January 26, 2024 • 17 mins
Sarah talks with NBA senior writer Michael C. Wright about the move in Milwaukee and how it impacts the Bucks and Giannis's game. They also get into Jayson Tatum and the Celtics as they continue to have the best record in the NBA as well as KD's GOAT comments and the Suns rising in the West.
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Well the man into NBA pulsive production of iHeartRadio in
the NBA. I'm Sarahkustak, NBA analyst for the S Network,
and today is Friday, January twenty sixth. From our incredible
core group of NBA journalists, We're joined now by NBA
dot Com senior writer Michael C. Wright, who has got
a fresh MVP ladder out today, and remaining at the
(00:22):
top Joel Embiid, followed by Nikola Jokic, Shay Gildess, Alexander
Janisdeta Kumpo at number four, Jason Tatum moves up to
the top five, and then rounding things off is Luca Demonisabonus,
Kevin Durant, who we will get into playing really well, Kawhi,
Leonard Michael. Let's talk about Giannis because obviously all the
(00:44):
news this week had to do with the firing of
Adrian Griffin by the Milwaukee Bucks and the quick hiring
of Doc Rivers to come coach this Milwaukee team that
by all accounts you look at the records, still sitting
second in the Eastern Conference at a third won and
thirteen record. But it was more the eye test, it
was how they were playing. It was what they were
(01:04):
looking like it was the lack of a feel of
a true title contender given the talent they have on
the team led by Giannis. So when you look at
what Giannis has done throughout the course of this season,
averaging over thirty one points per game, nearly twelve rebounds,
more than six assists, what do you think Doc Rivers
(01:24):
will do for this group with this a change and
adjustment and how that impacts Jiannis and in particular in
this MVP race, I.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Think we'll see some better communication, tough love, accountability.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
You know, Doc.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Rivers is sort of an old school guy that you know,
he's the type of guy that's gonna call a guy
in his office and say, hey, this is what your
role is. You might not like it, but that's what
it is. And so I think, you know, you probably
need more of that because you have some leadership there
as opposed to what I would hear about Adrian Griffin
(02:05):
as a guy that sort of wanted everybody to like him.
Doc don't care about that. He's just nothing kind of do.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
But first off, shout out to you though, because this
was weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
You said, you told me, you said, I saw I've
watched the Bucks play a couple times and something just
does not look right with them.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
They don't look right. You said, there's weeks ago, so
shout out to you because obviously you were on to
what was about to happen.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Well, well, I think you look at things in a
team like that, and for all of us who you
come to know players. I mean, I think some Bucks
are a team that, in particular me call and get.
You watch the body language, you watch how they respond,
you watch how they respond in different moments, and I
do think when you have a player like Giannis, you
look at what happened in the summer, you look at
(02:52):
the change and bring in Dame Lillard and just a
lot of questions about this team and what they're doing defensively,
and it's not just about the change in person, but
also the change and scheme and how they're operating and
what you expect. I think that's where a lot of
things were a little bit left. And I think when
you look at the way the Boston Celtics have been playing,
(03:13):
you look at what Philadelphia has done under Nick Nurse,
I think there still was a lot of question marks
with this group. What does it mean for Giannis with
Doc because obviously you make the change to bringing Dame Lillard,
they felt like they needed more in the offseason. You
make this change now to bring in Doc Rivers to
(03:35):
help this team get back into championship contention. It is
a beast at the top of the East.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Though.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
When you talk about how Boston is playing, you talk
about Philly. What type of pressure if you would put
it that way or responsibility now does this put on Giannis?
Speaker 2 (03:50):
I think that the pressure is definitely intensified because if you're,
you know, just on the outside looking in, you're saying, well,
ownership did this, you know, not nothing. We're not even
at all Star Break, and this big change has already happened.
