Live stream: Clippers 116, Suns 107

The Los Angeles Clippers (33-28) play against the Phoenix Suns (32-28) at Footprint Center

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Game Time: 10:00 PM EST on Thursday February 16, 2023

Los Angeles Clippers 116, Phoenix Suns 107 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
New @LockedOnNetwork #NBA show w/ @Adam Mares
– Kevin Durant on Suns’ title chances
– Giannis’ wrist injury/Bucks surging
– Nikola Jokic running away with another MVP
– Most interesting teams post-All-Star break
YouTube: youtu.be/EfVWJUbYKmU
Podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/4EWpV1…2:03 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I just want to see us work out the kinks.”
Josh Okogie on #Suns 1st 5 games after All-Star break as Cameron Payne is set to return Feb. 24 vs. OKC.
Landry Shamet (foot) and Payne (foot) will be re-evaluated after break. Kevin Durant (knee) looks to make Suns debut after break. pic.twitter.com/ubKcKVlDCr2:00 AM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
No wear-down effect for the Suns tonight: arizonasports.com/story/3500536/…1:59 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Here’s Ty Lue’s postgame exchange where he described talking with Bones Hyland about not conforming to the role of a “traditional point guard” but walking the fine line of being who he is while still making the right play. pic.twitter.com/IYEgJNIPLv1:59 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Unbelievable man. Stepping up big.”
Devin Booker on Josh Okogie, who scored a team-high 24 points in #Suns loss Thursday to #Clippers pic.twitter.com/6yJjuH5F2F1:51 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Coach has to make his decision, but I can control what I can control by just going out there and playing free and play to the best of my ability.”
Josh Okogie on looking to start along with Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton and Kevin Durant (knee) when he returns. #Suns pic.twitter.com/Wj0yZOICOT1:50 AM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Asked Paul George what LAC needs to do over the final 8 weeks to be playoff-ready. His first answer was to “accept the challenge.” But he mentioned, notably — to me, at least — that “we got everything we need, we got playmaking, we got scorers, we got defensive stoppers…” pic.twitter.com/gRm2plELpB1:47 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
5 takeaways from Phoenix #Suns losing to L.A. #Clippers before #NBAAllStar break
https://t.co/bw7jczGrRe via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/nzrcvFpTBu1:45 AM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers are tied with Celtics for league-high 18 road wins.
Now, Clippers have also played most road games (along with Hornets). Only 8 more left.
But Clippers have done well to bank wins in hostile environments. Only other West team with winning road record are Kings (15-13). – 1:41 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I think we had two shot clock violations. That never happens.”
Monty Williams on #Suns struggling to score against #Clippers switching defenses in Thursday’s loss. pic.twitter.com/xMQbQ5QHba1:41 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I played too many guys tonight. It’s hard for guys to get a rhythm when you’re playing that many guys.”
Monty Williams as he played 12 of the 13 players available in Thursday’s loss to the #Clippers with Darius Bazley the only one who didn’t play. #Suns pic.twitter.com/2EOWfCHApT1:39 AM

Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
The Mann was hoopin’
🎯 @Kia Performance of the Game pic.twitter.com/JTf6ZVnZLa1:30 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Josh Okogie mentioned playing freely, so I asked if that’s part of his hot 3-point shooting over the last month or so. Here’s what he said:
“I used to get down on myself after missing some, and coach would just tell me, ‘I don’t care if you miss 8 in a row. Shoot the next one.’” pic.twitter.com/gLcQaCpdLw1:27 AM

BJ Boston @bboston_
Great Win Tonight🔵🔴🗣 – 1:19 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“Doing what he’s always done. It’s tough to do though in a new system and just come out here playing and playing aggressive, and we need that outta him.” – Devin Booker on Terrence Ross’ first Suns game – 1:19 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
“We still got to get better,” Kawhi said. “I don’t think we’re playing at a championship level yet but we’re gradually getting better and we got to keep getting better.”
What does that level entail?
“We’ll see when it happens. It’s a feel that you have. It’s hard to explain.” – 1:16 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
I asked Devin Booker how he plans on spending his break.
“Um, we’ll see.”
Is he going to make sure he’s back early to get in work with a certain someone?
“Yeah. Work doesn’t stop.”
He will be here. – 1:08 AM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
Heading into the break with a W!
📼 @honey highlights vs. the Suns pic.twitter.com/wxaVLnvorv1:05 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Josh Okogie said he looks at the open starting job as a day-to-day basis.
“I don’t really look towards the future, ’cause sometimes when you do that, you forget about the present.” – 12:51 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Thunder vs Suns on 2.24.23 has been flexed to ESPN.
OKC vs KD in his first game in a Suns jersey? SGA vs his mentor CP3.
Thunder has now been bumped to 3 nationally televised games. – 12:51 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Eric Gordon tonight in Phoenix: 7 assists, 0 turnovers off bench. – 12:50 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
J.O. with a career-high six 3PM 👌
Tonight’s @FanDuel Stat Line of the Game pic.twitter.com/1HWq8ZSs7812:49 AM

