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Tag: Phoenix Suns – English

  • Kevin Durant Injury Update: Suns fear the worst after star forward's ankle sprain

    Kevin Durant Injury Update: Suns fear the worst after star forward's ankle sprain

    Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns‘ All-Star forward, was forced to exit Sunday night’s game against the Houston Rockets after suffering a left ankle injury. The incident occurred with 6:57 remaining in the third quarter when Durant collided with Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr.

    Durant helped off court after painful fall

    Smith was called for a foul under Phoenix’s basket, but Durant remained on the floor, visibly in pain. The 6-foot-10 star eventually stood up but was unable to put weight on his left leg. Footage suggested that Durant accidentally stepped on Smith’s foot during the fall.

    Suns confirm MRI for Durant, no travel plans for Bucks matchup

    Following the Suns’ 148-109 loss to the Rockets, head coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed Durant will undergo an MRI on Monday to assess the extent of the injury. The Suns also announced that Durant will not travel with the team for their upcoming game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

    A basketball magician! Bronny James makes insane layup and LeBron James tries to do it better

    Playoff hopes in jeopardy for Phoenix

    With only two weeks remaining and six games left in the regular season, the Suns face a tough battle to secure a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. They currently trail the Dallas Mavericks by two games. Losing Durant for any extended period would be a major blow to their playoff hopes.

    Dan Patrick lands in hot water over Cooper Flagg comparison-Kevin Love shuts it down

    Durant’s impact before the injury

    Before his exit, Durant played 23 minutes, scoring 11 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Earlier this season, the 2014 MVP made history by climbing to eighth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.



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  • Kevin Durant and Jason Kid's interaction sparks rumors that he could be leaving for the Mavericks

    Kevin Durant and Jason Kid's interaction sparks rumors that he could be leaving for the Mavericks

    As the NBA season enters its final month, all but the top seeds in each conference remain competitive. In the West, the Thunder (53-11) need to win eight of their final 18 games to tie the franchise record for wins since moving to Oklahoma. In the East, the Cavaliers (54-10), who became just the second team to win 14 straight games while scoring at least 110 points in each, need to win 13 of their last 18 to break the franchise record set by LeBron James 15 years ago. As for the remaining 28 teams, some have already clinched their playoff spots but not their seeds, while others, like the Dallas Mavericks, just want the season to end so they can focus on the future after a disastrous campaign.

    Kevin Durant to the Mavs?

    The Mavericks’ season couldn’t get any worse with the Luka Doncic trade and several injuries, including Kyrie Irving’s season-ending setback and Anthony Davis going down after just three quarters with the team. These and many other injuries to key players left them with only seven players available for their last game against the Phoenix Suns. In that game, a brief interaction between Kevin Durant and Mavs coach Jason Kidd suggested that Durant could be headed to Dallas in the offseason, as reports indicate that he will not be returning to Phoenix – unless of course they win the title, which, if we’re being honest, would be a win if they even make the playoffs.

    Durant would join the Mavericks to form a super big three with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. This trio looks like the perfect combination of scoring and defense, and I’d put them on par with any team in the league when it comes to championship contention next season. However, the price for Durant would likely be at least a first-round pick or two and some promising young players like Dereck Lively II or newly acquired Max Christie. While it’s still just a rumor, a move like this would be the only thing capable of reigniting fan interest in the team, as the fanbase seems to have turned against the organization since Doncic’s departure.

    Mavs or Suns Who Gets the Play-In Spot?

    The Mavericks (32-33) and the Suns (30-34) currently sit in 10th and 11th place in the West. With injuries piling up and a five-game losing streak, the Suns will likely leapfrog Dallas and sneak into the play-in tournament. That might actually be the best case scenario for the Mavericks – to end the season as soon as possible so they can start planning their next moves, which I’m sure they’re already doing because, as everyone knows, the outlook is grim.



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  • Phoenix Suns' downfall gets worse as Kevin Durant and Mike Budenholzer argue on court

    Phoenix Suns' downfall gets worse as Kevin Durant and Mike Budenholzer argue on court

    The Phoenix Suns are facing internal turmoil as star player Kevin Durant and head coach Mike Budenholzer were recently seen arguing during Tuesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The incident occurred during a timeout in the first half, where turnovers and defensive lapses plagued the team.

    Durant, known for his competitive nature and high standards, reportedly expressed his frustration with the team’s performance and the coaching decisions. Budenholzer, in turn, responded to Durant’s concerns, leading to a heated exchange.

    Has no chill! Anthony Edwards talks trash to Kevin Durant after beating the former MVP’s team

    The Suns have been struggling this season, with a record that places them outside the playoff picture. The team’s inconsistency and lack of cohesion have been points of contention, and the recent spat between Durant and Budenholzer highlights the underlying tension within the organization.

