin Durant on Anthony Edwards: “So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league at 22. His love for the game shines bright. That’s one of the reasons why I like him the most because he just loves basketball, he’s grateful to… pic.twitter.com/RbRj7mkZqJ – 1:19 AM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Kevin Durant was frustrated with how he was utilized this season, according to @ShamsCharania: pic.twitter.com/KwiLYXIsPK – 1:12 AM
Kevin Durant was frustrated with how he was utilized this season, according to @ShamsCharania: pic.twitter.com/KwiLYXIsPK – 1:12 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Kevin Durant says Anthony Edwards is his “favorite player to watch.”
His full answer: pic.twitter.com/oJUT0eD583 – 1:08 AM
Kevin Durant says Anthony Edwards is his “favorite player to watch.”
His full answer: pic.twitter.com/oJUT0eD583 – 1:08 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Kevin Durant says Anthony Edwards is his “favorite player in the league to watch.”
His full answer: pic.twitter.com/fWxrblcr6O – 1:07 AM
Kevin Durant says Anthony Edwards is his “favorite player in the league to watch.”
His full answer: pic.twitter.com/fWxrblcr6O – 1:07 AM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Suns’ Kevin Durant on Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards: “So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league. His love for the game shines bright. That’s one of the reasons I like him the most. Love everything about Ant.” – 1:05 AM
Suns’ Kevin Durant on Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards: “So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch. Just grown so much since he came into the league. His love for the game shines bright. That’s one of the reasons I like him the most. Love everything about Ant.” – 1:05 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“So impressed by Ant. My favorite player in the league to watch….love everything about Ant” – Kevin Durant on Anthony Edwards – 1:04 AM
“So impressed by Ant. My favorite player in the league to watch….love everything about Ant” – Kevin Durant on Anthony Edwards – 1:04 AM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Suns’ Kevin Durant after Timberwolves sweep: “Whenever I provide context, it will be looked at as an excuse. So I’ll just be better next year.” – 1:01 AM
Suns’ Kevin Durant after Timberwolves sweep: “Whenever I provide context, it will be looked at as an excuse. So I’ll just be better next year.” – 1:01 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We can’t be unprepared.”
Devin Booker on himself, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Coach Frank.
“I have to be better.” #Suns #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/tfb6E9ofW6 – 12:53 AM
“We can’t be unprepared.”
Devin Booker on himself, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Coach Frank.
“I have to be better.” #Suns #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/tfb6E9ofW6 – 12:53 AM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Anthony Edwards recently described Kevin Durant as his “favorite player of all-time” and said battling him in the NBA playoffs has been “one of the best feelings ever in my whole life, for sure.”
Cool moment between Ant and KD after the Wolves advance: pic.twitter.com/SxnpVxoH1Y – 12:50 AM
Anthony Edwards recently described Kevin Durant as his “favorite player of all-time” and said battling him in the NBA playoffs has been “one of the best feelings ever in my whole life, for sure.”
Cool moment between Ant and KD after the Wolves advance: pic.twitter.com/SxnpVxoH1Y – 12:50 AM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
A friendly reminder that the Suns are paying KD, Booker and Beal $150 million next season, roughly $10 million MORE than the projected salary cap. What a mess.
Full marks to the Wolves, though. If there was any doubt after an excellent regular season, they’re for real. – 12:40 AM
A friendly reminder that the Suns are paying KD, Booker and Beal $150 million next season, roughly $10 million MORE than the projected salary cap. What a mess.
Full marks to the Wolves, though. If there was any doubt after an excellent regular season, they’re for real. – 12:40 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Anthony Edwards on Kevin Durant: “I got the utmost respect for KD. He comes in and competes every night. I’ve watched every one of his games since I’ve been 5. I love that guy. I’m excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home.” (TNT) – 12:39 AM
Anthony Edwards on Kevin Durant: “I got the utmost respect for KD. He comes in and competes every night. I’ve watched every one of his games since I’ve been 5. I love that guy. I’m excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home.” (TNT) – 12:39 AM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
Ant Edwards on defeating his favorite player, Kevin Durant: “I’m excited to play with him this summer [with Team USA], talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home.”
via Inside the NBA. – 12:37 AM
Ant Edwards on defeating his favorite player, Kevin Durant: “I’m excited to play with him this summer [with Team USA], talk a little trash and let him know I sent him home.”
via Inside the NBA. – 12:37 AM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
“I love that guy, man. I’m excited to play with him this summer, man. Talk a little trash. Let him know I sent him home.”
Ant Edwards on KD – 12:36 AM
“I love that guy, man. I’m excited to play with him this summer, man. Talk a little trash. Let him know I sent him home.”
