Kevin Durant chooses Joel Embiid as MVP: He's flat-out unstoppable, he was my guy last year, too
Kevin Durant on Joel Embiid being his pick in the MVP race: “He’s just flat-out unstoppable…Joel’s my guy. He was my guy last year, too.”
Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
The Clippers knew entering this series that the Phoenix Suns live in the midrange.
But Game 2 was extreme, with the Suns making 21 of 29 non-paint twos — and all attempts by their Big 4 of Durant, Booker, Paul, Ayton.
theathletic.com/4427647/2023/0……📷@TheAthletic pic.twitter.com/Kmzlx7v9xd – 11:47 AM
The Clippers knew entering this series that the Phoenix Suns live in the midrange.
But Game 2 was extreme, with the Suns making 21 of 29 non-paint twos — and all attempts by their Big 4 of Durant, Booker, Paul, Ayton.
theathletic.com/4427647/2023/0……📷@TheAthletic pic.twitter.com/Kmzlx7v9xd – 11:47 AM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
🆕 @TheAthletic
The Clippers knew entering this series that the Phoenix Suns live in the midrange.
But Game 2 was extreme, with the Suns making 21 of 29 non-paint twos — and all attempts by their Big 4 of Durant, Booker, Paul, Ayton.
theathletic.com/4427647/2023/0… pic.twitter.com/JWc6K7YSkz – 11:41 AM
🆕 @TheAthletic
The Clippers knew entering this series that the Phoenix Suns live in the midrange.
But Game 2 was extreme, with the Suns making 21 of 29 non-paint twos — and all attempts by their Big 4 of Durant, Booker, Paul, Ayton.
theathletic.com/4427647/2023/0… pic.twitter.com/JWc6K7YSkz – 11:41 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Most 25-point games in NBA playoff history:
1. LeBron James (183)
2. Michael Jordan (152)
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (126)
4. Kobe Bryant (123)
5. Kevin Durant (119) – 11:07 AM
Most 25-point games in NBA playoff history:
1. LeBron James (183)
2. Michael Jordan (152)
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (126)
4. Kobe Bryant (123)
5. Kevin Durant (119) – 11:07 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
As KD and Russ went their separate ways Tuesday night with a dap, the Clippers and Suns each left Game 2 with reasons to feel bullish. PHX burned LA with its shooting, but largely on midrange jumpers and long twos the Clippers can live with: latimes.com/sports/clipper… – 10:53 AM
As KD and Russ went their separate ways Tuesday night with a dap, the Clippers and Suns each left Game 2 with reasons to feel bullish. PHX burned LA with its shooting, but largely on midrange jumpers and long twos the Clippers can live with: latimes.com/sports/clipper… – 10:53 AM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
Clippers need to change something up on defense because you can’t have each Suns star shoot that well AND let Torrey Craig get 17 points on 5 threes. But I wouldn’t all out blitz pick and rolls either. You don’t want to give KD or Booker too much room to attack off the catch – 10:51 AM
Clippers need to change something up on defense because you can’t have each Suns star shoot that well AND let Torrey Craig get 17 points on 5 threes. But I wouldn’t all out blitz pick and rolls either. You don’t want to give KD or Booker too much room to attack off the catch – 10:51 AM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Kevin Durant picked Joel Embiid for MVP.
“He’s just flat-out unstoppable…Joel’s my guy. He was my guy last year, too.”
boardroom.tv/the-etcs-kevin… – 10:42 AM
Kevin Durant picked Joel Embiid for MVP.
“He’s just flat-out unstoppable…Joel’s my guy. He was my guy last year, too.”
boardroom.tv/the-etcs-kevin… – 10:42 AM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Kevin Durant jumped past Karl Malone to No. 14. Next up is No. 13 Jerry West.
sportsmathnetwork.com/nba-math/nba-p… pic.twitter.com/av5P2vaR7q – 10:20 AM
Kevin Durant jumped past Karl Malone to No. 14. Next up is No. 13 Jerry West.
sportsmathnetwork.com/nba-math/nba-p… pic.twitter.com/av5P2vaR7q – 10:20 AM
The Vertical @Balldontlie
KD and Russ meet up after Game 2 🤝
(via @AndrewGreif)
pic.twitter.com/sXotRD9obb – 10:07 AM
KD and Russ meet up after Game 2 🤝
(via @AndrewGreif)
pic.twitter.com/sXotRD9obb – 10:07 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Devin Booker on Kevin Durant: “That’s a two-time champ, a two-time Finals MVP. He’s proven enough. We didn’t lose any games with each other in the regular season and we just dropped Game 1, so we just wanted to come out and respond [in Game 2].” pic.twitter.com/WlW0WR9cxz – 9:00 AM
Devin Booker on Kevin Durant: “That’s a two-time champ, a two-time Finals MVP. He’s proven enough. We didn’t lose any games with each other in the regular season and we just dropped Game 1, so we just wanted to come out and respond [in Game 2].” pic.twitter.com/WlW0WR9cxz – 9:00 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We need him to continue to be confident and shoot the ball.”
Kevin Durant on Torrey Craig after going 5-of-8 from 3, both career playoff highs, in #Suns Game 2 win over #Clippers. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/A6FKPanPoc – 4:57 AM
“We need him to continue to be confident and shoot the ball.”