Ralph Lawler @Ohmeomy
Important win for Clippers in Phoenix tonight. The win sees them move up a notch to the 4th spot in the West. T-Mann was special. Time now for the All-Star break. – 12:49 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“He’s doing what we want him to do.”
Monty Williams said Terrence Ross was getting up shots, and although he made some defensive mistakes, they were a matter of still needing to learn the Suns’ schemes on that end – 12:45 AM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Chris Paul passes Michael Jordan for third place on the all-time steals list 😤 pic.twitter.com/uIX4BYJ8b012:42 AM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ty Lue postgame said he told Bones not to “be a traditional point guard. I asked, OK, how does that square with you stressing that you want that traditional PG role in your lineup? Lue said he wants Bones to play to his strengths — not to turn off his scoring instinct. – 12:42 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“You always want to win before you have a few days off, but we didn’t. So you have to accept it and look at why you didn’t win.”
Monty Williams said the Suns’ defense was good for the most part, but a 37-point quarter hurt them – 12:41 AM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
New BS Pod: Philly’s ceiling, Orlando’s future, Ben Simmons’s past and Kawhi Leonard’s present w/ @ChrisRyan77 @Ceruti @Michael Pina
open.spotify.com/episode/7xinZW…12:40 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns will enter the All-Star break as the 5-seed in the West, trailing the Clippers by half a game and the Kings in 3rd by 1.5 games – 12:38 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
The Clippers are now the 4 seed in the West. pic.twitter.com/F7Y20aUupo12:37 AM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers win 116-107 in Phoenix.
Western Conference standings please!
3. Kings (32-25)
4. Clippers (33-28)
5. Suns (32-28)
Clippers went from 23-24 to winning 10 of 14 entering break. They host Kings and visit Denver next weekend.
But for now: All-Star at SLC with Bones+PG! – 12:37 AM
Kelly Iko @KellyIko
This is all Eric Gordon wanted — meaningful minutes for a team expected to make a postseason run. Hard not to be happy for him. – 12:35 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Clippers keep the tiebreaker alive with that win. Suns lead it 2-1. If it actually does come down to that last game, it is both teams’ last game of the season on the last day of the season. – 12:33 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: LAC 116, PHX 107
Okogie: 24 Pts, 9-16 FG, 6-12 3P
Booker: 19 Pts, 9 Ast, 6-17 FG
Ayton: 18 Pts, 6 Reb, 8-13 FG
Ross: 16-4-4, 7-17 FG
George: 26-6-5, 9-19 FG – 12:33 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Devin Booker hs 5 fouls – 12:33 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Eric Gordon has been outstanding this week at the chop down strip block. – 12:32 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Chris Paul is now 3rd all-time in steals.
Passing MJ and only 169 away from Jason Kidd. pic.twitter.com/dy7KbAROei12:31 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Watching Durant and #Suns assistant Bryan Gates talking during the timeout. – 12:31 AM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
suns didn’t have an answer for terance mann since he ran the ball down their throat on the game’s opening possession. 26 points on 12 shots – 12:31 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
You need Terance Mann on the floor to keep the energy at an appropriate level. Period.
Looked like he was gonna need a minute after drawing hard Booker foul.
He good. Gets up, inbounds, then cuts weak baseline for a bucket from Zu.
26 points. 10/12 FGs. Footprint exiting. – 12:30 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Clippers are good. I know it’s hard for Nuggets fans to fear them, but they ARE good. – 12:30 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Fans leaving. #Suns down 113-105 with 1:25 left in game after Mann cut and finish. – 12:30 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ivica Zubac is slow to move after throwing that assist on a backdoor-cutting Terance Mann for a dunk to ice the team. Zubac was grimacing a little. – 12:29 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Leonard up fake, drive around Craig and finish over the top.
#Suns down 111-105 with 1:39 left in the game – 12:28 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Right baseline two hands for safety Kawhi 🔨 are the best – 12:28 AM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
eric gordon’s fourth quarter defense on devin booker belonged in game 5 of a conference finals. that dude really missed competitive basketball – 12:28 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Tough night for Devin Booker, but that hesitation move for the and-1 on Zubac was mean – 12:27 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Use it or lose it timeout called by Tyronn Lue with a 107-100 lead. 3:04 left to play.
Clippers up to 4 turnovers in this quarter and have missed all 3 3s. But they’re grinding this one out so far. – 12:25 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Devin Booker having heated words with the referees I believe.
#Suns down seven with 3:04 left. – 12:24 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
3K for DA! 😤
Congrats, @Deandre Ayton, on 3,000 career rebounds 👏 pic.twitter.com/j6VYVgwKXU12:23 AM

