Kevin Durant score 38 points as the Phoenix Suns ease pass Utah Jazz

In a strategic move, the Phoenix Suns have chosen to forgo a traditional point guard, relying instead on the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to handle playmaking duties. Durant, showcasing his scoring prowess, notched an impressive 38 points, while Booker displayed versatility with 24 points and a career-high 15 assists, leading the Suns to a thrilling 131-128 victory over the Utah Jazz in an In-Season Tournament game.

Durant, emphasizing their adaptability, stated, “We’re natural point guards too. We’re natural basketball players. We can play every position. … We just set people up and be set up as well.” His impactful 3-pointer pushed the Suns to a 124-115 lead, but the Jazz staged a late comeback, narrowing the gap to just one point in the final minute. Durant, however, sealed the win with his sixth 3-pointer, displaying his clutch performance.

The star player not only contributed significantly in scoring but also showcased his playmaking skills with nine rebounds and nine assists. Durant's remarkable streak of scoring at least 25 points in 11 consecutive games stands as the longest active streak in the NBA, earning praise from Phoenix coach Frank Vogel, who described Durant’s game-winning shot as a "big-time shot by a big-time player."

Booker, transitioning into a point guard role, earned accolades from Vogel as "one of the best shooting guards in the league" and commended his dual role of facilitating plays and scoring. Despite the nail-biting nature of the game, Durant acknowledged Booker's seamless performance, describing him as playing "like a perfect point guard tonight."

On the opposing side, Jordan Clarkson shone for the Jazz with a season-high 37 points, marking a career-long streak of four consecutive games with 26 or more points. However, the efforts weren't enough to secure a win as the Suns improved to 1-1 in West Group A, while the Jazz dropped to 2-1.

Booker's instrumental role in a crucial 16-4 run solidified the Suns' lead in the fourth quarter. Reflecting on their offensive prowess, Booker stated, “Just punishing defenses and making them pay for over-helping or just any type of defense they throw at us, I feel like we have an answer.”

The Jazz, grappling with a 2-7 start and the absence of defensive anchor Walker Kessler, implemented a defensive strategy change to a switching and trapping scheme. However, this adjustment often left Durant open for 3-pointers, and he capitalized on the opportunity, finishing 6 for 8 from beyond the arc.

Despite the loss, Utah coach Will Hardy acknowledged Durant's effectiveness against various defensive coverages, noting, “Kevin’s really good against every coverage.” The Jazz's last-ditch effort to contain Durant on the final play proved futile as he executed a decisive crossover and sank the game-winning 3-pointer.

The Suns, now 6-6 for the season, have secured back-to-back victories for only the second time. With a rematch against the Jazz scheduled for the upcoming Sunday, the stage is set for another intense showdown between these competitive teams.