Kevin Durant on Torrey Craig after going 5-of-8 from 3, both career playoff highs, in #Suns Game 2 win over #Clippers. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/A6FKPanPoc – 4:57 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“This is the first real look at us as a team against some great competition. I like where we are.”
Kevin Durant as #Suns even series with Game 2 win over #Clippers. pic.twitter.com/SZS9zZBp6V – 4:50 AM
“This is the first real look at us as a team against some great competition. I like where we are.”
Kevin Durant as #Suns even series with Game 2 win over #Clippers. pic.twitter.com/SZS9zZBp6V – 4:50 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“They switch their defense up like every possession.”
Kevin Durant on #ClipperNation defense in #Suns Game 2 win. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/kFHdXophhJ – 4:41 AM
“They switch their defense up like every possession.”
Kevin Durant on #ClipperNation defense in #Suns Game 2 win. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/kFHdXophhJ – 4:41 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Kevin Durant’s shot chart from Game 1 to Game 2. pic.twitter.com/sYfYntVuuI – 2:13 AM
Kevin Durant’s shot chart from Game 1 to Game 2. pic.twitter.com/sYfYntVuuI – 2:13 AM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Choose your fighter: Durantula or the Klaw?
A contrast in styles. As good as it gets.
And much appreciated.
Column:
ocregister.com/2023/04/18/swa… – 1:46 AM
Choose your fighter: Durantula or the Klaw?
A contrast in styles. As good as it gets.
And much appreciated.
Column:
ocregister.com/2023/04/18/swa… – 1:46 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Going live on @PHNX_Suns from the arena with some postgame updates from Monday, Book, KD, CP3 and more! Hop in here:
youtube.com/watch?v=ett9sv… pic.twitter.com/Ak8YQ4JBHm – 1:33 AM
Going live on @PHNX_Suns from the arena with some postgame updates from Monday, Book, KD, CP3 and more! Hop in here:
youtube.com/watch?v=ett9sv… pic.twitter.com/Ak8YQ4JBHm – 1:33 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“He’s an all-around player, he can do everything at an elite level on the basketball court, so we gotta utilize that.” – Kevin Durant on Devin Booker’s performance pic.twitter.com/WKRPasYryr – 1:24 AM
“He’s an all-around player, he can do everything at an elite level on the basketball court, so we gotta utilize that.” – Kevin Durant on Devin Booker’s performance pic.twitter.com/WKRPasYryr – 1:24 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
KD and Russ see one another postgame before leaving Game 2. pic.twitter.com/tpHItoirer – 1:11 AM
KD and Russ see one another postgame before leaving Game 2. pic.twitter.com/tpHItoirer – 1:11 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Grit.”
Monty Williams early postgame comments on late run to end second quarter and to start the 3rd, Devin Booker’s 38-point night and Kevin Durant moving off ball. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/Qp405GbD2d – 12:50 AM
“Grit.”
Monty Williams early postgame comments on late run to end second quarter and to start the 3rd, Devin Booker’s 38-point night and Kevin Durant moving off ball. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/Qp405GbD2d – 12:50 AM
Eric Patten @EricPatten
Good luck to the Suns sustaining playing Durant, Booker and Paul 40+ mins per game – 12:34 AM
Good luck to the Suns sustaining playing Durant, Booker and Paul 40+ mins per game – 12:34 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: PHX 123, LAC 109
Booker: 38 Pts, 9 Ast, 14-22 FG
Durant: 25-6-5, 10-19 FG
Ayton: 14 Pts, 13 Reb, 7-10 FG
Craig: 17 Pts, 5-8 3P
Paul: 16 Pts, 8 Ast, 8-14 FG
Leonard: 31-9-7, 11-20 FG
Series tied 1-1 heading back to LA – 12:32 AM
Final: PHX 123, LAC 109
Booker: 38 Pts, 9 Ast, 14-22 FG
Durant: 25-6-5, 10-19 FG
Ayton: 14 Pts, 13 Reb, 7-10 FG
Craig: 17 Pts, 5-8 3P
Paul: 16 Pts, 8 Ast, 8-14 FG
Leonard: 31-9-7, 11-20 FG
Series tied 1-1 heading back to LA – 12:32 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Chris Paul worked that right hand a little bit after the deflection of the ball. Started dribbling with it.
Hits jumper. Stares into crowd. Gives Durant 5.
Timeout #Clippers. Suns up 121-109 with 2 minutes left in game.
#Suns #Clippers #NBAPlayoffs – 12:26 AM
Chris Paul worked that right hand a little bit after the deflection of the ball. Started dribbling with it.
Hits jumper. Stares into crowd. Gives Durant 5.
Timeout #Clippers. Suns up 121-109 with 2 minutes left in game.