John Hollinger @johnhollinger
I’m just glad Mason Plumlee is in a city that makes it more logical for him to be sunburnt in February. – 12:22 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Kevin Durant had hints of sadness, gratitude, and frustration when reflecting on his time with the Nets during his introductory press conference in Phoenix.
My column on KD’s failed Brooklyn experiment and the complicated task of assessing his Nets legacy:clutchpoints.com/kevin-durants-…12:21 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Chris Paul is now
— 3rd all-time in assists
— 3rd all-time in steals (tied with MJ)
Point God. pic.twitter.com/C2k4P18yoX12:20 AM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Josh Okogie hits his 6th 3-pointer of the night. His previous career high was 4 and he had only done that three times. He has now made 15 3s in the last 4 games. – 12:19 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Josh Okogie: 6/11 3s
Rest of Suns: 5/17 3s
Clippers up 103-96 with 5:53 left.
Okogie’s last 3 came after Hyland’s pass inside was stolen by Chris Paul. Only 11 turnovers for Clippers, but they’re getting outscored 24-12 off turnovers. – 12:18 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Start your All-Star Weekend with a burger! 🍔
Tomorrow get a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger® at a Valley @CarlsJr with the purchase of a large fountain drink. pic.twitter.com/vWfL5fAvGP12:18 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Josh Okogie is 6-for-11 from 3-point range and has 24 points.
I repeat: SIX. FOR. ELEVEN. FROM. 3.
Suns down 7 with just under 6 minutes to go – 12:17 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Officially: my stance is that I hope Bones becomes a long term fixture in LA. I want nothing but great things for him, and he seems like an excellent new generation version of Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams. – 12:15 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Phoenix in bonus last 6:55 – 12:15 AM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
Keepin’ it on the move 👀
@Mason Plumlee with the finish! pic.twitter.com/0LLoVyedmb12:14 AM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
I hope KD is ready to play second option to Josh Okogie. – 12:11 AM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
I’m watching the fourth quarter of Eric Gordon and the Clippers taking on the Suns on @RocketsWatch. EG looks good with 13 points and 4 dimes off the bench.
playback.tv/rocketswatch12:10 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Merciful timeout from Monty Williams after a mostly terrible first four possessions by both teams.
Way too much passing by Clippers on PG miss corner 3. Take the damn money lol
Plumlee reverse art gives Clippers 93-84 lead with 9:42 left in 4th quarter. – 12:07 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Plumlee minutes have been solid for the Clippers. – 12:06 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Eric Gordon has clearly had enough of youth and is refusing to pass to Bones when open lol – 12:06 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Eric Gordon has done a nice job in the Norm role: 13 points off bench, 5/5 FTs through 3 quarters
Let’s see how these 4th quarter minutes are looking. – 12:03 AM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Bones might try hitting the wide open guy ahead of him next time – 12:02 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers do what they do in 3rd quarters. After 44 points Tuesday, they put up 37 (9:1 assist-TO) in Phoenix to take 91-84 lead into final quarter of play.
Kawhi with 11 in 3rd quarter, has made 3 of last 5 after 0/9 start. Terance Mann: game-high 22 points, 8/10 FGs. – 12:01 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: LAC 91, PHX 84
Okogie: 18 Pts, 7-10 FG, 4-7 3P
Ayton: 16 Pts, 5 Reb, 7-11 FG
Booker: 12 Pts, 7 Ast, 3-9 FG
Ross: 14 Pts, 6-14 FG
Mann: 22 Pts, 8-10 FG – 11:59 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Wanted to shout out Saben Lee at some point during this game. Gave the Suns a ton through the injuries and played really well. Not sure about his role/future after the break with the games counting down on his two way and the roster/health situation but he’s been great. – 11:58 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
And there’s Bones coming out of timeout. Same rotation as first half. – 11:55 PM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
Off the glass ✔
And-1 ✔
Count it, Kawhi! pic.twitter.com/KkyJ7228cW11:55 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers lead 85-77 with 2:34 left in 3rd quarter.
Bench didn’t get a whole lot of first half clock, and interested to see if Bones gets in here at all in this second half.
Clippers have 8:1 assist-TO ratio in this quarter after 12:9 assist-TO ratio at halftime. – 11:54 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
The same stubbornness from the Clippers we talked about in the WCF with always responding and never going away has been there tonight. Lots of timely buckets to keep the lead in a certain range. Suns have played well enough to be in front but that’s been the difference. – 11:52 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Kawhi was 0-9 from the field but in the last 1:52 has
— made two free throws
— hit a stepback jumper
— finished an and-1
Clippers might have something brewing? – 11:50 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Gotta love Chris Paul jumping backwards to draw that foul lol – 11:49 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
What the heck is going on with Josh Okogie? All of a sudden, five years in, he can shoot? 4 straight games of 17+ points doing a pretty fair Mikal Bridges imitation – 11:48 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard is now 1/10 FGs. Game on – 11:47 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard has made free throws.
Kawhi Leonard is still 0/9 FGs with 4:27 left in 3rd quarter. – 11:46 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Josh Okogie 3s by month this season:
– October: 0/2 (0%)
– November: 1/12 (8.3%)
– December: 11/36 (30.6%)
– January: 10/27 (37%)
– February entering tonight: 9/17 (52.9%)
– TONIGHT through 2.5 quarters: 4/7 (57.1%) – 11:45 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Kawhi Leonard registers his first points on free throws. 24 minutes into his shift. Clippers are still in this game because Phoenix has gotten only two points from Chris Paul. – 11:45 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Keep your eye out for J.O. 👀 pic.twitter.com/bfJ07iuEvN11:45 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Brooklyn’s Feb. 24 game at the #Bulls will no longer be televised by #ESPN, with game time changed from 10 pm to 8 pm (7 pm local). ESPN picked up the #Thunder at Phoenix (in what could be former #Nets star Kevin Durant’s debut with the #Suns). #NBA – 11:44 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Josh Okogie has made 4 of the Suns’ 9 3-pointers tonight – 11:43 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant wouldn’t say at today’s presser when he’s returning other than it’s “soon” after #NBAAllStar break.
This is what the #NBA is saying.
#Suns-Thunder Feb. 24 game at Footprint Center is being moved from 7 to 8 p.m. and shown on #ESPN as well as Bally Sports Arizona. – 11:42 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant effect
Nets lose nationally televised game and Suns gain one. pic.twitter.com/GMz7a8WAlI11:42 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
10 Clippers turnovers, 21 Phoenix points off them. – 11:41 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant won’t say at today’ presser when he’s returning other than it’s “soon” after #NBAAllStar break.
This is what the #NBA is saying.
#Suns-Thunder Feb. 24 game at Footprint Center is being moved from 7 to 8 p.m. and shown on #ESPN as well as Bally Sports Arizona. – 11:41 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
This game has all the energy of the last class before winter break.
Clippers lead 69-68 with 6:42 left in 3rd quarter. Paul George still being kept outside paint, Kawhi Leonard still being kept off scoreboard.
Terance Mann saving this team’s hides yet again – 11:39 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker is bullying Marcus Morris right now. Going at him every time, and Mook has 4 fouls – 11:35 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Marcus Morris Sr. is in foul trouble – 11:35 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Three point play 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/l1Ti9ZQrFa11:34 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
League announces the Suns’ first game back from the All-Star break against the Thunder will now start at 8p local time and has been moved to ESPN.
Hmmmm. Curious. Very curious. – 11:34 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Feb. 24’s Thunder vs. Suns game will now also air on ESPN at 9 pm CT – 11:33 PM
Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder
TIME CHANGE: NBA has announced Thunder @ Suns next Friday 2/24 will tip at 9pm CT to accommodate @ESPN national broadcast. Game will also air on @BallySportsOK. – 11:32 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul George 3.
Torrey Craig 3.
#Suns down 63-55 early 3rd – 11:30 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham is in the house for Suns-Clippers tonight – 11:29 PM
Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
Congrats, @Paul George! 👌
With his 1,979th career three, Paul George passed Joe Johnson for 16th place on the @NBA’s all-time three-point field goal list. pic.twitter.com/CoGi7QwAeQ11:28 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
THE FASTEST @PETSMART PUPPY RACE EVER 🐾
Adopt your own furry friend tomorrow at the Chandler Mall location of @aawlspca 🐶
#AnythingForPets | #WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/Y5jkR4Zmt111:24 PM

