Phoenix Suns Pick up Easy Win in Kevin Durant's Debut

The Phoenix Suns finally debuted their latest superstar acquisition, and it went about as well as they could have hoped. Kevin Durant logged 23 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in a 105-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

KD's Phoenix Suns debut 🔥

23 PTS (10-15 FG)
6 REB
2 AST
2 BLK pic.twitter.com/gTZXPti0Jy
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 2, 2023

Durant had an efficient and relatively easy night's work, hitting 10 of 15 field goal attempts over roughly 27 minutes. Devin Booker absorbed most of the scoring burden for the Suns; he piled up 37 points, six rebounds, and seven assists on 15 of 26 field goal attempts.

Wednesday wasn't only Durant's first game with the Suns; it was his first game since injuring his knee way back on January 8th against the Miami Heat. Last night was a solid step in his recovery, but he may still need a little while to ramp up to his previous peaks. Before his injury, Durant averaged 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game over 39 appearances with the Brooklyn Nets, all with a career-high .673 true shooting percentage. If he can stay healthy and get back to those lofty heights, the Suns could have the NBA's most dominant and star-studded starting five.

The win moved the Suns to 34-29 and fourth in the Western Conference. They'll be one of the most feared teams in the playoffs if Durant, Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton can gel in the coming weeks.

The Suns visit the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.