Ant Edwards on KD – 12:36 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Anthony Edwards POSTERIZED Kevin Durant 😱
pic.twitter.com/iqLW1MnP1J – 12:33 AM
Anthony Edwards POSTERIZED Kevin Durant 😱
pic.twitter.com/iqLW1MnP1J – 12:33 AM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Suns’ Kevin Durant congratulates Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards on sweep pic.twitter.com/fmj5p3Hdwb – 12:31 AM
Suns’ Kevin Durant congratulates Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards on sweep pic.twitter.com/fmj5p3Hdwb – 12:31 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
KD/Book/Beal didn’t get a single game in the postseason.
Credit the best defense in the NBA
But Timberwolves OFFENSE also ate all series long, and that’s the larger indictment on the Suns tbh – 12:31 AM
KD/Book/Beal didn’t get a single game in the postseason.
Credit the best defense in the NBA
But Timberwolves OFFENSE also ate all series long, and that’s the larger indictment on the Suns tbh – 12:31 AM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Anthony Edwards looked Kevin Durant & Devin Booker in the eye and was the best player on the floor without a doubt. All series long. A playoff statement. A star is born!! – 12:30 AM
Anthony Edwards looked Kevin Durant & Devin Booker in the eye and was the best player on the floor without a doubt. All series long. A playoff statement. A star is born!! – 12:30 AM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
If Denver finishes the job tomorrow, LeBron, Steph and KD will have combined for a single playoff win. – 12:29 AM
If Denver finishes the job tomorrow, LeBron, Steph and KD will have combined for a single playoff win. – 12:29 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: MIN 122, PHX 116
Booker: 49 Pts, 6 Ast, 5 Reb, 13-21 FG, 20-21 FT
Durant: 33 Pts, 9 Reb, 5 Ast, 12-17 FG, 7-9 FT
Beal: 9 Pts, 4-13 FG
Edwards: 40 Pts, 9 Reb, 6 Ast, 13-23 FG, 7-13 3P
Towns: 28 Pts, 10 Reb, 11-17 FG
Suns’ first season with the Big 3 ends in 1st-round sweep – 12:28 AM
Final: MIN 122, PHX 116
Booker: 49 Pts, 6 Ast, 5 Reb, 13-21 FG, 20-21 FT
Durant: 33 Pts, 9 Reb, 5 Ast, 12-17 FG, 7-9 FT
Beal: 9 Pts, 4-13 FG
Edwards: 40 Pts, 9 Reb, 6 Ast, 13-23 FG, 7-13 3P
Towns: 28 Pts, 10 Reb, 11-17 FG
Suns’ first season with the Big 3 ends in 1st-round sweep – 12:28 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Had Minny winning in 7, can’t believe how one sided it’s been. Very impressive from the Wolves to sweep but also a very underwhelming 4 games from the Suns.
Crazy how things have steadily unraveled for them since the 2021 Finals. This is absolutely a stain on KD’s resume. – 12:25 AM
Had Minny winning in 7, can’t believe how one sided it’s been. Very impressive from the Wolves to sweep but also a very underwhelming 4 games from the Suns.
Crazy how things have steadily unraveled for them since the 2021 Finals. This is absolutely a stain on KD’s resume. – 12:25 AM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
INSANE rotation by Minnesota! Doubled Durant in post and still gave Phoenix nothing! And then Edwards ends them with the murder dunk! – 12:08 AM
INSANE rotation by Minnesota! Doubled Durant in post and still gave Phoenix nothing! And then Edwards ends them with the murder dunk! – 12:08 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker and Durant with a combined 75 points. Suns down four with 4:34 left.
Got to have someone bigger on Edwards. Beal not the answer there. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs – 12:03 AM
Booker and Durant with a combined 75 points. Suns down four with 4:34 left.
Got to have someone bigger on Edwards. Beal not the answer there. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs – 12:03 AM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Impossible finish by Durant over Gobert, but Durant is an impossible human. – 12:00 AM
Impossible finish by Durant over Gobert, but Durant is an impossible human. – 12:00 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker & Kevin Durant: 73 points, 11 assists, 23-33 FG, 5-8 3P
Rest of Suns: 26 points, 10-30 FG, 4-14 3P – 11:55 PM
Devin Booker & Kevin Durant: 73 points, 11 assists, 23-33 FG, 5-8 3P
Rest of Suns: 26 points, 10-30 FG, 4-14 3P – 11:55 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Three straight misses for Booker/Durant and Minnesota scores on all three of the next possessions. T-Wolves have been nails when the game is up for grabs all series. – 11:53 PM
Three straight misses for Booker/Durant and Minnesota scores on all three of the next possessions. T-Wolves have been nails when the game is up for grabs all series. – 11:53 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
This is a Herculean effort by Book and Durant and this is a one point game – 11:52 PM
This is a Herculean effort by Book and Durant and this is a one point game – 11:52 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns open 4th with Gordon, Beal, O’Neale, Durant a the five and Little.