#Suns #Clippers #NBAPlayoffs – 12:26 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Nine points in the fourth quarter for Kawhi Leonard, who’s up to 31. Powell and Westbrook has six each this quarter. Within 115-108 with 3:13 to play, the Clippers have a chance, dodging a dagger three just now by an open KD. – 12:23 AM
Nine points in the fourth quarter for Kawhi Leonard, who’s up to 31. Powell and Westbrook has six each this quarter. Within 115-108 with 3:13 to play, the Clippers have a chance, dodging a dagger three just now by an open KD. – 12:23 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
This is still a 7-point game. It’s nowhere near over. Booker with 38, KD 25. Kawhi with 31-7-7 and Russ with 27 – 12:22 AM
This is still a 7-point game. It’s nowhere near over. Booker with 38, KD 25. Kawhi with 31-7-7 and Russ with 27 – 12:22 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Nice luxury to be able to come out of a timeout and run a pindown for Kevin Durant in crunch time of a close playoff game – 12:19 AM
Nice luxury to be able to come out of a timeout and run a pindown for Kevin Durant in crunch time of a close playoff game – 12:19 AM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
Felt to me like the balance of the offense was off for the Suns in the fourth quarter in Game 1. Lot of Chris Paul versus KD/Booker being the primary initiators. Big part of the second half success for me has been the use of those two in a more primary role. – 12:10 AM
Felt to me like the balance of the offense was off for the Suns in the fourth quarter in Game 1. Lot of Chris Paul versus KD/Booker being the primary initiators. Big part of the second half success for me has been the use of those two in a more primary role. – 12:10 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant finds Okogie for layup. #Suns up 12 with 6:52 left. Timeout #Clippers – 12:09 AM
Durant finds Okogie for layup. #Suns up 12 with 6:52 left. Timeout #Clippers – 12:09 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker has been the best player in a game featuring Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. Suns fans used to pray for times like these – 12:07 AM
Devin Booker has been the best player in a game featuring Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. Suns fans used to pray for times like these – 12:07 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant getting a breather.
Played 35 minutes. #Suns up nine as Paul scores. – 11:57 PM
Durant getting a breather.
Played 35 minutes. #Suns up nine as Paul scores. – 11:57 PM
Chris Palmer @ChrisPalmerNBA
KD & Book are cookin. Suns shooting 60% FG and 52% 3FG. Still only up 5. – 11:53 PM
KD & Book are cookin. Suns shooting 60% FG and 52% 3FG. Still only up 5. – 11:53 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 92, LAC 87
Booker: 31 Pts, 7 Ast, 11-16 FG
Durant: 21 Pts, 6 Reb, 9-16 FG
Ayton: 12 Pts, 10 Reb, 6-9 FG
Craig: 15 Pts, 5-7 3P
Leonard: 22-6-6, 8-15 FG – 11:51 PM
End of 3Q: PHX 92, LAC 87
Booker: 31 Pts, 7 Ast, 11-16 FG
Durant: 21 Pts, 6 Reb, 9-16 FG
Ayton: 12 Pts, 10 Reb, 6-9 FG
Craig: 15 Pts, 5-7 3P
Leonard: 22-6-6, 8-15 FG – 11:51 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Just as he did in the first quarter, Monty Williams seems to be adjusting by tying Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s minutes together. In Game 1, Suns were hurt when playing Booker-plus-subs lineups late in the third. – 11:46 PM
Just as he did in the first quarter, Monty Williams seems to be adjusting by tying Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s minutes together. In Game 1, Suns were hurt when playing Booker-plus-subs lineups late in the third. – 11:46 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant over Leonard, who came over to help Zubac, who answers on other end. #Suns up 7. – 11:34 PM
Durant over Leonard, who came over to help Zubac, who answers on other end. #Suns up 7. – 11:34 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
The #Clippers were pointing at each other as if to say who is guarding who.
Durant got loose, banker. #Suns up 10. – 11:31 PM
The #Clippers were pointing at each other as if to say who is guarding who.
Durant got loose, banker. #Suns up 10. – 11:31 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns start the 3Q on a 6-0 run and Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are fired up. Book with the steal and dunk in transition and the Clippers need a timeout – 11:24 PM
Suns start the 3Q on a 6-0 run and Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are fired up. Book with the steal and dunk in transition and the Clippers need a timeout – 11:24 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns scored on eight straight possessions over 3:33 in the late second quarter.
Durant turned it over and then the Suns scored on their last two trips.
So, 10-for-11 on scoring possessions to end the first half. – 11:13 PM
Suns scored on eight straight possessions over 3:33 in the late second quarter.
Durant turned it over and then the Suns scored on their last two trips.
So, 10-for-11 on scoring possessions to end the first half. – 11:13 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker scored or assisted on 21 of the Suns’ final 23 points of the 2Q. Getting stops, hitting 3s and stars playing like stars helps! – 11:12 PM
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker scored or assisted on 21 of the Suns’ final 23 points of the 2Q. Getting stops, hitting 3s and stars playing like stars helps! – 11:12 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
KD has guarded Westbrook, Kawhi, Zubac. Where’s the practical rest gonna come from for him to have something in the tank to guard Kawhi in the last six minutes? – 11:07 PM
KD has guarded Westbrook, Kawhi, Zubac. Where’s the practical rest gonna come from for him to have something in the tank to guard Kawhi in the last six minutes? – 11:07 PM
Nick Wright @getnickwright
Obviously a great finish of the half for Phoenix.