So that should be a signal to all of them
that ownership, to front offices, they are of the mindset
(04:13):
that we have a team good enough to contend for
a championship right now. So I would think that Gianni's
sensus that urgency there. But this, like when you look
at him in terms of where he stands in the
MVP race, in a way, this is an opportunity for
him to sort of elevate the Milwaukee Bucks to the
(04:35):
next level or to help them maintain that level, because
it's not like they were just terrible. But he's got
a chance to really sort of, you know, get himself
up high. In that conversation with you know, with the
with the Joel Mbi, with Nikola Jokic, and you know,
like I just think that in this conversation we don't
(04:57):
talk about Gianni's enough, but he's been raid.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Man.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
He's like the day after Adrian Griffin gets fired, you
drop a thirty five point triple double on a team
that you've had trouble with, and you know they've had
trouble with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
He could us to come up, come up with.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
That on this time out, yet us he can't be
stopped on that move tonight. Y'allas said out the reboundy
times this season high you're eighteen to go with it
thirty five points, Dinassis, I'm more from a triple tall.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
And so I thought that was really impressive because you know,
you know, there's all the talk and you know all
these players say, oh, well, we don't pay attention to
what's written or what said. You know, these guys are
paying attention. Yannis knows what's being said. And I'm sure
he's he's hearing that, you know, or at least the
notion that somehow he had something to do with Adrian Griffin.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
I'm sure. I'm sure that he you know, he's heard that.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
And so you know, you've got to be able to
block all that out and go out there on the
floor and perform. And that's what Giannis has done. That's
what he needs to continue to do. And I think
that he can really you know, sort of solidify himself
up there with those top guys. So I'm interested to
see what happens. And you know, I also think we
don't think or we don't talk about it enough, you know,
(06:15):
just the addition of Dame Lillard, you know, because as
great as an offensive player as he is, it takes
away from them defensively, and that is where they've struggled
the most this year. And so Gianni's has to be
the leader to sort of, you know, figure out a
way to navigate that. And you know, the MVP conversation
(06:38):
they say is all about narrative. Well, this is part
of the narrative. All these things that they have to
deal with and you know and still maintain their standing
in the East.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Yeah, and I think just the timeframe for the Milwaukee team,
given the ages of Gianni's dame. You look at Brook Lopez,
Chris Middleton, what they need to accomplish. You had mentioned
that Cavs team they will see Cleveland night in Milwaukee
at eight pm Eastern, and last night, a team that
had given the Celtics some troubles Miami bouncing them off
(07:08):
the playoffs, Boston pounds them in Miami last night, one
forty three to one ten, a really balanced effort. Talk
a lot about the starting five of Boston and just
how terrific they have been in terms of their contributions.
But that's where i want to ask you about Jason Tatum.
We've said it some last night he led scores with
(07:29):
twenty six points, eight rebounds, four assists. He moved up
to that number five spot in your MVP ladder for Boston,
who continues to roll. They've been at the top of
the Eastern Conference, they've been in the best record in
the league. How does Tatum continue to move up in
canty in the MVP conversation? Given how balanced this team
(07:54):
is in how much they in many ways share responsibilities
of why they're finding success.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
I've got to say, I like the man's style. I
really do like his style. Like best player on the
best team in the NBA, and all he's done is
sort of put his head down and balled out, just
did whatever he needed to do to keep Boston in
the win column.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
I know.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
I think maybe two three weeks ago, maybe even longer,
that he was in a press conference and they were
talking about the whole MVP conversation, and he said something
to the fact of I'm doing what I need to
do to help this team win, and that's good enough
for me. Like the MVP stuff is great, but as
(08:43):
long as we're winning, that's what matters the most. And
so I really liked that, you know, like there's a
maturity there, and I think that he is just like
Gianni's but for different reasons. I think that, you know,
there's a sense of urgency for him too, because you know,
they get all the way to the finals and get
knocked off by Golden State and they the Celtics really
(09:06):
had a chance to win that series. I think it
was Game three where it was like everything changed, like
it just all of a sudden, the switch flipped on
for Golden State, and then Boston just sort of found
themselves in a situation where they felt like they squandered
an opportunity. Well, Jason doesn't want to do that anymore,
and he's got a loaded team around him, And like
(09:29):
I said, I think that just that maturity is sort
of really shining through for me. And I think he's
got a chance if they keep they keep winning the
way they have, they stay up there at the top
of the East.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
I think he's right there in the thick of the conversation.