    A tense era in The Valley

    Durant has emphasized the need for the team to play with more pride, energy, and enthusiasm to turn their season around. He has acknowledged the noise and scrutiny surrounding the team but has remained hopeful that they could overcome their challenges.

    With that said, it has been obvious that he has not been happy with the direction of the team and with the performances. During the argument the head coach grabbed the player’s arm but Kevin Durant was not having it and he walked away.

    As the Suns navigate this rocky period, the relationship between Durant and Budenholzer will be crucial in determining the team’s success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Suns can find their footing and make a push for the playoffs.



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  • Lakers trade for Luka Doncic called a “gift” by high-profile GM who echoes sentiments of colleagues in NBA circle

    Lakers trade for Luka Doncic called a “gift” by high-profile GM who echoes sentiments of colleagues in NBA circle

    When the Los Angeles Lakers landed Luka Doncic in a stunning trade with the Dallas Mavericks, the basketball world couldn’t believe it. The Mavericks decided to part ways with their 25-year-old megastar in exchange for 31-year-old Anthony Davis, sending shockwaves across the NBA. The move was controversial for more than just the players involved-it was how it went down that left many scratching their heads.

    Utah Jazz GM Justin Zanik, whose team helped facilitate the trade, was blunt about it. Speaking during a broadcast, he acknowledged that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka had called the trade a “gift” and said, “I think that’s how a lot of my colleagues felt.” The fact that Dallas didn’t open up negotiations to other teams only added fuel to the fire.

    Lakers’ JJ Redick caught eyeing Luka Doncic with “crush” eyes on Lakers bench

    According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, many around the league expected that if Doncic ever hit the trade market, the price would be astronomical. Instead, the Mavericks moved quickly and only spoke with the Lakers, taking what some executives believe was an underwhelming deal. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Dallas prioritized secrecy, even at the cost of getting more value in return.

    Luka’s instant impact: fans celebrate, Mavericks fans fume

    It’s not just front offices that are in disbelief. Mavericks fans are livid, with many blaming GM Nico Harrison for what they see as a rushed and lopsided decision. Meanwhile, Lakers fans are celebrating yet another superstar acquisition, as Doncic’s arrival immediately catapults the team into championship contention.

    Doncic wasted no time making an impact. In his first game with the Lakers, he delivered a dominant 40-point triple-double against the Phoenix Suns, making it clear that he’s ready to lead L.A. into a new era. The Western Conference looks a lot different now, and the rest of the league is left wondering if the Mavericks just handed the Lakers another dynasty.

    For the Jazz, their role in the trade was minor, taking on Jalen Hood-Schifino’s contract to help facilitate the deal. But Zanik hinted that Utah will have something to say about the new-look West soon enough.“When we’re up there with those guys very soon, maybe I’ll care a little bit more about being the third team,”he said with a grin.

    The Luka Doncic trade will be debated for years, but for now, one team has clearly come out on top-and it’s not the Mavericks.



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  • LeBron, Curry, and Durant's team-up post sparks furious feud between NBA and soccer fans

    LeBron, Curry, and Durant's team-up post sparks furious feud between NBA and soccer fans

    The NBA put on quite the show on Christmas Day with several exciting finishes to keep fans interested on the holiday.

    Fans were also treated to an ABC special titled “NBA OGs Convo” featuring the trio of LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

    The special was created to celebrate the legacies of the three all-time greats, and while basketball fans were excited by what they saw, fans of other sports also weighed in.

    After the NBA’s Instagram account posted a picture from the special, soccer fans let it be known they weren’t all that impressed.

    “They can’t even crack 1M likes…They could never have the streets like footy,” wrote one fan.

    “Basketball is just America. And they call it the world champion,” wrote another fan.

    Another wrote: “I like both sports but I ain’t trying to watch an NBA game where both teams shoot 50 3’s each every game…I will gladly watch football over basketball,” added another.

    NBA fans stick up for the league

    It didn’t take long for basketball fans to hit back and defend their league.

    “These guys are so insecure about American sports,” wrote one fan.

    Another added: “NBA generates more money than soccer who cares about instagram likes.”

    A third wrote: “Tbh Steph clears Messi and Ronny.”

    Regardless of the argument in the comments section, the NBA saw strong viewership numbers for its Christmas Day schedule.

    The game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors averaged 7.76 million viewers, with the entire five-game slate averaging 5.25 million viewers.

    “I wish there were more of our great players who had a chance to play on that stage on Christmas Day,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said shortly before Christmas. 