Not hyperbole to say this 2nd half coming up is the highest leverage half of basketball KD has played since G7 of the Rd. 2 vs MIL in ’21.
I expect he’s going to be excellent. He knows they can’t fall down 0-2 at home. – 11:06 PM
Obviously a great finish of the half for Phoenix.
Not hyperbole to say this 2nd half coming up is the highest leverage half of basketball KD has played since G7 of the Rd. 2 vs MIL in ’21.
I expect he’s going to be excellent. He knows they can’t fall down 0-2 at home. – 11:06 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Devin Booker’s 3 just erased a 13-point Clippers lead and ties game at 59 at halftime.
23-10 Phoenix run in last 5:32 of 1st half. That’s just powerful offense, and that’s reflected in 57.1% FGs Suns are shooting.
Russell Westbrook: game-high 17 points
KD/CP3/Ayton: 41 points – 11:06 PM
Devin Booker’s 3 just erased a 13-point Clippers lead and ties game at 59 at halftime.
23-10 Phoenix run in last 5:32 of 1st half. That’s just powerful offense, and that’s reflected in 57.1% FGs Suns are shooting.
Russell Westbrook: game-high 17 points
KD/CP3/Ayton: 41 points – 11:06 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Russ vs KD at half:
17 PTS 16 PTS
6-9 FG 7-13 FG
2-3 3P 0-1 3P pic.twitter.com/gynEMiVCcE – 11:06 PM
Russ vs KD at half:
17 PTS 16 PTS
6-9 FG 7-13 FG
2-3 3P 0-1 3P pic.twitter.com/gynEMiVCcE – 11:06 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: LAC 59, PHX 59
Durant: 16 Pts, 5 Reb, 7-13 FG
Ayton: 12 Pts, 8 Reb, 6-8 FG
Booker: 13 Pts, 4-8 FG
Leonard: 16-6-5, 6-10 FG
I have no earthly idea how this game is tied, but Suns close 2Q on an 11-2 run – 11:05 PM
Halftime: LAC 59, PHX 59
Durant: 16 Pts, 5 Reb, 7-13 FG
Ayton: 12 Pts, 8 Reb, 6-8 FG
Booker: 13 Pts, 4-8 FG
Leonard: 16-6-5, 6-10 FG
I have no earthly idea how this game is tied, but Suns close 2Q on an 11-2 run – 11:05 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Huge sequence to end the half. The Suns tied it at 59 on a Book triple. They needed it in the worst way.
KD 16-5-3.
Kawhi 16-6-5 – 11:04 PM
Huge sequence to end the half. The Suns tied it at 59 on a Book triple. They needed it in the worst way.
KD 16-5-3.
Kawhi 16-6-5 – 11:04 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant with 16 on 7-of-13 shooting with under minute in half.
Went 7-of-15 in Sunday’s loss. – 11:03 PM
Durant with 16 on 7-of-13 shooting with under minute in half.
Went 7-of-15 in Sunday’s loss. – 11:03 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Playoff Kawhi in full effect. He has 14 points, 7 assists, five rebounds so far. Froze Craig with a baseline driving dunk and when Suns sent late double, Kawhi split Booker and Shamet, drew Ayton out of paint before hitting Zubac for a dunk. Also has clean steal on KD. – 10:59 PM
Playoff Kawhi in full effect. He has 14 points, 7 assists, five rebounds so far. Froze Craig with a baseline driving dunk and when Suns sent late double, Kawhi split Booker and Shamet, drew Ayton out of paint before hitting Zubac for a dunk. Also has clean steal on KD. – 10:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Definitely heavy starter minutes for #Suns
Durant and Booker 19 minutes
Ayton 18. Paul 15. Craig 12.
Bench minutes: Shamet 10, Okogie 7, Lee and Biyombo 3 minutes each, Warren 2.
Down 57-48 with 2:24 left in half. – 10:58 PM
Definitely heavy starter minutes for #Suns
Durant and Booker 19 minutes
Ayton 18. Paul 15. Craig 12.
Bench minutes: Shamet 10, Okogie 7, Lee and Biyombo 3 minutes each, Warren 2.
Down 57-48 with 2:24 left in half. – 10:58 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers lead 57-48 with 2:24 left.
Both teams went down and scored on six straight possessions, and Batum sent Durant to the line ahead of this mandatory timeout.
Suns are getting undone once again by possession battle. Clippers up 7-2 on offensive rebounds, 7-5 on turnovers. – 10:58 PM
Clippers lead 57-48 with 2:24 left.
Both teams went down and scored on six straight possessions, and Batum sent Durant to the line ahead of this mandatory timeout.
Suns are getting undone once again by possession battle. Clippers up 7-2 on offensive rebounds, 7-5 on turnovers. – 10:58 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Got shot making going on right now. Durant again,
Leonard to Zubac for dunk.
#Suns down nine. – 10:56 PM
Got shot making going on right now. Durant again,
Leonard to Zubac for dunk.
#Suns down nine. – 10:56 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Little Westbrook Durant non-verbal exchange there. #Suns #Clippers – 10:54 PM
Little Westbrook Durant non-verbal exchange there. #Suns #Clippers – 10:54 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
The curl off Ayton screen gets Durant ball on the move, scores over Zubac
Westbrook answer, fouled by Ayton. Hits FT.