I know that, you know, with joe El.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Embiid is dropping seventy, it's just hard to talk about
anybody else right now, because you know, think about it,
like we always are like, well, we'll never see this
Wilt Chamberlain record, and I guarantee you a lot of
people were like, wow, I did not expect this to
ever happen. And you know, he drops seventy against women
(10:08):
and Yam and the Spurs by the way, and you know,
so we're always we're here talking about Joel andb But
I think that Jason Tatum is definitely in the mix,
and I think he can move up.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Yeah, And I think when it comes to Tatum, you
nailed it at this juncture. It's about winning, and it's
about winning a championship. You look at how many times
this Boston team has been knocking at the door, not
able to close things out, and so a lot of
I think you look at the legacy that Jason Tatum
is building that begins with a championship, that begins with
(10:41):
how he performs in the postseason, and I think right
now he's doing everything he can to keep this Boston
team playing at the level they're playing at in the
continuity that comes with you know, we talked a lot
about this starting five, how terrific Derek White has been
a fit of Kristaps Porzingis, but it all starts and
finishes with Jason Tatum for four on.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Five in this case, Tatum three another.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
And in the player that he is. So I think
ultimately it is going to come down to that. And
you mentioned I mean JOELLENBII. I think being a part
of the conversation is part of what you look at
because Joel Embiid has been off the charts for a
Philadelphia team that two has been playing really well. Third
and in the Eastern Conference in what Jokic continues to
do with Denver. But we are going to get to
(11:29):
another one that is in the conversation and a player
that has already won an MVP but having that type
of season starting to Kevin Durant. We'll get to him
right after the break. Welcome back to NBA. Paul Sarakustak,
joined by the great Michael c Right and Michael Kevin Durant.
(11:50):
Phoenix Suns. They're finally starting to put some of these
pieces together. They've won eight of ten, seven in a row.
A lot of it for Phoenix has been a bit health.
It's been about availability. Can Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley
Beal I'll be on the floor at the same time,
and also that the questions about being top heavy, what
(12:10):
can the supporting cast do? And you're starting to see
some of those flashes of a team that may potentially
be a threat there in the Western Conference. But when
it comes to Durant, he's really been sensational lately, averaging
over twenty nine points per game. I think the most
impressive part, which is often a part of his game,
is the efficiency, shooting nearly forty six percent from the
(12:32):
three point line fifty three from the field. He's playing
thirty seven minutes a game where Kevin Durant currently sitting
in eighth in your MVP ladder, But the MVP ladder aside,
what has impressed you about Durant his fit now with
Phoenix this season and how he's been an integral part
(12:53):
of this Sun's team who we thought was going to
be a potential offensive juggernaut starting to put some of
the pieces together.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
I think kat is very comfortable with who he is
as a player, and that like you don't you don't
give it much thought, but you know when you're a
player like him that you know he wants to be
in the goat conversation by the way.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
You want to go down that I have to be
a side let's talk about the greatest of all time.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Well yeah, I mean, but he wants to be in
that conversation. But you know, you know he says that
on one hand, but on the other he sort of
can defer to Devin Booker when he needs to, and
he's comfortable with it. You know, I know that like
early on in the partnership, Devin Booker was really deferring
(13:46):
and trying to make sure he got Kevin Durant involved
in Katie is like, no, man, you do you and
I'll get involved, I'll figure it out. And you know,
you look at just the last four games between those two,
they're alternating like games. I mean, book had fifty two Friday,
then Durant backs it up with forty and forty three
(14:07):
the next two games, and then Devin Booker goes to
forty six again on Wednesday. So you've got that, you
know that one two points, and then you've got Bradley
Bill and you've got guys like Nurkice sort of figuring
it out around all them, and so they've they've got
a recipe to just be a tough out. My only
(14:27):
concern about them is depth at this point. But I
think if everybody stays healthy, especially brad Bill, I think