Janis Carr @janiscarr
What’s up with Kawhi going scoreless (0 for 8) in the first half vs Phoenix? – 11:21 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Paul George good: 11 points, 3/8 3s, made only midrange attempt, 2 assists.
Paul George bad: 0 paint attempts, 0 free throw attempts, 0 rebounds/steals/blocks – 11:19 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime reading on Kevin Durant’s introductory press conference, what he had to say about his fit with the Suns, and facing title expectations head-on: https://t.co/DbvbSVIzVS pic.twitter.com/akG7rTvpqz11:17 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers lead 54-52 at halftime in Phoenix.
That was Kawhi Leonard’s first scoreless half of the season: 0/8 FGs, 0/3 3s, no FT attempts. Half of Leonard’s attempts were in paint too.
Flipside: Josh Okogie has 15 points and can shoot 3s now.
Clippers have made 9/24 3s. – 11:15 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Josh brought the heat in the first half 🔥
15 PTS
6-for-8 FG
3-for-5 3PT
1 STL pic.twitter.com/FqS55dzlKo11:14 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker and Chris Paul are a combined 2-for-10 and the Suns are only down 2 thanks to the contributions of guys who usually come off the bench. Suns’ depth is looking pretty good – 11:12 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: LAC 54, PHX 52
Okogie: 15 Pts, 6-8 FG, 3-5 3P
Ross: 11 Pts, 5-11 FG
Ayton: 8 Pts, 4 Reb, 4-8 FG
Booker: 5 Pts, 4 Ast, 1-5 FG
George: 11 Pts, 3-8 3P – 11:12 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
This is the first time Kawhi Leonard has gone scoreless in any half this season. Clips have 9 turnovers. And yet Clippers still lead, 54-52. Ivica Zubac’s 11 rebounds have been important there, plus 23 bench points. – 11:11 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Kawhi looks like he could really use the All-Star break. Hasn’t had a day off since Feb. 10. – 11:10 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Stark contrast in shooting from Tuesday to tonight for Kawhi Leonard. Vs. GSW he tied a career high with 7 three-pointers. In Phoenix, he’s started 0-for-8 from the field. – 11:08 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Hoop idea: Josh Okogie should replace Giannis in the All-Star game. – 11:05 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton with 8 points. #Suns down one. – 11:05 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
February Josh Okogie, YOU are in the Suns Ring of Honor – 11:04 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Nico is in at center in place of Zu
Batum in a serious slump, has missed 11 of last 12 3s since the New York buzzer beater – 11:03 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Monty Williams has played all but one player already in the first half.
Darius Bazley has yet to receive action. #Suns now down three as Torrey Craig and Terrence Ross return. pic.twitter.com/gSHoauDW2911:02 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Marcus Morris has been hit with a technical. This has not been the Clippers’ finest hour. – 11:01 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Macrus Morris Sr. receives a technical foul and the Suns fans explode – 11:01 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Marcus Morris Sr. technical foul after picking up personal fouls 3 seconds apart – 11:01 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
The save and the score 💪 pic.twitter.com/ZmrjUeYod811:00 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
10-point Clippers lead is GONE – 10:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Okogie 3. Then celebrated with the hands up and fingers to the sky.
#Suns down five as #Clippers answered with Paul George back-to-back 3s. – 10:58 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
I take it all back maybe the Clippers do need someone who can pass (or at least inbound the ball) – 10:57 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
HUSTLING ON BOTH ENDS OF THE COURT! pic.twitter.com/nswJITFRGG10:57 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
The Clippers just made another baffling out-of-bounds turnover. Double insult that it happened out of a timeout. – 10:57 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Josh Okogie with the most Josh Okogie play by stealing an inbounds pass RIGHT AFTER the Suns stole an inbounds pass that forced a timeout. He then hit a 3. – 10:57 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Good Lord, Josh Okogie. Steals the NEXT inbounds pass, gets it back in the corner and drills his third 3 of the night. Dude has been unreal lately – 10:57 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Baffling turnovers by Clippers.
First Paul George gets inside, leaves feet, then decides to try a wrap to a covered Zubac. That worked about as well as you’d expect.
Then Eric Gordon inbounds it to Damion Lee.
Clippers still up 38-34 with 8:18 left in 1st half. But 7 TOs. – 10:55 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Terrence finding J.O. across the court for 👌 pic.twitter.com/Q9FmHfPllc10:54 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Josh Okogie with a pretty Euro-step in transition over the top of the defense, then Damion Lee catches the Clippers sleeping on the inbounds pass, steals it and lays back it up. Suns back within 4 – 10:54 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
30-foot Eric Gordon is here. – 10:50 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Kevin Love landing spots: Lakers, Knicks, Warriors, Suns, Heat among teams that make varying levels of sense
cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin…10:49 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Terrence Ross will shoot and the Suns really, really needed a guy off the bench who would attack or shoot without even thinking about it. – 10:49 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Terrence Ross has 9 points in 5 minutes in his first game with the Suns lol – 10:49 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Guys who are able to create shots or finish shots. Terrence is a guy who can do both.” Monty Williams.
Terrence Ross’ first 1st quarter with Phoenix Suns: 7 points on 3-of-5 shooting (1-of-2 from 3) in 4 minutes. #Suns pic.twitter.com/aQY50s2LMb10:47 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clipper lead 28-23 after 1st quarter in Phoenix.
No players in double figures so far. Only Kawhi Leonard reached 10 minutes, and he didn’t play the full 1st — T Lue subbed PG in to close the quarter.
Clippers held Phoenix to 32% FGs, but Suns outscoring Clippers 9-2 off TOs. – 10:45 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
First quarter’s over: Clippers 28, Suns 23
Mann: 8p
PG, Gordon and Hyland: 5p apiece
Kawhi: 0-5 FGs
4 turnovers already for a team that has had single-digit TOs in five of their last seven games. – 10:44 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: LAC 28, PHX 23
Ross: 7 Pts, 3-5 FG
Ayton: 6 Pts, 4 Reb, 3-5 FG
Booker: 5 Pts, 1-5 FG
Mann: 8 Pts, 3-3 FG – 10:43 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I just talked to him about the way that we play and how he would fit and just wanted him to feel wanted.”
Monty Williams, James Jones and Mat Ishbia sway free agent Terrence Ross to choose Phoenix Suns over Dallas Mavericks (w/videos) #Suns #Mavs https://t.co/aDiC3EzhzD pic.twitter.com/ZgrFVkOuAh10:43 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Mason Plumlee is in foul trouble – 10:42 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Terrence Ross with 4 early. #Suns down 25-18 with a minute left in 1st. – 10:41 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
First bucket in a Suns jersey 💜 pic.twitter.com/Xz334sxW9n10:40 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Much has been made of Eric Gordon’s shooting range literally opening up the Clippers’ offense. Just an example there, he pump-faked about 5-6 feet behind the top of the arc and froze the defense just enough for him to wiggle into the lane with his dribble. – 10:40 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Terrence Ross is doing things. Couple of mid-range jumpers, a pocket pass to Ayton earlier. – 10:39 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns going 10-deep with the rotation tonight as Saben Lee and Jock Landale check in – 10:37 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Blocked by Ross 👋
Welcome to The Valley, @Terrence Ross! pic.twitter.com/72nm8zNdsS10:36 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard is only starter in while rest of second unit is on floor (Hyland/Gordon/Batum/Plumlee) – 10:36 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Paul/Ross/Wainright/Warren/Ayton out of the timeout.
Nice dose of scoring off the bench all of a sudden. – 10:35 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Terrence Ross’ first offensive possession with the Suns is a pretty pocket pass to DA on the pick-and-roll for a middy. Suns down 18-14 with T.J. Warren set to check in next – 10:32 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ivica Zubac is getting frustrated with the no-calls after being hit hard twice after offensive rebounds. – 10:32 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
CP3 threading the needle for DA! pic.twitter.com/R3pbogPw2f10:32 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Terrence Ross and Ish Wainright in. #Suns10:31 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Terrence Ross and Ish Wainright are the first two subs for the Suns. – 10:30 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Terrence Ross and Ish Wainright head to the scorer’s table as the Suns’ first subs of the night – 10:30 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Eric Gordon is your 6Man tonight.
Norm Powell out — Bones Hyland will likely check in for T Mann. – 10:30 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Really like what Terance Mann is giving the Clippers. In general I think more teams should experiment with lineups without a traditionally sized 1. – 10:25 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Who says Ivica Zubac isn’t switchable! Just mookie’d Devin Booker which led to a T Mann fast break dunk
Mann has as many points as Suns. Clippers up 12-5 with 7:49 left in 1st quarter. – 10:24 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Clippers 12 #Suns 5. Booker turnover leads to Mann dunk.
Timeout Phoenix. 7:49 left in the 1st – 10:23 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Clippers are doing an excellent job on him, as they almost always have. The quick double there was smooth. CP3/Ayton two-man game needs to get going. – 10:23 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns started 0-for-6 until Deandre Ayton made that middy. Clippers are trapping Devin Booker quite a bit and go up 12-5 early. He’ll have some extra help in that regard soon! – 10:23 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
can’t help but watch Booker get trapped and think that’s not going to be a thing for much longer – 10:22 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I want to go out there and do the most that I can and be the best that I can every day for you guys. I appreciate the warm welcome, but I’ve got more work to do.”   
Kevin Durant ready to work, win championship with Phoenix #Suns (w/video) azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral10:16 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Zu will consistently be in the middle of the dance routine 😄😄😄😄 pic.twitter.com/3lcaEjKgEx10:15 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Could Suns, Warriors jump into Kevin Love sweepstakes? nba.nbcsports.com/2023/02/16/cou…10:15 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
I don’t care if it is 90s night
You know what happened in the ’93 Finals
Suns coming out to Sirius doesn’t sit right with me 😆 – 10:14 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Mat Ishbia, Kevin Durant and James Jones. #Suns pic.twitter.com/G7gV228mnh10:10 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Just a little disclaimer because I can already tell some of y’all are overreacting to Tuesday night lol
Tonight will be more legitimate test for Clippers than Warriors game. Yeah, that was basketball nirvana offensively (esp. 3Q!) but Warriors defense was so tired and BAD. – 10:04 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers had a healthy (no pun intended) logistical advantage and we have seen them shred teams with blueprint games.