Up four.
Thoughts? #NBAPlayoffs – 11:41 PM
#Suns open 4th with Gordon, Beal, O’Neale, Durant a the five and Little.
Up four.
Thoughts? #NBAPlayoffs – 11:41 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have scored or assisted 85 of the Suns’ 92 points through three quarters. – 11:39 PM
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have scored or assisted 85 of the Suns’ 92 points through three quarters. – 11:39 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns are showing fight and their two superstars are playing like it. Booker and KD combined for 29 of the Suns’ 31 points in the 3Q. All of it just came too late in this series – 11:39 PM
Suns are showing fight and their two superstars are playing like it. Booker and KD combined for 29 of the Suns’ 31 points in the 3Q. All of it just came too late in this series – 11:39 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 92, MIN 90
Booker: 37 Pts, 6 Ast, 10-14 FG, 15-16 FT
Durant: 31 Pts, 6 Reb, 5 Ast, 11-14 FG, 7-9 FT
Nurkic: 8 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast
Towns: 26 Pts, 9 Reb, 10-15 FG
Edwards: 24 Pts, 7 Reb, 5 Ast, 5-11 3P – 11:38 PM
End of 3Q: PHX 92, MIN 90
Booker: 37 Pts, 6 Ast, 10-14 FG, 15-16 FT
Durant: 31 Pts, 6 Reb, 5 Ast, 11-14 FG, 7-9 FT
Nurkic: 8 Pts, 6 Reb, 4 Ast
Towns: 26 Pts, 9 Reb, 10-15 FG
Edwards: 24 Pts, 7 Reb, 5 Ast, 5-11 3P – 11:38 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have 66 of the Suns’ 90 points on a combined 21-of-28 shooting. They also have 11 of the team’s 17 assists – 11:35 PM
Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have 66 of the Suns’ 90 points on a combined 21-of-28 shooting. They also have 11 of the team’s 17 assists – 11:35 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
If Phoenix stays small in the 4th, I’d assume they run more of this clear out for KD — and the Wolves are going to have to weigh out the cost of helping more pic.twitter.com/8014vizmm0 – 11:35 PM
If Phoenix stays small in the 4th, I’d assume they run more of this clear out for KD — and the Wolves are going to have to weigh out the cost of helping more pic.twitter.com/8014vizmm0 – 11:35 PM
Christopher Hine @ChristopherHine
Anthony Edwards must’ve gotten a bad poke in the eye on that KD post up. Still nursing it in the timeout huddle – 11:32 PM
Anthony Edwards must’ve gotten a bad poke in the eye on that KD post up. Still nursing it in the timeout huddle – 11:32 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns force shot clock violation as Booker tied up Towns.
Giving up size, but are being more competitive on the ball defense. Suns up one as Durant FTs.
18 lead changes. 16 ties. #NBAPlayoffs #Suns – 11:27 PM
Suns force shot clock violation as Booker tied up Towns.
Giving up size, but are being more competitive on the ball defense. Suns up one as Durant FTs.
18 lead changes. 16 ties. #NBAPlayoffs #Suns – 11:27 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Anthony Edwards heating up here in the 3Q to join KAT. KD and Book keeping pace on the other end. Would be more fun for Suns fans if this wasn’t an elimination Game 4 – 11:17 PM
Anthony Edwards heating up here in the 3Q to join KAT. KD and Book keeping pace on the other end. Would be more fun for Suns fans if this wasn’t an elimination Game 4 – 11:17 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant hits a tough shot, but that wasn’t good offense.
McDaniels literally guarded the Big 3 on that possession hardly moving as T-Wolves appeared to be in a zone.
#Suns tied at Booker has 26, Durant 25. – 11:17 PM
Durant hits a tough shot, but that wasn’t good offense.
McDaniels literally guarded the Big 3 on that possession hardly moving as T-Wolves appeared to be in a zone.