they really have a shot.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Yeah, And I think that's a part of it. I mean,
we're we're laughing a little bit, but in Kevin saying
that about why he's not in the goat conversation, I
think winning a championship, they certainly are a sleeper in
that category. Considering how other teams are playing, how they've
been playing, that would change the trajectory of it. When
(14:57):
it comes to the Suns, do you, what do you
think they I don't know if you put that ceiling,
but what do you what do you realistically think is
their potential in the Western Conference given how stacked it
has been, but also you know, some room for movement
given Minnesota, Oklahoma City, some younger teams here towards the
top of it.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Well, you're right, and I mean because there was like
four games behind Denver in that third.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Spot, so it might be tough to get up there.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
But I mean we haven't got to All Star break yet.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
And right above them is the LA Clippers, and you
know that there's potential for injury and miss games there
with the Clippers. That's not to hate on them at all,
but you know, because they're an extremely talented team, but
a guy like James Harden, the guy like Kawhi Leonard,
(15:48):
Paul George, they could end up missing games. And so
that could give the Phoenix Suns an opportunity to move
up at least in that four spot. But same thing
though with the Phoenix Suns, they've got to worry about
staying healthy. And you know, earlier this season when the
sky was falling in Phoenix, you know, Frank Vogel kept
(16:09):
telling everybody that this is just gonna take time, and
he was very calm about it. The players were pretty
calm about it, and they sort of just kept playing
ball and doing that thing. And look where we are
right now. They've got a chance to really move up.
There only two games behind the Clippers.
Speaker 3 (16:25):
So what I like what they could do. I think
they could get up in the top of the bracket
for sure.
Speaker 1 (16:30):
Yeah, and I think short of Denver, who we saw
just when a title, there are a lot of questions
about some of these teams for a variety of reasons,
which is what makes it fun, Michael, which is why
they played the games. We appreciate you as always. We
look forward to reading and watching all your stuff on
NBA dot Com, NBA TV. And until next time, thank
(16:51):
you again.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
All right, have a good one.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
NBA Pulse with Sarahustack is a production of the NBA
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Well the man into NBA pulsive production of iHeartRadio in
the NBA. I'm Sarahkustak, NBA analyst for the S Network,
and today is Friday, January twenty sixth. From our incredible
core group of NBA journalists, We're joined now by NBA
dot Com senior writer Michael C. Wright, who has got
a fresh MVP ladder out today, and remaining at the
(00:22):
top Joel Embiid, followed by Nikola Jokic, Shay Gildess, Alexander
Janisdeta Kumpo at number four, Jason Tatum moves up to
the top five, and then rounding things off is Luca Demonisabonus,
Kevin Durant, who we will get into playing really well, Kawhi,
Leonard Michael. Let's talk about Giannis because obviously all the
(00:44):
news this week had to do with the firing of
Adrian Griffin by the Milwaukee Bucks and the quick hiring
of Doc Rivers to come coach this Milwaukee team that
by all accounts you look at the records, still sitting
second in the Eastern Conference at a third won and
thirteen record. But it was more the eye test, it
was how they were playing. It was what they were
(01:04):
looking like it was the lack of a feel of
a true title contender given the talent they have on
the team led by Giannis. So when you look at
what Giannis has done throughout the course of this season,
averaging over thirty one points per game, nearly twelve rebounds,
more than six assists, what do you think Doc Rivers
(01:24):
will do for this group with this a change and
adjustment and how that impacts Jiannis and in particular in
this MVP race, I.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Think we'll see some better communication, tough love, accountability.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
You know, Doc.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Rivers is sort of an old school guy that you know,
he's the type of guy that's gonna call a guy
in his office and say, hey, this is what your
role is. You might not like it, but that's what
it is. And so I think, you know, you probably
need more of that because you have some leadership there
as opposed to what I would hear about Adrian Griffin
(02:05):
as a guy that sort of wanted everybody to like him.