#Suns down 11 – 10:50 PM
The curl off Ayton screen gets Durant ball on the move, scores over Zubac
Westbrook answer, fouled by Ayton. Hits FT.
#Suns down 11 – 10:50 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers lead Suns 42-32 with 7:20 left in 1st half.
The Westbrook bench has come in and pushed the lead to double digits for the first time with Kawhi Leonard resting, and CP3/Durant/Ayton all on the floor.
T Mann outscoring Suns bench 8-5 by himself.
The depth is depthing. – 10:47 PM
Clippers lead Suns 42-32 with 7:20 left in 1st half.
The Westbrook bench has come in and pushed the lead to double digits for the first time with Kawhi Leonard resting, and CP3/Durant/Ayton all on the floor.
T Mann outscoring Suns bench 8-5 by himself.
The depth is depthing. – 10:47 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant and Ayton pick-and-roll is something that’s there for #Suns
Ayton 2.
Powell answer
#Suns down nine. – 10:43 PM
Durant and Ayton pick-and-roll is something that’s there for #Suns
Ayton 2.
Powell answer
#Suns down nine. – 10:43 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Russ and Kawhi have been all over KD on defense 🔒 pic.twitter.com/5lUKQk0aV8 – 10:43 PM
Russ and Kawhi have been all over KD on defense 🔒 pic.twitter.com/5lUKQk0aV8 – 10:43 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul had open corner and elected to go into the paint.
The offense is designed for the guy in the corner to shoot the 3.
#Suns down 33-26.
Damion Lee in for Warren, who played 2 minutes.
Durant in as well. #Suns – 10:42 PM
Paul had open corner and elected to go into the paint.
The offense is designed for the guy in the corner to shoot the 3.
#Suns down 33-26.
Damion Lee in for Warren, who played 2 minutes.
Durant in as well. #Suns – 10:42 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Looks like the plan tonight is an extended stagger of Booker/Durant.
Here comes Damion Lee as the 10th guy in. – 10:41 PM
Looks like the plan tonight is an extended stagger of Booker/Durant.
Here comes Damion Lee as the 10th guy in. – 10:41 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers lead 29-24 through one quarter of play in Game 2
Eric Gordon and Terance Mann have 4 of the 6 Clippers 3s. Kawhi Leonard leads all scorers with 8 points.
Kevin Durant’s aggression has been inefficient: 6 points on 3/8 FGs. – 10:36 PM
Clippers lead 29-24 through one quarter of play in Game 2
Eric Gordon and Terance Mann have 4 of the 6 Clippers 3s. Kawhi Leonard leads all scorers with 8 points.
Kevin Durant’s aggression has been inefficient: 6 points on 3/8 FGs. – 10:36 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Clippers 29, Suns 22 | End 1 |
Kawhi in a full first quarter of play: 8 points, four rebounds, five assists, 3-6 from the field. 🔥
KD went all 12 too: 6 points, three rebounds, two assists, 3-8. – 10:35 PM
Clippers 29, Suns 22 | End 1 |
Kawhi in a full first quarter of play: 8 points, four rebounds, five assists, 3-6 from the field. 🔥
KD went all 12 too: 6 points, three rebounds, two assists, 3-8. – 10:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
This is new.
Got Ayton and Paul in for Biyombo and Okogie.
So now Paul, Ayton, Booker and Durant in to end quarter,
Mann 3.
Ayton 2.
#Suns down 5 after one. – 10:34 PM
This is new.
Got Ayton and Paul in for Biyombo and Okogie.
So now Paul, Ayton, Booker and Durant in to end quarter,
Mann 3.
Ayton 2.
#Suns down 5 after one. – 10:34 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Monty Williams isn’t repeating Sunday’s late 1Q rotation when Devin Booker was the only starter on the floor during a disastrous 90 seconds. He’s kept KD and Booker out there the entire quarter — but LAC leads 29-24, anyway, after one quarter. – 10:33 PM
Monty Williams isn’t repeating Sunday’s late 1Q rotation when Devin Booker was the only starter on the floor during a disastrous 90 seconds. He’s kept KD and Booker out there the entire quarter — but LAC leads 29-24, anyway, after one quarter. – 10:33 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Look like Booker and Durant are going to play whole 1st quarter.
Go under minute left.
Leonard 3. Has 8. #Suns down 4. – 10:32 PM
Look like Booker and Durant are going to play whole 1st quarter.
Go under minute left.
Leonard 3. Has 8. #Suns down 4. – 10:32 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kawhi Leonard just mookie’d Kevin Durant and got the dunk as Booker and KD passed by – 10:31 PM
Kawhi Leonard just mookie’d Kevin Durant and got the dunk as Booker and KD passed by – 10:31 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Leonard steal on Durant, coast to coast dunk.
BIyombo to Okogie corner 3 answer.
#Suns down one. – 10:30 PM
Leonard steal on Durant, coast to coast dunk.
BIyombo to Okogie corner 3 answer.
