Kevin Durant’s Stellar Performance Ends Suns’ Three-Game Skid

In a jubilant locker room, Kevin Durant sat with a smile, his voice projecting his excitement as he addressed the team’s much-needed victory. “We’re excited because we finally got a win,” Durant exclaimed.

Durant was the star of the show, delivering a season-high 41 points, as the undermanned Phoenix Suns put an end to their three-game losing streak with a convincing 120-106 triumph over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

Suns coach Frank Vogel expressed his relief, saying, “It’s not fun losing one in a row, definitely not three in a row.”

Phoenix faced the challenge without their ailing backcourt, missing Devin Booker due to a calf injury and Bradley Beal dealing with a back issue. In their absence, a trio of guards stepped up, seizing the opportunity for more playing time and shots.

Eric Gordon contributed 21 points, Grayson Allen added 14, and Josh Okogie chipped in with 10. Durant acknowledged the collective effort, saying, “We’re doing it by committee.”

On the Pistons’ side, Cade Cunningham led the way with 26 points, six assists, and six turnovers, but Detroit suffered their fourth consecutive loss.

Detroit’s coach, Monty Williams, faced his former team for the first time in the regular season after a preseason matchup. Before the game, he expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “These are really cool games to be a part of.” However, his post-game sentiments were less cheerful, as he noted, “They were tougher than us. They played harder than we did in stretches, pretty much most of the game.”

Durant set the tone early, scoring 13 points in the first quarter to give the Suns a one-point lead. Eager to help his team rebound after consecutive losses, Durant made 14 of 27 shots, demonstrating his determination.

Gordon contributed 11 points in the second quarter, extending the halftime lead to 58-49 in favor of the Suns. Durant continued his scoring spree in the third quarter, amassing 18 points and establishing a 12-point cushion for Phoenix in the fourth quarter, which enabled them to secure a comfortable and much-needed victory. Durant was perfect at the free-throw line, making all 12 of his attempts.

The Pistons received a notable performance from rookie reserve Marcus Sasser, who scored a season-high 22 points. “He’s a handful,” Vogel acknowledged. “We know he’s capable. We did not get to his catch and shoot, and he made us pay. He was also able to generate offense through the pick and roll game. He’s a heck of a player.”

Ausar Thompson contributed 14 points, while Killian Hayes added 13 points for the Pistons. Jalen Duren, with 12 points and 11 rebounds, was ejected in the middle of the fourth quarter after receiving his second flagrant foul.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia, a season-ticket holder at Little Caesars Arena, witnessed the franchise he agreed to buy nearly a year ago facing his hometown team. Ishbia sat in his front-row seats near the Suns’ bench with his family. It’s worth noting that he had dismissed coach Monty Williams after last season.