Tonight’s Suns are a fairer fight. So we’ll see what we get.
Had to say that before the wild rotation/process takes
Enjoy the game everyone 🥲 – 10:04 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Story — Kevin Durant & his loudest critics agree: The new-look Phoenix Suns face immense & and immediate title pressure @washingtonpost @PostSports washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/02…9:53 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers are starting the usual: Terance Mann, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris Sr., Ivica Zubac.
Worth noting that Moses Brown is active for the 50th time. That’s his cap.
Phoenix starting Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Josh Okogie, Torrey Craig, Deandre Ayton. – 9:51 PM
Reggie Jackson @Reggie_Jackson
1 whole week and still hard to stomach. Quite the ride we had. Many memories made: the ups, the downs, the smiles, the laughs, the tears. @Los Angeles Clippers, #ClipNation THANK YOU from the deepest depths of my heart: for accepting me wholeheartedly, for the support each and every single – 9:50 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
If you look close you can see Kyle Anderson doin the KD whewwww after this one pic.twitter.com/nyH8Y08zoG9:48 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns starters vs. #Clippers
PG Chris Paul
SG Devin Booker
F Josh Okogie
F Torrey Craig
C Deandre Ayton – 9:44 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
How many times did Charles Barkley score over 40 points during the 1993 playoffs?
Know the answer? Play the @SociosUSA 90’s Suns Trivia for a chance to win a $1,000 Phoenix Suns Team Shop shopping spree!
📲 Download the app to play: https://t.co/4ZrhIqhtjQ pic.twitter.com/q2092VbWum9:41 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We didn’t accomplish what we wanted to accomplish as far as a championship, but I enjoyed the grind.” Kevin Durant on his time in Brooklyn. #Suns pic.twitter.com/NHYnQ1TK939:41 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Starters:
LAC
Kawhi Leonard
Marcus Morris Sr.
Ivica Zubac
Paul George
Terance Mann
PHX
Josh Okogie
Torrey Craig
Deandre Ayton
Devin Booker
Chris Paul – 9:39 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
The starters in Phoenix:
Kawhi Leonard
Marcus Morris Sr.
Ivica Zubac
Paul George
Terance Mann – 9:32 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Biyombo played right away without practice time. His agent kept checking how he was feeling and Biyombo kept emphasizing he was fine.
“My legs are fine! We got veterans. They just know how to move, how to be in the right spot and then you just do what you’re supposed to do.” – 9:28 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Asked Monty Williams about what he’s learned from this season of constant change after Phoenix’s lineup of Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Deandre Ayton finished 2nd in 5-man group minutes last year and 1st in those minutes in 2020-21. pic.twitter.com/mS1D61to059:28 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
I asked Bismack Biyombo about the adjustment of joining a team mid-season, like he did last year and like Terrence Ross is now.
“When you play with a veteran team, the adjustment is much quicker. … You just gotta know where to be and do the right thing and play the right way.” – 9:25 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns update: Cameron Payne (foot) looks to return Feb. 24 after #NBAAllStar break (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral9:19 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
If season ended today, Clippers would be at Phoenix for Game 1 of quarterfinals.
T. Lue has shown before that he will hold his cards close to the vest with an eye towards playoffs. How that balance goes tonight remains to be seen. But no doubt, this is a critical game. pic.twitter.com/I9T7kQBQte9:12 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Available tonight.
#WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/2KhilJk1SG9:02 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tonight’s @BannerHealth Health Update: pic.twitter.com/212ABRABh29:00 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Since Jan. 29 (8 games) Clippers have allowed league-highs of 15.5 3s at 45.4%
Prior to that, Clippers allowed only 11.7 3s per game (11th-best) and 35% (7th-best)
Tyronn Lue isn’t concerned, but says POA defense needs to be better to prevent Clippers from scrambling. pic.twitter.com/vBZM3qDc7l8:59 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Asked Ty Lue pregame if the buyout talk swirling around the Clippers had the effect of leaving any players already on the roster, particularly ballhandlers, distracted or looking over their shoulder. He said he didn’t think so. pic.twitter.com/g32ql2yaia8:59 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Eric Gordon was part of the closing lineup in his first game with the Clippers. Asked Ty Lue tonight whether he’s considering starting him, too. Ty said, essentially, closing with him was one of many combinations he’s just trying to see over the next few games.
Ty’s answer: pic.twitter.com/gmZxq6xwP08:55 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Temperatures are rising.
@PlayAtGila | #WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/2bYfFJrAlL8:46 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I don’t want to think about it.”
Ty Lue on #Suns having Kevin Durant to go along with Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
He said they remind him of #Warriors with Durant, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson eventhough Paul is “a little older now.” pic.twitter.com/jY5n5oNxaX8:40 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Tyronn Lue was asked what he makes of Kevin Durant’s fit on the Suns.
“I don’t want to make of it,” he joked. “I don’t want to think about it.”
Called KD, Devin Booker and Chris Paul a 3-headed monster where the Suns can always have 1-2 of them on the floor – 8:39 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ty Lue says there’s no bigger concern with Norm Powell’s knee, similar to what I noted earlier. Team is letting him rest to get ready for the post-break schedule which starts Feb. 24. – 8:36 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Kevin Durant is an obvious and seamless fit for the Suns on the court but what he said today reinforced how much this is a perfect match in all the other ways too: arizonasports.com/story/3500451/…8:32 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
📰 @TheAthletic
Kevin Durant was introduced in Phoenix this afternoon. He expects to debut soon after the All-Star Break to pursue a third NBA championship, but he had some thoughts about how his time in Brooklyn went and ended first.
theathletic.com/4215043/2023/0…8:31 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Monty Williams said he talked with Terrence Ross about the Suns and what his role might look like. Said they try to “shoot players straight” on where they fit and the possible constraints, and mentioned both James Jones and Mat Ishbia being involved in that conversation – 8:21 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Throw it back with this retro 30th anniversary tee and don’t forget to checkout with @PayPal!
👕 https://t.co/FgnLrliFRD pic.twitter.com/faJgQBeK748:11 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Monty Williams, James Jones sway free agent Terrence Ross to chose Phoenix Suns over Dallas Mavericks (w/videos) #Suns #Magic #MFFL azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral7:50 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
𝟓/𝟎𝟔/𝟗𝟑 – 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
Following the Suns’ Game 4 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, nearly 2,000 Suns fans pulled up to the terminal to show their support!
@SweetJames | Sweet Plays Since ’68 pic.twitter.com/eyeTEMQlDC7:44 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Today’s introductory press conference for Kevin Durant was the type of fanfare not often afforded to the Suns, but KD set a different tone. For @PHNX_Suns, I wrote about it, and what I took from his responses: https://t.co/1C6sWC2pZP pic.twitter.com/kYDS3z4jvd7:24 PM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Kevin Durant was introduced Thursday on the floor at Footprint Arena in front of 3,000 fans, including many who were already wearing his jersey.
KD: “I appreciate your warm welcome, but we’ve got work to do… We’ve got all the pieces to be successful.” basketballnews.com/stories/kevin-…7:18 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal on Kevin Durant raising stakes for Suns: “Charles [Barkley] made the Finals. The unfortunate thing about being a superstar, when you don’t win those championships, they give it to you. Not only [Durant], Chris Paul. They’ve got to get it done this year.” pic.twitter.com/F3Q4WxUco27:17 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant ready to work, win championship with Phoenix Suns (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 7:15 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal on the Suns’ Kevin Durant blockbuster: “If they don’t win, it’s going to be a hell of a summer for Mr. KD.” pic.twitter.com/X7hrSzgYMi7:10 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
RE: The 2013-14 team, the Thunder won 59 games that year and the Suns went 2-1 against them.
One of those wins was the Gerald Green 41 piece (KD had 34-7-5). KD responded with 38-11-3-2 in the next meeting and Phoenix still won (18+ for Bledsoe, Tucker, Dragic and Green). – 7:01 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Electric atmosphere in The Valley ⚡
Shoutout to the best fans in the NBA! pic.twitter.com/c5EHuVzSPr7:00 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Big takeaway as an NBA fan: The top dogs are always paying attention leaguewide.
KD saw how the 48-win Dragic/Bledsoe/Hornacek squad played and was impressed.
CP3 saw how the bubble Suns played and was impressed.
That matters more than how much national attention a team gets. – 6:57 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Impressed with how he was able to get who he is across in that type of environment especially. If you watched that as a Valley sports fan and didn’t know how KD was and what he’s about, you sure do now. And even if you did, learned a bit more I think (at least I did). – 6:53 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Few KD quotes magnifying how good the fit is.
“I’ve been to a couple of practices already and the attention to detail is something that I love.”
“I’m more concerned about what we do every day as a team, the stuff that you guys don’t see.”
“I think my defense feeds my offense.” – 6:51 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
TNT’s Charles Barkley on Kevin Durant’s trade to Suns: “He’s got to win a championship. Very simple. He’s got to at least get to the Finals. At least I got us to the Finals. It’s the exact same scenario.” pic.twitter.com/0yUEbWkVqZ6:50 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Charles Barkley says Kevin Durant can be a bus driver after Suns trade: “There’s a tremendous amount of pressure on him. He should lead that team. If they win it, older guys like myself will give him the credit… He’s sensitive about it but he don’t get to change the narrative.” pic.twitter.com/oDYfpzulhm6:46 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
TNT’s Charles Barkley on impact of trade requests by James Harden, Kyrie Irving & Kevin Durant: “You can’t take my money & say you want to divorce me in six months to a year. … There’s no doubt in my mind these guys are going to get locked out.” pic.twitter.com/qxwxMmh6IP6:40 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD believes the Suns have “all the pieces” to win a title. He also opened up about the end of his time in Brooklyn and how Kyrie’s trade request changed everything — during his first press conference as a member of the Suns. espn.com/nba/story/_/id…6:39 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
“I always love playing here in Phoenix. The fans always show love… You got somebody like Devin, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton — guys that work. I wanted to be a part of that.”
🗣 Hear from KD’s Introductory Press Conference pic.twitter.com/leMrKyxX2E6:37 PM

