31 Jan 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles the ball next to the Golden State Warriors Guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Pictures Kevin Durant’s row with 20-point excursions ended on Friday, but the strength of Phoenix Suns was not affected.
Now Suns will seek another strong offensive performance on Saturday night when they visit Trail Blazers for the first of two consecutive matches in Portland.
The team will also meet on Monday night.
Durant got only 19 points on Friday night after recording 20 or more in 23 straight excursions in a row that started December 13. However, Phoenix matched its second highest production of the season in a stars 130-105 road win over the Golden State warrior.
“Just a strong mentality, no matter what goes out and just do my job,” Durant said about his texture. “No matter which Arena, no matter who is on the floor, just holds me to my playing field and my routine and relying me on my coaches and teammates to make it easier for me too.”
Suns has won nine of its last 12 games when participating in the second competition on a four-game Road Trip that will end Wednesday against Oklahoma City Thunder.
Devin Booker had 31 points and 11 assists in Warrior’s route, and he and Durant each made five three. Bradley Beal also played well, with 21 points on 9-AV-12 shooting from the field.
Booker said that the club’s wave is coming at the right time.
“I think it’s an important time of year,” he said. “Always just before (all-Star) the break you want to set up in a better position that comes out of the break.
“We have a four-game road trip, and this is the first one. It’s good speed on the next.”
Phoenix noted a seasonal 41 assists in the victory over Warriors, recently acquired Nick Richards added 14 points and 16 returns.
Trail Blazers enjoys their best seasonal distance, with six wins in the last seven games. Four of the victories have come with double -digit numbers.
Portland destroyed Damian Lillard’s second trip back to town with a victory 125-112 over his Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday and followed a 119-90 trampling by Orlando Magic on Thursday. Trail Blazers also won in Orlando with 22 points last week.
This time Portland fought during the first period before surpassing Magic 91-55 during the last three quarters.
“We started tough. Another tough first quarter for us,” said Trail Blazer’s coach Chauncey Billups. “It was a bit disappointing, knowing they would come out and fight. We played them just not so long ago. So we knew they would try to get their lick back.”
Scoot Henderson had 23 points, seven assists and five returns, and Shaedon Sharpe added 23 points from the bench. Deandre Ayton distinguished himself with 10-AV-12 shooting from the field while listing 22 points and eight returns.
Deni Avdija had only 11 points on 2-of-8 shooting after reaching the piles of the season of 28 and 30 points during the previous two matches. He also plays well on defense and has 14 steals during the last eight races.
“He is always willing to listen to what everyone has to say, whether it is good or bad, coach or even players,” Portland Guard Afternee Simons told reporters about Avdija. “His ability to just adapt to what is happening. Me and him have had constant communication about what to look for.”
Forward Jerami Grant (Ankel) is listed as doubtful for Saturday. He went out early in the third quarter against Bucks and then sat out Thursday against the magic.
Suns has won the last four meetings with Portland, including two this season.
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