
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 24, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 24, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns seem to be turning their fourth-quarter struggles into a troubling trend. At least, what it looks like from their last 2 games. Talking about trends, Devin Booker continued to be unstoppable on the court. Coming off a 62-point game, he scored an impressive 44 points with a remarkable 65% shooting accuracy. Despite Booker’s standout performance, the Orlando Magic emerged victorious, claiming a 113-98 win at the Kia Center. One of the reasons is that, apart from Booker, Orlando had every other Phoenix jersey under clamps – including Kevin Durant.
KD, amidst the Suns’ struggles, was the first victim of Orlando’s defensive schemes. He started the game off with a turnover and had a total of 7 to end the game. Talking about the same in the post-game, KD immediately acknowledged it, marking the loss on his shoulders. Furthermore, he claimed that his offensive lack “disrupted the momentum of the team.”
"I put that all on me for starting the game off with a turnover. That inspires my team to do that."
Kevin Durant as he had a game-time seven turnovers in 113-98 loss at #Magic, who as a team committed just 10.
23 Phoenix turnovers led to 21 Orlando points. #Suns pic.twitter.com/z4alO8HHgp
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 29, 2024
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Despite Kevin Durant’s struggling start, the Suns managed to establish an 11-point lead behind a 37-point first quarter. Thanks to Booker’s swift 10 points. The Magic steadily gained momentum throughout the game, narrowing the Phoenix lead to 5 points by half and further reducing the gap to 3 entering the fourth. Phoenix then went over eight minutes without a field goal, sealing their fate in the loss. The defeat marks their second consecutive loss, following a seven-game winning streak. Looking ahead, the Magic will face the Dallas Mavericks, while the Suns will battle the Miami Heat.
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Kevin Durant made history in the Orlando game
In a historic moment during the loss against the Magic, Kevin Durant etched his name in NBA history by becoming the 10th player to reach 28,000 points. KD sealed the milestone with a three-pointer early in the fourth quarter, despite struggling throughout the night and only managing to score 15 points in the 37 minutes on the court.
Now occupying the 10th spot on the all-time scoring list, Durant trails behind Carmelo Anthony, who currently holds 28,289 points to KD’s 28,003. With Kevin Durant’s impressive season average of 28.5 points, it could take him less than 15 games to surpass Anthony. Furthermore, he can then set his sights on overtaking Shaquille O’Neal for the 8th spot on this prestigious list. Interestingly, with consistent displays of ideal performances, KD could effortlessly secure Shaq’s spot before the season concludes.
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Additionally, KD etched his name as the fourth fastest player to reach the 28,000-point landmark. He ranks below Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain. He surpassed LeBron James, who previously held the title as the fourth fastest.
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