Valley of the Suns
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3 best performers for the Phoenix Suns early in the season

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Kevin Durant #35 and Eric Gordon #23 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates after Durant made a three-point shot and was fouled on the play against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center on October 24, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Kevin Durant #35 and Eric Gordon #23 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates after Durant made a three-point shot and was fouled on the play against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center on October 24, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 26: Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 26: Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

1. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant, who recently passed Hakeem Olajuwon in the all-time scoring list, has been the best player for the team so far. With the absence of Booker and Beal, he’s taken an immense step in carrying the team offensively.

KD struggled in their season opener against the Golden State Warriors Warriors, finishing the game with 18 points on 31.8 percent shooting. But he put that game behind him and started to get his groove back in the other games that happened.

What impressed me the most about Durant is his assertiveness on the defensive end. Early in the season, he’s locked in. Though his stats don’t show his impact defensively, the former Texas Longhorns standout has been a consistent defensive performer.

As long as he stays healthy and consistent, the Suns will be a tough matchup for any team in the Western Conference.

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