#Suns down one. – 10:30 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
KD keeps the dribble too high, Kawhi takes the cookies for a dunk. – 10:30 PM
KD keeps the dribble too high, Kawhi takes the cookies for a dunk. – 10:30 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
I could be mistaken, but it looks like Durant just told Biyombo to look at Booker on throw ahead as Biyombo went to Okogie.
Threw it too far. Turnover. #Suns #Clippers #NBAPlayoffs – 10:27 PM
I could be mistaken, but it looks like Durant just told Biyombo to look at Booker on throw ahead as Biyombo went to Okogie.
Threw it too far. Turnover. #Suns #Clippers #NBAPlayoffs – 10:27 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Too many mistakes in transition on defense and that Bismack Biyombo turnover was a bad one. Devin Booker gestured “calm down” and Kevin Durant had some words for him after that, with Bizzy saying “my bad” – 10:26 PM
Too many mistakes in transition on defense and that Bismack Biyombo turnover was a bad one. Devin Booker gestured “calm down” and Kevin Durant had some words for him after that, with Bizzy saying “my bad” – 10:26 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Suns are using Bismack Biyombo (6’8″, 255) on Kawhi Leonard (6’7″, 225) while using Kevin Durant as a rim protector – 10:24 PM
Suns are using Bismack Biyombo (6’8″, 255) on Kawhi Leonard (6’7″, 225) while using Kevin Durant as a rim protector – 10:24 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Tech on Torrey Craig after complaining about foul call.
Okogie in for Craig.
So you got Durant, Booker, Biyombo, Shamet and Okogie. #Suns down two. – 10:24 PM
Tech on Torrey Craig after complaining about foul call.
Okogie in for Craig.
So you got Durant, Booker, Biyombo, Shamet and Okogie. #Suns down two. – 10:24 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
See the way Durant drove to the rim and then stopped on two feet and pulled up under control for a short jumper? That’s allowed! You don’t have to drive as fast as possible all the way to the basket and worry about someone taking a charge and all the rest. – 10:24 PM
See the way Durant drove to the rim and then stopped on two feet and pulled up under control for a short jumper? That’s allowed! You don’t have to drive as fast as possible all the way to the basket and worry about someone taking a charge and all the rest. – 10:24 PM
The Vertical @Balldontlie
“Russell Westbrook is the ultimate three-and-D player.”
–Kevin Durant, probably pic.twitter.com/eqVK7Aii7T – 10:21 PM
“Russell Westbrook is the ultimate three-and-D player.”
–Kevin Durant, probably pic.twitter.com/eqVK7Aii7T – 10:21 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant scores over Mann in iso up top. Tie game. #Suns #Clippers – 10:20 PM
Durant scores over Mann in iso up top. Tie game. #Suns #Clippers – 10:20 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Kawhi guarding KD now. Phx finally getting KD on the move. Eludes Kawhi, bucket – 10:19 PM
Kawhi guarding KD now. Phx finally getting KD on the move. Eludes Kawhi, bucket – 10:19 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant off curl screen, gets away from Leonard, scores.
Leonard answer. #Suns down 2. – 10:19 PM
Durant off curl screen, gets away from Leonard, scores.
Leonard answer. #Suns down 2. – 10:19 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Russ giving KD PROBLEMS on defense 🍿 (via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/V0CMt6R40N – 10:18 PM
Russ giving KD PROBLEMS on defense 🍿 (via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/V0CMt6R40N – 10:18 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 62.5% FGs
Durant 1-of-2, Craig 1-of-2, Booker 2-of-3, Paul 1-of-1, Ayton 0-of-0. – 10:16 PM
#Suns 62.5% FGs
Durant 1-of-2, Craig 1-of-2, Booker 2-of-3, Paul 1-of-1, Ayton 0-of-0. – 10:16 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers out to a 13-11 lead with 6:56 left in 1st quarter.
Russell Westbrook blocked Kevin Durant again, and KD has two turnovers too.
Phoenix playing with greater urgency and physicality defensively, and they want to play faster.
Clippers already +4 in possessions – 10:16 PM
Clippers out to a 13-11 lead with 6:56 left in 1st quarter.
Russell Westbrook blocked Kevin Durant again, and KD has two turnovers too.
Phoenix playing with greater urgency and physicality defensively, and they want to play faster.
Clippers already +4 in possessions – 10:16 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns went elbow for Durant. Clippers did not switch it that time but Leonard played more of a drop off Ayton. Durant went to feed Ayton but Zubac came all the way over from the weak-side corner off Craig to break that up. Clippers continue to execute through constant changes. – 10:15 PM
Suns went elbow for Durant. Clippers did not switch it that time but Leonard played more of a drop off Ayton. Durant went to feed Ayton but Zubac came all the way over from the weak-side corner off Craig to break that up. Clippers continue to execute through constant changes. – 10:15 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Russ is so hyped up. He got that block on KD but he’s gonna be going for everything. KD can bait and fool him, while still being aggressive – 10:14 PM
Russ is so hyped up. He got that block on KD but he’s gonna be going for everything. KD can bait and fool him, while still being aggressive – 10:14 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
You think Westbrook is taking this Durant assignment personally? pic.twitter.com/7cqV0vqUdj – 10:13 PM
You think Westbrook is taking this Durant assignment personally? pic.twitter.com/7cqV0vqUdj – 10:13 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
You could hear Russell Westbrook’s smack on both the ball and Kevin Durant’s hand 😂 – 10:10 PM
You could hear Russell Westbrook’s smack on both the ball and Kevin Durant’s hand 😂 – 10:10 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Westbrook block on Durant from behind.