Jeff Stotts @InStreetClothes
Re: Anfernee Simons: A G2 ankle sprain means there was partial tearing of the involved ligament(s). Historically the average time lost had been ~3 weeks (~9.7 games). Players to sustain a comparable injury include Ja Morant, Kyle Lowry, and Kevin Durant. 1/2 – 6:33 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“I know how significant a championship is to a franchise and to a city. I’ve been a part of two of those, and I’m looking forward to getting back on that road to try to do it again.”
Asked Kevin Durant about what it’d mean for him and the Suns to win a title: pic.twitter.com/sndnjD2WLC6:29 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
This quote from Kevin Durant is definitely at the top of the player empowerment era… you always have teams to keep an eye out for in case something comes up. pic.twitter.com/OwLdkqiz5n6:18 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Embracing his new home. 💜 pic.twitter.com/mmnU3B4Qq76:11 PM

Los Angeles Clippers @LAClippers
Light reading on tonight’s matchup in Phoenix!
#GetItLocked | @betwayusa6:01 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Kevin Durant says Kyrie Irving trade took away Nets’ identity: ‘I was upset that we couldn’t finish’
cbssports.com/nba/news/kevin…5:28 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
I understand the instinct to sing KD’s praise and kill Kyrie after that press conference. But let’s not forget who picked Kyrie, stood by him, and left the Nets hanging when he blew the team up.
KD just signed a 4-year max. If he wanted to be in BKN, he could have played it out. – 5:18 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Kevin Durant says the Kyrie Irving trade was ‘tough to stomach’ and ‘was a blow’ to the Nets nj.com/nets/2023/02/k…5:16 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kevin Durant on why Nets didn’t win a title with James Harden and Kyrie Irving: “I think when you seen James, Kyrie and myself, it was amazing basketball for 17 games… It’s another story about why we didn’t get on the floor together, but we just didn’t get enough time.” (@Phoenix Suns) pic.twitter.com/Rk5qMUO1Aa5:14 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Pretty surreal moment when the fans were serenading Kevin Durant with chants of KD after he had just been introduced. Durant seemed to be soaking it all in and then smiled when they kept going before addressing the crowd: pic.twitter.com/xiIAlHIA7z5:14 PM

