On Thursday night, Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns will attempt to outplay the Denver Nuggets and keep their season alive.
They are currently down 3-2 to the Nuggets and obviously need a victory.
That means they need everyone, including Durant, to step up.
History suggests he might.
ESPN highlighted that Durant averages 30.2 points per game in elimination games.
That is the fourth-most in NBA playoff history.
Can KD keep Phoenix’s playoff hopes alive? 👀 pic.twitter.com/osIquypQuK
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 11, 2023
30 points in a game is a big deal but it’s even more significant and more important when it’s in an elimination game.
The Suns have their backs against the wall, as it is literally a win-or-go-home situation for them.
Throughout this series, Durant has scored many points but has also been inconsistent.
Although he has never scored fewer than 24 points against the Nuggets, his field goal percentage has fluctuated.
At times, it’s been as low as 37% and as high as 63%.
His shot selection has been sloppy at times and his three-point percentage has been surprisingly low.
In fact, he went 0-of-3 from downtown in Phoenix’s last game.
The Suns have been relying on Devin Booker more than Durant.
That makes sense because Booker has been having a historic postseason.
However, Durant has still been very pivotal for his team at times.
And now he is hoping to really perform well at this most important moment.
Durant has always been one of the most celebrated stars in the league, and that is why Phoenix fans were so elated when he came to their city.
On Thursday night, he might remind everyone of just how impressive a player he is when his team is facing elimination.
