Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant took responsibility for his 5-of-15 shooting performance in the team’s 127-109 loss to the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday afternoon. Speaking to Duane Rankin, Durant acknowledged his need to step up:
“I got to come with it if I want us to win,” Durant said.
The Suns showed a glimmer of hope with a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 105-103 with 5:02 remaining.
However, the Raptors responded with seven consecutive points, including three three-pointers from RJ Barrett, to pull away. Phoenix, who allowed Toronto to make 20 three-pointers in the game, ultimately fell 127-109.
“Our game plan was to lock up the paint and make them shoot over us in the paint,” Durant explained, via Rankin. “We did that, and they countered us with knocking down more threes.”
Barrett’s hot shooting included a pivotal four-point play with 1:45 left, as Devin Booker, who led all scorers with 31 points, fouled him on a three-point attempt. Barrett converted the free throw to extend Toronto’s lead.
The loss marks the Suns’ fifth defeat in their last six games, dropping their February record to 2-8 after a strong 10-5 performance in January. Phoenix now sits 1.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings for the final NBA Play-In spot.
Durant, who was traded to the Suns in February 2023 shortly after Mat Ishbia took over as owner, could potentially be on the move again this offseason.
It’s now up to the Suns to ensure that the door doesn’t slam shut on Durant’s time in Phoenix, especially if trade rumors become a factor in his decision-making this summer.