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“That was a special four years in my career.”
KD spoke on his time with the Nets. pic.twitter.com/oi6T39chbp5:08 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
KD on Kyrie absences: “It was a blow to our team. It took away our identity. He was a huge part to what we do. His game, he’s a Hall-of-Fame player, a great, great player that can do everything on the floor, we relied on that. Without him, we didn’t have a clear identity.” #Nets5:02 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
KD: “Yeah I was upset that we couldnt finish. I thought we had some good momentum. We were finally building a culture that we always wanted. I felt like every game we were building our chemistry. But I didnt know what was going on with Kyrie & his situation with the organization” – 5:01 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
The contrast between KD and Kyrie’s introductory press conferences says a lot about what they were like individually during their time in Brooklyn. – 4:58 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
My takeaways from KD’s press conference:
– He deeply values his time in Brooklyn
– He wanted to win with Nets this season very badly
– He was caught off guard by Kyrie’s trade request
– He is frustrated by not getting the opportunity to see it through after the 18-2 stretch – 4:54 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Probably most notable part of news conference: Kevin Durant on the Brooklyn Nets (h/t @Nick Friedell) pic.twitter.com/jKNpRec6vv4:53 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We didn’t accompany what we wanted to accomplish as far as a championship, but I enjoyed the grind.” Kevin Durant on his time in Brooklyn. #Suns pic.twitter.com/TewYMtvPVF4:52 PM

Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kevin Durant on his Nets tenure: “It was a lot of ups and downs.. We didn’t accomplish what we wanted to.. I get emotional talking about it because it was a special 4 years of my career coming off an Achilles. They helped me through a lot.. they got a bright future.” (Via @Suns) pic.twitter.com/7HznL8NVRd4:47 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Kevin Durant’s answer when asked by @Nick Friedell about why it didn’t work in Brooklyn: pic.twitter.com/Mlx2ci3UmE4:47 PM