    “It’s been an interesting turnaround from certainly my earlier days in the league when we got a lot of complaints about playing on Christmas – and now it comes the other way, which is, ‘Why aren’t we playing on Christmas?’”



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  • Jimmy Butler's agent blasts ESPN insider after reports indicate that he'll move to Phoenix

    Jimmy Butler's agent blasts ESPN insider after reports indicate that he'll move to Phoenix

    This is getting awkward. Just hours after a report that indicated that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler would be open to a move to the Phoenix Suns, now other sources indicate that it is not true and you can say it’s a reliable report.

    Bernie Lee, the agent representing the NBA player, has publicly criticized ESPN insider Shams Charania for recent reports suggesting that Butler is considering approving a trade out west.

    LeBron James’ surprise appearance on podcast with Savannah James gets hilarious

    Charania’s report indicated that Butler was open to joining the Suns, along with other teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Golden State Warriors. This information sent ripples through the NBA community, sparking speculation and excitement about Butler’s potential new home.

    Being surprised himself

    Bernie Lee swiftly took to social media to denounce Shams Charania’s report, labeling it as “fabricated” and demanding a retraction and apology. In a series of pointed tweets, Lee expressed his frustration, stating that the report was not only incorrect but also harmful to Butler and the teams mentioned.

    He emphasized that any legitimate news about Butler’s future would come directly from their camp and not through speculative reports. Lee’s strong response highlights the tension that can arise between players’ representatives and the media, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like potential trades and career moves.

    The incident also underscores the challenges journalists face in reporting accurate and timely information in the fast-paced world of professional sports. As the situation unfolds, fans and analysts are left wondering about the veracity of the initial reports and the true intentions of Butler and his team.



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  • Kevin Durant claps back at Keyshawn Johnson's critique over Warriors' success

    Kevin Durant claps back at Keyshawn Johnson's critique over Warriors' success

    Kevin Durant has recently been at the center of social media buzz, responding robustly to critiques about his career decisions. On Monday, former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson took a jab at Durant’s choice to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016. During his guest appearance on “Undisputed Live,” Johnson suggested that the Warriors’ success could have been replicated with another player, such as Paul Pierce.

    Johnson‘s comment downplayed Durant‘s role in the Warriors’ achievements, implying the team could have thrived with Pierce instead. “If I put Paul Pierce on the Golden State Warriors with Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Steph Curry, you don’t think he could do the same?” Johnson questioned.

    Durant, never one to shy away from defending his legacy, responded on social media. He countered Johnson‘s hypothetical with one of his own, suggesting the Jets could have benefited from different choices in the 1996 NFL Draft. Durant tweeted, “If the Jets would’ve taken Jonathan Ogden, Marvin Harrison, Ray Lewis, or Eddie George number 1, they would’ve been better off. I hate hypotheticals.”

    Durant helped create a dynasty in the Bay

    Kevin Durant trolls Nike for excluding him from Olympic commercial

    Durant‘s tenure with the Warriors was marked by significant success. From 2017 to 2019, he helped the team win back-to-back NBA championships and reach three consecutive Finals. His impressive averages of 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game highlight his vital contribution to the team’s dominance. Many believe the Warriors might have won a third straight title if Durant hadn’t ruptured his Achilles during the 2019 Finals against the Toronto Raptors.

    Beyond social media spats, Durant has also drawn attention in the context of Team USA basketball. Despite missing all exhibition games, Durant played a prominent role in Team USA’s opening 110-84 win on Sunday, overshadowing Jayson Tatum, who did not play. Durant’s efficient performance, scoring 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting, caught the eye of analyst Kendrick Perkins. On “First Take,” Perkins highlighted Durant’s importance in past Team USA victories, noting, “The last time Team USA won the gold, Kevin Durant was the best player. And Jayson Tatum was the second-best player.”

    Kevin Durant remains a formidable presence both on the court and in the digital arena, continually asserting his impact and legacy in the face of criticism.



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  • The rumor that Angel Reese and Kevin Durant are dating just won't go away: Are they a couple?

    The rumor that Angel Reese and Kevin Durant are dating just won't go away: Are they a couple?

    As the Paris Olympics 2024 continues to draw global interest, speculation has arisen around Kevin Durant and Angel Reese, suggesting a possible romantic connection between the NBA superstar and the Chicago Sky player. This buzz began when Durant and Reese were spotted together at a Team USA Women’s Basketball exhibition game against Germany.

    They sat beside each other during the game at the O2 Arena in London, where Team USA claimed an 84-57 victory. The rumors were further fueled by the presence of Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha, who attended the game with them, hinting at potential double dates.

