Kevin Durant says Suns have ‘all the pieces’ now for NBA title tilt

Kevin Durant believes the Phoenix Suns have been transformed into NBA title contenders following their recent blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets.

The 34-year-old superstar joined Phoenix last week in a stunning move that has reignited the Suns’ hopes of finally winning their first NBA championship.

Durant, who is currently recovering from a knee injury, was greeted by about 3,000 fans on Thursday at a press conference at the team’s home stadium before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player said he believes the Suns are now ready to challenge for the title, given the experience of head coach Monty Williams and general manager James Jones, a three-time NBA champion as a player.

“It’s pressure because I’m one of the best players to ever play the game.”@KDTrey5 on postseason expectations for the Suns pic.twitter.com/PZnwhsG3x5

– NBA TV (@NBATV) February 16, 2023

“I think we’ve got all the pieces to be successful,” Durant said.

“We’ve got guys who have experienced what it’s like to play in those finals. We’ve got a champion (Jones) watching over us. Monty is a champion as a coach.

“So we’ve got guys that are already there and that’s half the battle, just knowing what it takes.”

Durant added that he relishes the pressure that comes with a high-profile move to Arizona.

A true MVP 💜🧡 pic.twitter.com/ic3HwhbAp7

– Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 17, 2023

“I know there’s pressure because I’m one of the best players to ever play the game,” he said.

“Every time I step on the floor, people expect me and the team to do what I’m going to do.

“I could feel the excitement when I got off the plane. Everywhere I’ve been, the fans have given me a great welcome. But I still feel like I have to prove myself every day.

“(The fans) set high standards for the players here, and I can tell how dedicated they are to the team.

“There is a high standard every night for every player and I want to reach it every day.”

Meanwhile, Durant recalls his largely unsuccessful stint in Brooklyn, where the Nets’ hopes of building a “big three” around Kyrie Irving and James Harden failed. The trio played just 16 games together.

“We just weren’t good enough on the court,” Durant said. “I think when you look at James, Kyrie and I, it’s incredible basketball for 16 games, but in order for you to win championships and be a good team, you just need more time on the floor.”

RELATED STORY

Read Next

For suggestions, complaints, or questions, please contact us.