Gordon open 3.
Booker answer. #Suns down 1. – 10:09 PM
Westbrook block on Durant from behind.
Gordon open 3.
Booker answer. #Suns down 1. – 10:09 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Westbrook hits a catch-and-shoot 3, then blocks KD with a rear contest. – 10:09 PM
Westbrook hits a catch-and-shoot 3, then blocks KD with a rear contest. – 10:09 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Russell Westbrook starts game on Kevin Durant… KD scores right away.
Batum is on CP3. – 10:08 PM
Russell Westbrook starts game on Kevin Durant… KD scores right away.
Batum is on CP3. – 10:08 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant offensive rebound, assist on Craig corner 3.
#Suns up 5-0. – 10:08 PM
Durant offensive rebound, assist on Craig corner 3.
#Suns up 5-0. – 10:08 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Immediate mid-post touch for Kevin Durant, immediate bucket. No 0-for-5 start tonight! – 10:07 PM
Immediate mid-post touch for Kevin Durant, immediate bucket. No 0-for-5 start tonight! – 10:07 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant takes 1st shot with Westbrook guarding him.
Durant makes 1st shot. #Suns up 2-0. – 10:07 PM
Durant takes 1st shot with Westbrook guarding him.
Durant makes 1st shot. #Suns up 2-0. – 10:07 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Didn’t take Kevin Durant long to get his first bucket this time! – 10:06 PM
Didn’t take Kevin Durant long to get his first bucket this time! – 10:06 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
STARTERS 4/18
LAC
Kawhi Leonard
Nicolas Batum
Ivica Zubac
Eric Gordon
Russell Westbrook
PHX
Torrey Craig
Kevin Durant
Deandre Ayton
Devin Booker
Chris Paul – 9:52 PM
STARTERS 4/18
LAC
Kawhi Leonard
Nicolas Batum
Ivica Zubac
Eric Gordon
Russell Westbrook
PHX
Torrey Craig
Kevin Durant
Deandre Ayton
Devin Booker
Chris Paul – 9:52 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“The great ones always do.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue on possibly seeing a more aggressive Kevin Durant in Game 2: pic.twitter.com/MQgOFOlWDP – 8:53 PM
“The great ones always do.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue on possibly seeing a more aggressive Kevin Durant in Game 2: pic.twitter.com/MQgOFOlWDP – 8:53 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
The Clippers expect Kevin Durant to be more aggressive. Said as much yesterday and Ty Lue said it again, tonight:
“The great ones always come out ready to go” after a playoff loss, Lue said. – 8:37 PM
The Clippers expect Kevin Durant to be more aggressive. Said as much yesterday and Ty Lue said it again, tonight:
“The great ones always come out ready to go” after a playoff loss, Lue said. – 8:37 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Monty Williams on getting Kevin Durant more opportunities: “I can do a better job of giving him the ball in live-ball situations.” – 8:20 PM
Monty Williams on getting Kevin Durant more opportunities: “I can do a better job of giving him the ball in live-ball situations.” – 8:20 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Facing double teams at every turn, Joel Embiid is happy to facilitate and ‘play the right way’ inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 8:00 PM
Facing double teams at every turn, Joel Embiid is happy to facilitate and ‘play the right way’ inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 8:00 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
How will the Sixers survive minutes without Joel Embiid? Inside their search to find the right lineup. inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 7:59 PM
How will the Sixers survive minutes without Joel Embiid? Inside their search to find the right lineup. inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 7:59 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Top clutch scorers last 10 seasons
2022-23: De’Aaron Fox
2021-22: Embiid
2020-21: Dame
2019-20: CP3
2018-19: Harden
2017-18: LeBron
2016-17: Westbrook
2015-16: Reggie Jackson (!!)
2014-15: Harden
2013-14: Durant – 7:27 PM
Top clutch scorers last 10 seasons
2022-23: De’Aaron Fox
2021-22: Embiid
2020-21: Dame
2019-20: CP3
2018-19: Harden
2017-18: LeBron
2016-17: Westbrook
2015-16: Reggie Jackson (!!)
2014-15: Harden
2013-14: Durant – 7:27 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Joel Embiid finished fifth in voting for the new Clutch Player of the Year award pic.twitter.com/4BZUVJD9d5 – 7:18 PM
Joel Embiid finished fifth in voting for the new Clutch Player of the Year award pic.twitter.com/4BZUVJD9d5 – 7:18 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Nets kept Joel Embiid & James Harden in check in Game 2, but Tyrese Maxey hit 6 3s. Cam Johnson said pick your poison is the Nets’ game plan.
“But at the same time, that’s not a poison you wanna pick: Maxey teeing off open threes from the corner.”
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 4:37 PM
The Nets kept Joel Embiid & James Harden in check in Game 2, but Tyrese Maxey hit 6 3s. Cam Johnson said pick your poison is the Nets’ game plan.
