The Phoenix Suns are hanging by a thread. Sitting 11th in the West, the playoffs feel like a distant dream. But guess what? They’re still chasing it—fearlessly. Some might call it far-fetched and maybe it is. But isn’t hope the spark that fuels every comeback? And speaking of sparks, Kevin Durant just lit one. Dropping 34 points against the LA Clippers on Tuesday, he didn’t just play—he fought. Even with Kawhi Leonard & Co. breathing down his neck, KD dragged the Suns to a nail-biting 119-117 win. If that’s not a statement, what is?
Speaking to the media after the game at Footprint Center Durant was brimming with confidence for the upcoming days. Surely a 29-33 record is not particularly enticing, but it’s as bad as seems to be. 62 games down and 19 more to go, the Suns need to win almost all of them if they want to continue into the playoffs. But KD had another pain in his heart. It was for his friend Kyrie Irving. The 36YO Slim Reaper couldn’t contain his sorrow over his ex-Nets teammate’s season-ending ACL tear vs. the Kings on Monday.
Thus he shared his emotional thoughts and prayers for the 32-year-old Dallas Mavericks superman. “I just feel for my boy, you know, ’cause I know how much he cares about the game, loves the game, loves his routine, and enjoys playing for his teammates. The ultimate teammate. The best teammate, man,” Kevin Durant said of Kyrie Irving. Well, Kai’s love for the game and his dedication to his team reflected the moment he walked back on the court assisted by Anthony Davis and one of the staff in taking his free throws. He didn’t want the Mavs to trial behind the Kings.
Oct 31, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) talks with forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, Durant further added: “He [Irving] loves the game so much. I’m just—I’m just hurt for him, you know. But he’s such a strong-minded person that he’s going to bounce back and be Kyrie, even better than he was before he got hurt, you know. So, um, prayers up to him and wishing him a speedy recovery.” In all fairness, the 15x All-Star forward looked and sounded genuinely concerned about his dear friend. Besides, KD isn’t the only one who is praying for Kai’s speedy recovery, the whole NBA world is with the Mavs star in his toughest phase.
However, with Kyrie out, the Dallas Mavericks now find themselves in a greater dilemma. Currently, they are the 10th seed in the West, right above the Phoenix Suns. So, if the Suns continue their winning streak in the upcoming games, then it could push Nico Harrison’s boys out of the playoff scenes. It seems hard to believe that the 2023-24 Season Runners-Up are struggling to this extent!
At the same time, Kevin Durant is making a major demand to the Suns locker room, which has felt oddly tense lately. If they want to make it to the next round, they must shift their mindset and strategy. Besides, KD, who has two rings to his name knows what it takes to truly push the limits.
Kevin Durant makes a special request to Phoenix locker room to turn Mavs’ journey into a nightmare
To begin with, the Dallas Mavericks are in a massive dilemma since Luka Doncic’s ankle injury that had kept him away for weeks. Then the GM thought trading him to the Lakers for Anthony Davis would solve the recurring troubles. But in all honesty, it didn’t solve anything, instead, the troubles have surged. AD is also out with his injury, Daniel Gafford is sidelined, and now Kyrie Irving has an ACL tear. Besides, Klay Thompson isn’t performing at his full potential. So, Kevin Durant could utilize the Mavs’ troubles to turn the tables for themselves.
“I think everybody needs to bring that playoff-type intensity—to focus on every possession. I think that’s more than anything, just focusing in on every possession and building on good possessions, you know?” Durant told the media. He wants the Suns to have a playoff-type intensity in the games. Play every game like it’s the knockout!
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Western Conference forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns warms up before the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
He added: “Not letting bad things compound themselves. So, yeah. I mean, that’s the approach we need to take, especially being four games under .500 and it being almost the end of the season. Yeah, we got to get on our horse to see what we can do, and, um, you know, that pressure should be fun for us.” KD’s sole emphasis is on the urgency for the Phoenix Suns to step up their game to push forward. He suggested that the pressure of chasing a playoff spot should be motivating rather than overwhelming, highlighting his belief in embracing the challenge with a positive mindset.
The clock is ticking, and the Phoenix Suns know it. With the Mavericks crumbling under injuries, Kevin Durant sees a golden chance to strike. But it won’t happen without a mindset shift. He’s calling for playoff-level intensity—every game, every possession. The road ahead is brutal, but KD isn’t backing down. And if the Suns follow his lead, they might just turn Dallas’ nightmare into their dream come true.
The post Kevin Durant Gets Emotional Over Kyrie Irving’s Injury as His One Locker Room Demand Could Worsen Mavs’ Misery appeared first on EssentiallySports.