Kevin Durant is once again watching a star-powered super team fall short of lofty expectations.
The Phoenix Suns entered the 2023-24 season with championship aspirations after acquiring Bradley Beal alongside Durant and Devin Booker. However, they fell to 14-15 following Monday’s 128-114 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Earlier in the day, Adrian Wojnarowski said on ESPN’s NBA Countdown that Durant is agitated by the lack of help during a poor start.
“They can feel the frustration with Durant,” Wojnarowski said,” via Sports Illustrated. “Part of that, certainly, is the missed games from Brad Beal. This team was built around those three stars, the underwhelming supporting cast that comes from those massive trades for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal that really gutted the organization.”
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— Lobos (@16and0) December 25, 2023
Phoenix opted for star power over depth when acquiring Durant from the Brooklyn Nets in February and Beal from the Washington Wizards in June. But Beal has played six games for the Suns, and just once with Durant and Booker.
Wojnarowski noted that the Suns don’t have the pieces to make another significant move and called the rocky beginning a “stark reminder” of Phoenix’s limited championship window with Durant.
“There’s a lot at stake for this organization,” he said. “It’s got to change soon.”
Durant had a lethargic performance later on Christmas Day. He scored 16 points on 4-of-11 shooting and committed six turnovers. Phoenix had no answers for Luka Doncic, who paired his 50 points with 15 assists.
The Suns now rank 20th in defensive rating with as many points scored as allowed (114.5) per game. They wouldn’t even make the play-in tournament if the season ended now.
That’s despite a healthy Durant playing at a high level. The 35-year-old is averaging 30.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.
Phoenix will attempt to snap a three-game losing streak when facing the Houston Rockets on Wednesday evening.