Durant expressed dissatisfaction at the same time as he was eliminated from the playoffs.
The Phoenix Suns lost 116-122 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2023-2024 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Footprint Center in Arizona on the 29th (Korea time).
The loss left Phoenix 0-4 and out of the playoffs.
It is a shocking dropout. Phoenix was eliminated helplessly, showing an overwhelming difference not only in 0-4 but also in the content of the game against Minnesota.
According to experts in the first round of the playoffs, Phoenix and Minnesota were expected to have the most upsets. Phoenix had a number of superstars such as Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, and Phoenix had an overwhelming advantage in the regular season with a record of 4-0 losses between Phoenix and Minnesota.
However, Minnesota was different on the playoff stage. Anthony Edwards dominated Booker and Durant in the superstar showdown, and Minnesota’s defense, with Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert holding out, was solid.
On the other hand, Phoenix’s chronic problems were revealed on the playoff stage. The absence of point guards and the weaknesses of role players were undoubtedly revealed.
Phoenix traded Chris Paul before this season and acquired Bradley Beal. After sending Paul, who was aging, he recruited Bill, who showed consistent scoring ability.
The problem is that Bill is not a point guard. Bill is also a scorer who needs the help of a point guard. The same is true of Booker and Durant.
Booker and Bill took turns in point guard positions throughout the regular season, but neither player adapted to the point guard role, and Phoenix had a powerful big three, but the attack development felt frustrating. 안전놀이터
Eventually, the defensive intensity in the playoffs increased, and the weakness of the absence of a point guard was fatal. Phoenix had difficulty even crossing the half court due to Minnesota’s strong pressure defense.
Durant seems to be dissatisfied with this. According to the local media The Athletic, Durant was unhappy with his offensive role throughout the regular season. “Durant thought he was too into corners so often because he lacked setting for his offense and because his attacks were centered around pick-and-roll,” Durant said.
It is certain that Durant was not satisfied with his attacking role. Phoenix was helplessly eliminated from the playoffs, and Durant expressed dissatisfaction.
Such complaints cannot be viewed as a request for a trade. However, it will be interesting to watch the moves of Phoenix, which has no future in sight, and Durant, whose heyday is just around the corner.