Doc don't care about that. He's just nothing kind of do.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
But first off, shout out to you though, because this
was weeks ago.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
You said, you told me, you said, I saw I've
watched the Bucks play a couple times and something just
does not look right with them.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
They don't look right. You said, there's weeks ago, so
shout out to you because obviously you were on to
what was about to happen.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Well, well, I think you look at things in a
team like that, and for all of us who you
come to know players. I mean, I think some Bucks
are a team that, in particular me call and get.
You watch the body language, you watch how they respond,
you watch how they respond in different moments, and I
do think when you have a player like Giannis, you
look at what happened in the summer, you look at
(02:52):
the change and bring in Dame Lillard and just a
lot of questions about this team and what they're doing defensively,
and it's not just about the change in person, but
also the change and scheme and how they're operating and
what you expect. I think that's where a lot of
things were a little bit left. And I think when
you look at the way the Boston Celtics have been playing,
(03:13):
you look at what Philadelphia has done under Nick Nurse,
I think there still was a lot of question marks
with this group. What does it mean for Giannis with
Doc because obviously you make the change to bringing Dame Lillard,
they felt like they needed more in the offseason. You
make this change now to bring in Doc Rivers to
(03:35):
help this team get back into championship contention. It is
a beast at the top of the East.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
Though.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
When you talk about how Boston is playing, you talk
about Philly. What type of pressure if you would put
it that way or responsibility now does this put on Giannis?
Speaker 2 (03:50):
I think that the pressure is definitely intensified because if you're,
you know, just on the outside looking in, you're saying, well,
ownership did this, you know, not nothing. We're not even
at all Star Break, and this big change has already happened.
So that should be a signal to all of them
that ownership, to front offices, they are of the mindset
(04:13):
that we have a team good enough to contend for
a championship right now. So I would think that Gianni's
sensus that urgency there. But this, like when you look
at him in terms of where he stands in the
MVP race, in a way, this is an opportunity for
him to sort of elevate the Milwaukee Bucks to the
(04:35):
next level or to help them maintain that level, because
it's not like they were just terrible. But he's got
a chance to really sort of, you know, get himself
up high. In that conversation with you know, with the
with the Joel Mbi, with Nikola Jokic, and you know,
like I just think that in this conversation we don't
(04:57):
talk about Gianni's enough, but he's been raid.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Man.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
He's like the day after Adrian Griffin gets fired, you
drop a thirty five point triple double on a team
that you've had trouble with, and you know they've had
trouble with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
He could us to come up, come up with.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
That on this time out, yet us he can't be
stopped on that move tonight. Y'allas said out the reboundy
times this season high you're eighteen to go with it
thirty five points, Dinassis, I'm more from a triple tall.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
And so I thought that was really impressive because you know,
you know, there's all the talk and you know all
these players say, oh, well, we don't pay attention to
what's written or what said. You know, these guys are
paying attention. Yannis knows what's being said. And I'm sure
he's he's hearing that, you know, or at least the
notion that somehow he had something to do with Adrian Griffin.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
I'm sure. I'm sure that he you know, he's heard that.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
And so you know, you've got to be able to
block all that out and go out there on the
floor and perform. And that's what Giannis has done. That's
what he needs to continue to do. And I think
that he can really you know, sort of solidify himself
up there with those top guys. So I'm interested to
see what happens. And you know, I also think we
don't think or we don't talk about it enough, you know,
(06:15):
just the addition of Dame Lillard, you know, because as
great as an offensive player as he is, it takes
away from them defensively, and that is where they've struggled
the most this year. And so Gianni's has to be
the leader to sort of, you know, figure out a
way to navigate that. And you know, the MVP conversation
(06:38):
they say is all about narrative. Well, this is part
of the narrative. All these things that they have to
deal with and you know and still maintain their standing
in the East.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Yeah, and I think just the timeframe for the Milwaukee team,
given the ages of Gianni's dame. You look at Brook Lopez,
Chris Middleton, what they need to accomplish. You had mentioned
that Cavs team they will see Cleveland night in Milwaukee
at eight pm Eastern, and last night, a team that
had given the Celtics some troubles Miami bouncing them off
(07:08):
the playoffs, Boston pounds them in Miami last night, one
forty three to one ten, a really balanced effort. Talk
a lot about the starting five of Boston and just
how terrific they have been in terms of their contributions.
