Thunder @ Suns Friday game thread 2-24-2023

[Mainstreet]

The Suns finish their three game home stand when they play the Thunder on Friday, 2-24-2023.

Suns are now 32-28 after their loss to the Clippers.

The Thunder play at the Jazz on Thursday, so they will be playing the Suns on the second night of back-to-back games. As of this writing, they are 28-29.

When: Friday, February 24th

Television: ESPN, Bally Sports Arizona

Radio: KMVP 98.7 / S: KSUN

Time: 8:00 pm Arizona Time

 

[Superbone]

It should be the return of Cam Payne against his former team, OKC! Anything else noteworthy about this game I'm missing?

 

[Mainstreet]

It should be the return of Cam Payne against his former team, OKC! Anything else noteworthy about this game I'm missing?

Could Kevin Durant play?

 

[Superbone]

Could Kevin Durant play?

It was a joke, Main. I'm counting on it.

 

[Mainstreet]

Kevin Durant will figure it out with the training staff if he will play Friday against OKC.

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[DJ Tabooh]

It should be the return of Cam Payne against his former team, OKC! Anything else noteworthy about this game I'm missing?

SGA vs. Book should be a fun matchup. Shai is a bucket. He’s basically a DeRozan clone with more emphasis on handles/getting to the basket at this stage. Should be a fun one.

 

[Mainstreet]

As discussed, Friday should mark the return of Cam Payne.


By Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic:

Cameron Payne said after last Thursday’s shootaround he’s set to return from a right foot sprain this Friday.

“It’s been tough,” said Payne, who hasn’t played since Jan. 4 at Cleveland. “I probably say the toughest part is coming to the gym every day and watching the guys play, especially when I want to play so bad. It’s been kind of tough. I’m ready to play, like I said, Feb. 24. I can’t wait. OKC game.”

Phoenix Suns look to make 'sacrifices' with Kevin Durant addition, reshuffled roster

The Suns (32-28) are fifth in the West at the NBA All-Star break.

www.azcentral.com

 

[Superbone]

I guess Durant isn't debuting this game.

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[BirdGangThing]

I guess Durant isn't debuting this game.

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I'm good with that

 

[cheesebeef]

I guess Durant isn't debuting this game.

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Poop. Was looking forward to that.

 

[Phrazbit]

I guess Durant isn't debuting this game.

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Color me shocked.

 

[Mainstreet]

It looks like Kevin Durant's return will be March 1st at the Hornets.

Repeating earlier post.

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[AzStevenCal]

It looks like Kevin Durant's return will be March 1st at the Hornets.

Repeating earlier post.

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Initially he was to be evaluated in the 3rd week of January and expectations were that he'd be back soon after that. Since then there have been several targeted (or rumored) return dates. It's probably best we don't get our hopes too high on his return date.

 

[Mainstreet]

Initially he was to be evaluated in the 3rd week of January and expectations were that he'd be back soon after that. Since then there have been several targeted (or rumored) return dates. It's probably best we don't get our hopes too high on his return date.

Yes. The Suns have banked their future on the recovery of an injured player and the hope the team can come together in a relatively short period of time. This is really nothing new.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Yes. The Suns have banked their future on the recovery of an injured player and the hope the team can come together in a relatively short period of time. This is really nothing new.

I'm not too worried about Durant getting up to speed but it's complicated by the fact we've been playing with a makeshift roster all season.

 

[Covert Rain]

I'm not too worried about Durant getting up to speed but it's complicated by the fact we've been playing with a makeshift roster all season.

Monty basically said he is plugging Durant into the existing offense because he plays exactly like Book and CP3 (midrange). So, it’s an existing scheme Durant already plays. They think the biggest adjustment is going to be for CP3 and him knowing when to go to Ayton, when to defer to Book or Durant.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Monty basically said he is plugging Durant into the existing offense because he plays exactly like Book and CP3 (midrange). So, it’s an existing scheme Durant already plays. They think the biggest adjustment is going to be its CP3 and him knowing when to go to Ayton, when to defer to Book or Durant.

Makes sense.

 

[Covert Rain]

Makes sense.

The one thing I have been thinking about? I don’t think our backup PGs are going to get much “General” time like CP3. Durant has been more a point forward his entire career. Book can also handle in spots. With those two, I can see them running the offense when CP3 goes to the bench. I think our backup Guards likely take the biggest hit in terms of the ball in their hands.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I'm not too worried about Durant getting up to speed but it's complicated by the fact we've been playing with a makeshift roster all season.

Oddly I think that kind of plays to our advantage because the addition of Durant won’t disrupt an established flow. The whole thing needs to be rebuilt on the fly prior to the playoffs.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Monty basically said he is plugging Durant into the existing offense because he plays exactly like Book and CP3 (midrange). So, it’s an existing scheme Durant already plays. They think the biggest adjustment is going to be for CP3 and him knowing when to go to Ayton, when to defer to Book or Durant.

That makes a lot of sense. Two big scorers figuring out how to work an offense together instead of just taking turns scoring.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

The one thing I have been thinking about? I don’t think our backup PGs are going to get much “General” time like CP3. Durant has been more a point forward his entire career. Book can also handle in spots. With those two, I can see them running the offense when CP3 goes to the bench. I think our backup Guards likely take the biggest hit in terms of the ball in their hands.

That’s not terrible. It allows Payne to just be a scorer which means less decisionmaking. Which I think is a good thing. The other guys? Just let them drop wide open treys on the defense.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm not too worried about Durant getting up to speed but it's complicated by the fact we've been playing with a makeshift roster all season.

And the Sun's record reflects this. They have to hope that everyone gets healthy and comes together in the remaining games and peak in the playoffs. However, there are a number of other teams hoping for the same thing.

I'm not worried about a healthy Durant. I saw him carry the U.S. Olympic team to a Gold medal.

 

[95pro]

I'm kind of looking forward to a Durant and Ayton pNr. Getting excited but i'm sure it will take a few games to gel. The first game is always a honeymoon, i'm curious to see how things unfold after 5 games with KD in the lineup.

 

[Mainstreet]

Kevin Durant is OUT.

Cam Payne is QUESTIONANLE.

Landry Shamet is OUT.

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[Mainstreet]

Kevin Durant did everything in practice.

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