    Cam Newton mimics Angel Reese’s viral video and WNBA fans cry with laughter

    No comment on rumors

    Despite the growing curiosity, neither Durant nor Reese has commented publicly on the rumors. Durant has not had a public relationship since his split from former WNBA player Monica Wright in 2014.

    Reese, on the other hand, recently confirmed her single status after ending her nearly year-long relationship with Cam’ron Fletcher earlier this year, as she announced during an Instagram live session in late March 2024.

    Reese has previously expressed admiration for Durant ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, when she named him as her preferred 2v2 coed basketball partner, citing him as her favorite player and appreciating his roots in the Washington Metropolitan Area (DMV).

    She has mentioned that Durant’s career and skills have been an inspiration for her own basketball journey.



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  • Bronny James draws draft interest from surprise team that rivals LeBron's Lakers

    Bronny James draws draft interest from surprise team that rivals LeBron's Lakers

    The Dallas Mavericks are showing serious interest in drafting Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are eyeing Bronny for their 58th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. This news has sparked a frenzy of speculation among fans and analysts alike.

    The draft pool this year is notably thin on future stars, making it unlikely that Bronny will still be available by the time the Mavericks make their pick. “All current indications suggest that LeBron James’ 19-year-old son will be selected earlier in the second round before Dallas makes the last pick in the draft,” Stein revealed in a post on Saturday. This has only added to the excitement surrounding Bronny’s draft prospects.

    Bronny declared for the NBA Draft in April after spending a turbulent season at USC, which was cut short due to his recovery from cardiac arrest. Despite the challenges, his brief college career has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of NBA scouts. His potential and pedigree have made him one of the most talked-about players in the draft.

    Bronny James’ options are limited so far

    So far, Bronny has worked out for just two teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. The workouts have reportedly gone well, further solidifying his status as a top prospect. However, his agent, Rich Paul, has indicated that it’s “unlikely”Bronny will work out for the Mavericks or any other teams ahead of the NBA Draft on June 16. This decision leaves many wondering about the strategy behind the Mavericks’ interest.

    Bronny James spotted with the Lakers uniform

    The Mavericks’ interest in Bronny could be a strategic move to stir up excitement and keep other teams on their toes. With the draft just days away, teams often use such tactics to create smokescreens and maintain an element of surprise. Whether Dallas truly believes they have a shot at Bronny or are simply playing the game remains to be seen.

    As the draft date approaches, the anticipation surrounding Bronny James continues to build. Will he follow in his father’s footsteps and make a name for himself in the NBA? Will the Mavericks pull off a surprise move and land him with their 58th pick? The drama is palpable, and the basketball world is watching with bated breath.



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  • Charles Barkley's tragic family tale of drug addiction and loss: 'I almost did cocaine one time'

    Charles Barkley's tragic family tale of drug addiction and loss: 'I almost did cocaine one time'

    In a heart-wrenching revelation, NBA legend Charles Barkley has opened up about his painful journey dealing with drug addiction and the devastating loss of his younger brother, Darryl Barkley.

    During a candid interview on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, the former Phoenix Suns power forward recalled the profound impact of his brother’s cocaine addiction, which ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 42.

    The former NBA MVP expressed deep regret and sorrow over his brother’s struggle with addiction, revealing that he had even contemplated trying cocaine himself to understand his brother’s plight.

    “I almost did cocaine one time. I had put my brother in a bunch of rehabs… I ain’t never had something so strong that I would give up the NBA or my money saying, ‘I gotta do drugs,’” Barkley shared, highlighting the destructive nature of addiction.

    Charles Barkley’s harsh love

    Barkley’s efforts to save his brother from the grip of drugs were relentless, including multiple stints in rehab and stern warnings against drug trafficking. However, despite his best efforts, Darryl Barkley was arrested in 1989 for drug charges, which strained the relationship between the brothers.

    “I love my brother, but I told him if he [sells drugs], he is out of our lives forever… Maybe he’ll wake up if he hears those [prison] doors slam behind him,” Barkley stated at the time, emphasizing his tough stance against drug abuse.

    Darryl Barkley’s tragic fate

    Tragically, Barkley’s worst fears were realized when Darryl passed away from a heart attack in 2009. Reflecting on his brother’s death, the former NBA star has become a staunch advocate against drug abuse, urging young people to steer clear of drugs.

    “If you consume drugs, it’s not a matter of if you die but when you die,” Barkley cautioned, using his family’s tragic experience as a stark warning to others.

    Despite the pain and loss he has endured, Charles Barkley remains a beacon of hope, using his platform to educate and inspire others to avoid the pitfalls of addiction.



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