But that's where i want to ask you about Jason Tatum.
We've said it some last night he led scores with
(07:29):
twenty six points, eight rebounds, four assists. He moved up
to that number five spot in your MVP ladder for Boston,
who continues to roll. They've been at the top of
the Eastern Conference, they've been in the best record in
the league. How does Tatum continue to move up in
canty in the MVP conversation? Given how balanced this team
(07:54):
is in how much they in many ways share responsibilities
of why they're finding success.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
I've got to say, I like the man's style. I
really do like his style. Like best player on the
best team in the NBA, and all he's done is
sort of put his head down and balled out, just
did whatever he needed to do to keep Boston in
the win column.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
I know.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
I think maybe two three weeks ago, maybe even longer,
that he was in a press conference and they were
talking about the whole MVP conversation, and he said something
to the fact of I'm doing what I need to
do to help this team win, and that's good enough
for me. Like the MVP stuff is great, but as
(08:43):
long as we're winning, that's what matters the most. And
so I really liked that, you know, like there's a
maturity there, and I think that he is just like
Gianni's but for different reasons. I think that, you know,
there's a sense of urgency for him too, because you know,
they get all the way to the finals and get
knocked off by Golden State and they the Celtics really
(09:06):
had a chance to win that series. I think it
was Game three where it was like everything changed, like
it just all of a sudden, the switch flipped on
for Golden State, and then Boston just sort of found
themselves in a situation where they felt like they squandered
an opportunity. Well, Jason doesn't want to do that anymore,
and he's got a loaded team around him, And like
(09:29):
I said, I think that just that maturity is sort
of really shining through for me. And I think he's
got a chance if they keep they keep winning the
way they have, they stay up there at the top
of the East.
Speaker 3 (09:40):
I think he's right there in the thick of the conversation.
I know that, you know, with joe El.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
Embiid is dropping seventy, it's just hard to talk about
anybody else right now, because you know, think about it,
like we always are like, well, we'll never see this
Wilt Chamberlain record, and I guarantee you a lot of
people were like, wow, I did not expect this to
ever happen. And you know, he drops seventy against women
(10:08):
and Yam and the Spurs by the way, and you know,
so we're always we're here talking about Joel andb But
I think that Jason Tatum is definitely in the mix,
and I think he can move up.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Yeah, And I think when it comes to Tatum, you
nailed it at this juncture. It's about winning, and it's
about winning a championship. You look at how many times
this Boston team has been knocking at the door, not
able to close things out, and so a lot of
I think you look at the legacy that Jason Tatum
is building that begins with a championship, that begins with
(10:41):
how he performs in the postseason, and I think right
now he's doing everything he can to keep this Boston
team playing at the level they're playing at in the
continuity that comes with you know, we talked a lot
about this starting five, how terrific Derek White has been
a fit of Kristaps Porzingis, but it all starts and
finishes with Jason Tatum for four on.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Five in this case, Tatum three another.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
And in the player that he is. So I think
ultimately it is going to come down to that. And
you mentioned I mean JOELLENBII. I think being a part
of the conversation is part of what you look at
because Joel Embiid has been off the charts for a
Philadelphia team that two has been playing really well. Third
and in the Eastern Conference in what Jokic continues to
do with Denver. But we are going to get to
(11:29):
another one that is in the conversation and a player
that has already won an MVP but having that type
of season starting to Kevin Durant. We'll get to him
right after the break. Welcome back to NBA. Paul Sarakustak,
joined by the great Michael c Right and Michael Kevin Durant.
(11:50):
Phoenix Suns. They're finally starting to put some of these
pieces together. They've won eight of ten, seven in a row.
A lot of it for Phoenix has been a bit health.
