The Phoenix Suns got off to a shaky start in the 2023-24 NBA regular season as they were adding a third star into the mix. After acquiring Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the trade deadline last season, they acquired Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards in the offseason.
Injuries kept the trio from playing much in the early portion of the season, but they have been playing together more frequently as of late. The results have been positive as the Suns look like one of the few legitimate contenders in the NBA.
A big reason for that has been Durant remaining an elite offensive player. Having star teammates around him certainly makes life easier, but you still need to make the most of those opportunities. To this point, Durant has done that, remaining efficient with a diverse offensive game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant & Phoenix Suns Updates
In 48 games, he is averaging 28.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game with 1.3 blocks. If Durant can keep those numbers up for the remainder of the season, it will be the third time in his career he reached those plateaus. Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James and Michael Jordan are the only other players to reach those numbers multiple times.
What has been most impressive about Durant’s scoring output this season is the fashion in which he is doing it. He is one of the most gifted scorers the NBA has ever seen, capable of beating opponents from everywhere on the court.
This season, he is showcasing that. As shared by John Schuhmann of NBA.com, Durant is the only player in the league averaging at least six points per game on drives, catch-and-shoot jumpers and pull-up jumpers. He is averaging 6.3 free throw attempts per game as well, making 5.5.
Slowing him down offensively is virtually impossible. Opponents can only hope to contain him or that he has an off night. The catch-and-shoot efficiency has been possible because of how well Booker has adapted to becoming the team’s point guard.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant & Phoenix Suns Updates
No longer having to create solely by himself, Durant has been afforded the chance to spot up more around the perimeter. As Schuhmann pointed out, 15 percent of his 3-point attempts this season have been from the corner, the highest percentage in his career. Since returning from his Achilles injury, he has been an assassin on corner 3s, making 52-of-93 attempts.
Putting that kind of elite shooting around Booker is almost not fair. He is capable of dominating one-on-ones, which causes defenses to throw some more attention at him. But, opponents then run the risk of Durant being left wide open in the corner for a shot he is more efficient at than some people are taking free throws.
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