Erik Slater @erikslater_
KD said he didn’t know what was going on ahead of Kyrie’s trade demand. Added that not finishing the season was “tough for him to stomach”:
“I was upset that we couldn’t finish. I thought that we had some good momentum. We were finally building the culture that we always wanted.… pic.twitter.com/4cklXh5LYn4:46 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
“I just wanted to be a part of his journey and see how good he could get from here. He’s just one of those players I really admire.” – KD on playing with Devin Booker. pic.twitter.com/1CZJZyYRTs4:39 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant said the Suns teams that won around 45 games and still missed the playoffs (they won 48 in 2013-14) showed him how the Valley embraces this team, and as a player, he has kept an eye on organizations/cities that you might want to be a part of one day – 4:35 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
KD on why things didn’t work out with Nets:
“We just didn’t get on the court enough. I think when you saw James, Kyrie, and myself, it was amazing basketball for 17 games. But in order for you to win a championship and to be a great team you just need more time on the floor.… – 4:32 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant is praising the 2013-14 Suns that didn’t make playoffs as a team that he was impressed with.
Specifically mentioned “The Twins” (Markieff and Marcus Morris) and his Texas brethren PJ Tucker on that squad. – 4:29 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
KD got noticeably choked up when speaking about his time in Brooklyn:
“I built a family over there. They’re always gonna be a part of my journey… I love those guys. I get emotional talking about them because that was a special 4 years of my career coming off an Achilles. They… pic.twitter.com/4lg22AhK1i4:29 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
“I could feel the excitement as soon as I got off the plane. Everywhere I’ve been so far fans have given me a warm welcome.” pic.twitter.com/GkTg26UJ0Y4:28 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Reporter asks KD, who went to Texas, what he thinks of what happened earlier this week ‘at his alma mater Michigan State’ – 4:28 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I don’t know, but hopefully soon after the break.”
Kevin Durant when asked when he’ll return to action. Is out right now with right MCL sprain, won’t be back until after #NBAAllStar
break.
First #Suns game after the break Feb. 24 vs. OKC. – 4:27 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
KD says Kyrie’s trade was a “blow to our team” and the Nets lost their identity. – 4:27 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Kevin Durant, at his introductory Suns presser, on he, James Harden and Kyrie playing together: “It was amazing basketball, for 17 games.” – 4:26 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Kevin Durant said people are going to be doing classes on Devin Booker’s game when Booker’s career is done.
Noted how Booker’s athletic and the dunks on Tuesday surprised him.
“Quiet, efficient scorer and goes about his business on and off the court in a mature manner.” – 4:26 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant on Kyrie trade request: “I didn’t know what was going on with Kyrie and the organization, so I don’t really focus on that… tough for me to stomach” – 4:26 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
KD says he hopes to be playing soon after the NBA All-Star Break. – 4:24 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant on return timetable: “Hopefully soon after the break.” – 4:23 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“I don’t know, but hopefully soon.”
Kevin Durant isn’t sure when he’ll take the court for the first time, but he said hopefully everyone can feel his enthusiasm to get back out there – 4:23 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
KD says he doesn’t know when he’ll debut with the Suns, but said “hopefully soon” after the All-Star break. – 4:23 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Kevin Durant gets emotional talking about Nets and says “they helped me through a lot.” Wished Brooklyn the best going forward, and added that he, Kyrie and Harden didn’t get enough time on the floor. KD says “it just didn’t work out,” but wishes Nets the best. – 4:23 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
KD on Harden/Irving: “That’s another story about WHY we didn’t get on the floor together. But we just didn’t get enough time on the floor.” – 4:23 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
“I think this will be a great place to continue to get better as a player.” pic.twitter.com/mOlrmcKNK04:22 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Kevin Durant on the height of the Brooklyn KD/Harden/Kyrie trio: “It was amazing basketball — for 17 games, though.” – 4:22 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant on why the Nets fell short with him, Kyrie Irving and James Harden: “It was amazing basketball…for 17 games though.” – 4:22 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant on time in Brooklyn: “It was a lot of ups and downs. But I loved the grind… I love those guys, I get emotional talking about it.”
Voice def started to crack – 4:22 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
KD asked to sum up his time in Brooklyn by @NickFriedell:
“It was a lot of ups and downs but I loved the grind. … We didn’t accomplish what we want to accomplish of winning a championship but I enjoyed the grind.”
Durant said he was getting emotional because he cared for BKN. – 4:22 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
KD was asked about how he’d sum up his time in Brooklyn. Before he could answer, the crowd started booing.
“It was a lot of ups and downs, but I loved the grind….we didn’t accomplish what we wanted to accomplish as far as winning a championship, but I enjoyed the grind.” – 4:21 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Kevin Durant is asked by @Nick Friedell to sum up his time in Brooklyn and the crowd heavily boos.
Unique environment for a press conference that’s for sure! – 4:21 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Kevin Durant notes how there is always pressure on him because he is one of the best players ever (and the crowd erupts). He understands that and wants to get the most out of this opportunity. – 4:20 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant: “It’s always pressure. Because I’m one of the best players to ever play the game.” – 4:19 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Kevin Durant: “I think we got all the pieces to be successful.”
As one scout told me last week: “I don’t know who’s more talented, on paper” than Phoenix.
latimes.com/sports/story/2…4:19 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Kevin Durant said he felt the excitement in the Valley as soon as he got off the plane. He still feels like he needs to prove himself every day and his one goal right now is to put good stuff on film every night. – 4:18 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant says he at this point of his career, he wants to put good stuff on film every night – 4:17 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“I feel like I’ve gotta prove myself every day.”
Kevin Durant said the Suns players set a high standard and his job is to match that and “put good stuff on the film” every night – 4:17 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
New team owner Mat Ishbia, Kevin Durant, GM James Jones. #Suns pic.twitter.com/5VBc7ggbzF4:17 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant said he’s looking forward to playing alongside Devin Booker, someone he feels plays similarly to himself – 4:17 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Kevin Durant: “I know how significant a championship is to a franchise and to a city. I’ve been a part of two of those.” Durant added, “I want to prove every night that we got a chance to win.” – 4:16 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
KD on Suns:
“You got somebody like Devin,Chris Paul & Deandre Ayton, guys that work and I wanted to be a part of that
“I’m excited I’m here, I’m looking forward to trying to add as much as i can
“They’ve built the infrastructure already and I’m looking forward to adding to it’ – 4:16 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant: “I know how significant a championship is to a franchise. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road to try to do it again.” – 4:15 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Very interesting energetic vibes at this Kevin Durant press conference. – 4:14 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“KD! KD! KD!”
#Suns fans before Kevin Durant gave before his opening words. pic.twitter.com/JKSUS5sQC74:14 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝟑𝟓𝐄𝐑𝐓.
#WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/QYt7NywyWS4:13 PM

Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“I knew this would be a great place to play and get better as a a player,” Kevin Durant said during his Suns’ presser. – 4:13 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
KD tried to address fans, but chants of his name drowned him out. pic.twitter.com/CAPRJqmMk94:12 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant: “I always loved playing here in Phoenix.”
Praised Suns for building a winning culture over the last 3 years – 4:11 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
No. 3⃣5⃣. Kevin Durant. pic.twitter.com/unjIisv8WE4:11 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant opening statement pic.twitter.com/oNvB1Yr0nl4:11 PM

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Here come the “Suns in 4” chants. – 4:10 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Standing ovation for Kevin Durant. KD chants keeping him from being able to talk pic.twitter.com/8VQz2czcZ84:10 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant says he doesn’t think he deserves all this, because he’s done a lot in his career, but he hasn’t done it yet in a Suns jersey – 4:10 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns play a highlight package and Kevin Durant walks into the court, greeted by loud cheers from the fans in attendance pic.twitter.com/a0iTKp1TZq4:09 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Are we ready.” Suns GM James Jones asked crowd before Kevin Durant presser. #Suns4:09 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant’s press conference starting in Phoenix for those interested in what he has to say: youtube.com/watch?v=EaOrAQ…4:07 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
The #Suns Big 4.
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul. pic.twitter.com/bmweGlAQN24:06 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
I’ve been covering introductory press conferences for 20-plus years.
I’ve NEVER seen anything like this.
Ever. #Suns pic.twitter.com/KnA35i7O254:05 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Inside Footprint Center for Kevin Durant press conference. #Suns pic.twitter.com/NNtEG32qzy4:03 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Live at Footprint Center with James Jones and Mat Ishbia twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…4:03 PM

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