It's been about availability. Can Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley
Beal I'll be on the floor at the same time,
and also that the questions about being top heavy, what
(12:10):
can the supporting cast do? And you're starting to see
some of those flashes of a team that may potentially
be a threat there in the Western Conference. But when
it comes to Durant, he's really been sensational lately, averaging
over twenty nine points per game. I think the most
impressive part, which is often a part of his game,
is the efficiency, shooting nearly forty six percent from the
(12:32):
three point line fifty three from the field. He's playing
thirty seven minutes a game where Kevin Durant currently sitting
in eighth in your MVP ladder, But the MVP ladder aside,
what has impressed you about Durant his fit now with
Phoenix this season and how he's been an integral part
(12:53):
of this Sun's team who we thought was going to
be a potential offensive juggernaut starting to put some of
the pieces together.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
I think kat is very comfortable with who he is
as a player, and that like you don't you don't
give it much thought, but you know when you're a
player like him that you know he wants to be
in the goat conversation by the way.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
You want to go down that I have to be
a side let's talk about the greatest of all time.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Well yeah, I mean, but he wants to be in
that conversation. But you know, you know he says that
on one hand, but on the other he sort of
can defer to Devin Booker when he needs to, and
he's comfortable with it. You know, I know that like
early on in the partnership, Devin Booker was really deferring
(13:46):
and trying to make sure he got Kevin Durant involved
in Katie is like, no, man, you do you and
I'll get involved, I'll figure it out. And you know,
you look at just the last four games between those two,
they're alternating like games. I mean, book had fifty two Friday,
then Durant backs it up with forty and forty three
(14:07):
the next two games, and then Devin Booker goes to
forty six again on Wednesday. So you've got that, you
know that one two points, and then you've got Bradley
Bill and you've got guys like Nurkice sort of figuring
it out around all them, and so they've they've got
a recipe to just be a tough out. My only
(14:27):
concern about them is depth at this point. But I
think if everybody stays healthy, especially brad Bill, I think
they really have a shot.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Yeah, And I think that's a part of it. I mean,
we're we're laughing a little bit, but in Kevin saying
that about why he's not in the goat conversation, I
think winning a championship, they certainly are a sleeper in
that category. Considering how other teams are playing, how they've
been playing, that would change the trajectory of it. When
(14:57):
it comes to the Suns, do you, what do you
think they I don't know if you put that ceiling,
but what do you what do you realistically think is
their potential in the Western Conference given how stacked it
has been, but also you know, some room for movement
given Minnesota, Oklahoma City, some younger teams here towards the
top of it.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Well, you're right, and I mean because there was like
four games behind Denver in that third.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Spot, so it might be tough to get up there.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
But I mean we haven't got to All Star break yet.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
And right above them is the LA Clippers, and you
know that there's potential for injury and miss games there
with the Clippers. That's not to hate on them at all,
but you know, because they're an extremely talented team, but
a guy like James Harden, the guy like Kawhi Leonard,
(15:48):
Paul George, they could end up missing games. And so
that could give the Phoenix Suns an opportunity to move
up at least in that four spot. But same thing
though with the Phoenix Suns, they've got to worry about
staying healthy. And you know, earlier this season when the
sky was falling in Phoenix, you know, Frank Vogel kept
(16:09):
telling everybody that this is just gonna take time, and
he was very calm about it. The players were pretty
calm about it, and they sort of just kept playing
ball and doing that thing. And look where we are
right now. They've got a chance to really move up.
There only two games behind the Clippers.
Speaker 3 (16:25):
So what I like what they could do. I think
they could get up in the top of the bracket
for sure.
Speaker 1 (16:30):
Yeah, and I think short of Denver, who we saw
just when a title, there are a lot of questions
about some of these teams for a variety of reasons,
which is what makes it fun, Michael, which is why
they played the games. We appreciate you as always. We
look forward to reading and watching all your stuff on
NBA dot Com, NBA TV. And until next time, thank
(16:51):
you again.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
All right, have a good one.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
NBA Pulse with Sarahustack is a production of the NBA
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