#Suns tied at Booker has 26, Durant 25. – 11:17 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
Kevin Durant’s 20 points have the Suns ahead in this must win Game 4. pic.twitter.com/KyXMKwm3nr – 10:51 PM
Kevin Durant’s 20 points have the Suns ahead in this must win Game 4. pic.twitter.com/KyXMKwm3nr – 10:51 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: PHX 61, MIN 56
Durant: 20 Pts, 5 Reb, 4 Ast, 7-10 FG, 5-7 FT
Booker: 19-5-4, 5-9 FG, 8-8 FT
Nurkic: 6 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast
Towns: 15 Pts, 5 Reb, 5-7 FG
And now we wait to see what the 3Q brings – 10:51 PM
Halftime: PHX 61, MIN 56
Durant: 20 Pts, 5 Reb, 4 Ast, 7-10 FG, 5-7 FT
Booker: 19-5-4, 5-9 FG, 8-8 FT
Nurkic: 6 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast
Towns: 15 Pts, 5 Reb, 5-7 FG
And now we wait to see what the 3Q brings – 10:51 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Best result for the Suns this half beyond Booker/Durant getting going has been containing Conley and Edwards. Adjustments coming for Minnesota at halftime to free those two up. – 10:46 PM
Best result for the Suns this half beyond Booker/Durant getting going has been containing Conley and Edwards. Adjustments coming for Minnesota at halftime to free those two up. – 10:46 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker & Kevin Durant: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 7-13 FG
Rest of Suns: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 5-14 FG – 10:27 PM
Devin Booker & Kevin Durant: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 7-13 FG
Rest of Suns: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 5-14 FG – 10:27 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Seven Minnesota players have attempted a free throw while it’s just Booker and Durant for Phoenix so far. – 10:25 PM
Seven Minnesota players have attempted a free throw while it’s just Booker and Durant for Phoenix so far. – 10:25 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
A pulse! Kevin Durant with the block at the rim, Book finds EG for 3 in transition. Loudest it’s been all night – 10:22 PM
A pulse! Kevin Durant with the block at the rim, Book finds EG for 3 in transition. Loudest it’s been all night – 10:22 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Gonna need 70+ from Booker/Durant with the way the offense has bogged down. – 10:17 PM
Gonna need 70+ from Booker/Durant with the way the offense has bogged down. – 10:17 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
1st quarter…
Suns with a center on the floor: -4 in 3 minutes
Suns without a center on the floor: +5 in 9 minutes
You can’t even call the small look KD-at-the-5, because they just closed that quarter with 5 guys 6’5″ and under — ONeale-Okogie-Beal-Gordon-Booker – 10:11 PM
1st quarter…
Suns with a center on the floor: -4 in 3 minutes
Suns without a center on the floor: +5 in 9 minutes
You can’t even call the small look KD-at-the-5, because they just closed that quarter with 5 guys 6’5″ and under — ONeale-Okogie-Beal-Gordon-Booker – 10:11 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: PHX 26, MIN 25
Booker: 9 Pts, 2 Ast, 6-6 FT
Durant: 8 Pts, 2 Reb, 3-5 FG
Nurkic: 4 Pts, 2-2 FG
McDaniels: 8 Pts, 2-5 FG
24 combined FTAs in the 1Q (15 for MIN, 9 for PHX) – 10:11 PM
End of 1Q: PHX 26, MIN 25
Booker: 9 Pts, 2 Ast, 6-6 FT
Durant: 8 Pts, 2 Reb, 3-5 FG
Nurkic: 4 Pts, 2-2 FG
McDaniels: 8 Pts, 2-5 FG
24 combined FTAs in the 1Q (15 for MIN, 9 for PHX) – 10:11 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant drive on Reid, finish over the top. #Suns up 26-23. #NBAPlayoffs – 10:08 PM
Durant drive on Reid, finish over the top. #Suns up 26-23. #NBAPlayoffs – 10:08 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Not a clean start by any means, but the Suns are working at least. Going small earlier always made sense, and now it’s getting KD rolling. Game tied at 14 – 9:55 PM
Not a clean start by any means, but the Suns are working at least. Going small earlier always made sense, and now it’s getting KD rolling. Game tied at 14 – 9:55 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
KD starts on Towns this time. Looks like Suns are even switching 1-5. Nurkic went onto Conley the first two possessions. – 9:40 PM
KD starts on Towns this time. Looks like Suns are even switching 1-5. Nurkic went onto Conley the first two possessions. – 9:40 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Some adjustments I think make sense for Phoenix tonight…
– Go to the no center, KD-at-the-5 minutes a lot more, specifically targeting the minutes KAT is on the floor
– Play Okogie, so as to try and contain Ant without needing to devote as much gap help as they have been all… – 5:13 PM
Some adjustments I think make sense for Phoenix tonight…
– Go to the no center, KD-at-the-5 minutes a lot more, specifically targeting the minutes KAT is on the floor
– Play Okogie, so as to try and contain Ant without needing to devote as much gap help as they have been all… – 5:13 PM
More on this storyline
ClutchPoints: “It felt great… I watch every last one of his games since I [was] about 5… I’m excited to play with him this summer, talk a little trash, and let him know I sent him home.” Anthony Edwards on sweeping Kevin Durant 🗣️ (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/nHHCSg9tkO -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / April 29, 2024
Gerald Bourguet: Kevin Durant said he didn’t sleep last night after Game 3. “Is that largely from the game?” “That’s from life itself.” -via Twitter @GeraldBourguet / April 27, 2024