CHARLOTTE-. — Kevin Durant he feels comfortable with his new team. The forward scored 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting in his presentation with the Suns to help you Phoenix ended the Charlotte Hornets’ five-game winning streak with a 105-91 win.
Devin Booker had 37 points and Deandre Ayton had 16 points and 16 rebounds in the Suns’ seventh win in 10 games. Chris Paul distributed 11 units.
Durant, who arrived in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets on February 9, was unaffected by a sprained right knee that kept him sidelined for more than seven weeks.
The 34-year-old was an immediate fit for his new team, finishing with six rebounds and two blocked shots in 27 minutes.
“I feel like I’m adjusting very well,” Durant said. “Everyone there tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible. I just have to keep it up.”
Durant hit two 3-pointers, a series of jumpers from midrange and showed he still has the explosion to drive to the basket with a left-handed layup for his first layup with the Suns. He also added to the defense with two blocks on Hornets rookie center Mark Williams in the first five minutes.
Suns coach Monty Williams said he doesn’t want Durant to worry about leading the team. He just has to concentrate on playing.
“I think there are a lot of NBA players who have too much pressure to lead,” Williams explained. “I just don’t think it’s necessary. The job of being a leader is mine. Players do it in some places, but that’s what I’ve told him: ‘I don’t want you to lead, I just want you to be yourself and shoot.’ And I think that’s how he feels freer to be himself.”
Phoenix (34-29) entered the game fourth in the Western Conference, but could have a strong finish to the season with Durant leading what could be an explosive attack.
The Hornets were without LaMelo Ball, who underwent surgery Wednesday for a broken right ankle that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the calendar. Kelly Oubre Jr. took over the offense with 26 points, while Terry Rozier chipped in 20 for Charlotte (20-44).
FUENTE: AP