“But at the same time, that’s not a poison you wanna pick: Maxey teeing off open threes from the corner.”
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 4:37 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
KD got one shot in the last six minutes. That is not why he’s in Phoenix. He made the right plays. Him attacking is making the best play.
APPLE: apple.co/43G8QI9
SPOTIFY: spoti.fi/3mDA5mf pic.twitter.com/2ypDgDdYcU – 4:01 PM
KD got one shot in the last six minutes. That is not why he’s in Phoenix. He made the right plays. Him attacking is making the best play.
APPLE: apple.co/43G8QI9
SPOTIFY: spoti.fi/3mDA5mf pic.twitter.com/2ypDgDdYcU – 4:01 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“You got Kevin freaking Durant, he’s gotta get touches down the stretch”
@TermineRadio & @JumpShot8 breaks down #Clippers #Suns before tonight’s game 2
Watch Justin & Eddie live now till 7p ET on the @NBA App 👉📱💻📺app.link.nba.com/Sirius-2 pic.twitter.com/KocA5RpEip – 4:00 PM
“You got Kevin freaking Durant, he’s gotta get touches down the stretch”
@TermineRadio & @JumpShot8 breaks down #Clippers #Suns before tonight’s game 2
Watch Justin & Eddie live now till 7p ET on the @NBA App 👉📱💻📺app.link.nba.com/Sirius-2 pic.twitter.com/KocA5RpEip – 4:00 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
“We have to be more organized. Get to our spots faster, so we can execute our plays with the spacing,” Jalen McDaniels said of the 2nd unit paired w/ James Harden.
How will the #Sixers survive minutes without Joel Embiid? inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 1:07 PM
“We have to be more organized. Get to our spots faster, so we can execute our plays with the spacing,” Jalen McDaniels said of the 2nd unit paired w/ James Harden.
How will the #Sixers survive minutes without Joel Embiid? inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 1:07 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
New column: Enjoyable passing, valuable defense, and a bit of mischief in Joel Embiid’s Game 2
nbcsports.com/philadelphia/s… – 12:33 PM
New column: Enjoyable passing, valuable defense, and a bit of mischief in Joel Embiid’s Game 2
nbcsports.com/philadelphia/s… – 12:33 PM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
My article from last night’s game.
The Nets held Joel Embiid and James Harden in check but couldn’t come away with a win. And that development underscores a harsh reality for Brooklyn.
Full story: clutchpoints.com/nets-news-joel… – 12:23 PM
My article from last night’s game.
The Nets held Joel Embiid and James Harden in check but couldn’t come away with a win. And that development underscores a harsh reality for Brooklyn.
Full story: clutchpoints.com/nets-news-joel… – 12:23 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Most 30-point playoff games by an active player:
118 — LeBron
[gap]
71 — Durant
52 — Steph
45 — Harden
34 — Kawhi
32 — Giannis pic.twitter.com/wpQQFS8wnC – 11:52 AM
Most 30-point playoff games by an active player:
118 — LeBron
[gap]
71 — Durant
52 — Steph
45 — Harden
34 — Kawhi
32 — Giannis pic.twitter.com/wpQQFS8wnC – 11:52 AM
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Joel Embiid is an incredible player but flops and flailing like this against guys 50+ pounds lighter than him are a regular occurrence.
If you’re gonna do this don’t talk about the other team “begging for fouls” in your postgame presser.
pic.twitter.com/teFrPINzs0 – 11:42 AM
Joel Embiid is an incredible player but flops and flailing like this against guys 50+ pounds lighter than him are a regular occurrence.
If you’re gonna do this don’t talk about the other team “begging for fouls” in your postgame presser.
pic.twitter.com/teFrPINzs0 – 11:42 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Facing double teams at every turn, Joel Embiid is happy to facilitate and ‘play the right way’ inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 11:39 AM
Facing double teams at every turn, Joel Embiid is happy to facilitate and ‘play the right way’ inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 11:39 AM
More on this storyline
Clutch Points: Reporter: “Did you need a win today to prove that you could win with Kevin Durant?” Devin Booker: “That’s a 2-time champ. a 2-time Finals MVP. He’s proven enough. We didn’t lose any games with each other in the regular season & we just dropped Game 1.” (via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/koFBxgcbQW -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / April 19, 2023
Law Murray: Phoenix wins Game 2 123-109 to tie series at 1-1. 27-point turnaround after Clippers led 49-36 in 2nd quarter. Game 5 is on the calendar now. Chris Paul snaps Scott Foster streak, Kevin Durant snaps playoff losing streak. Devin Booker: 38 points, 14/22 FGs Game 3 in LA Thu -via Twitter @LawMurrayTheNU / April 19, 2023
StatMuse: Kevin Durant tonight: 25 PTS 6 REB 5 AST 2 BLK 10-19 FG The only player with 500+ points against Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs… Durant has 600. pic.twitter.com/d1K3COR82H -via Twitter @statmuse / April 19, 2023
Kyle Neubeck: Tyrese Maxey on Joel Embiid’s leadership: “I feel like the leadership coming from Joel has been on another level this year” pic.twitter.com/t7OvCTK09U -via Twitter @KyleNeubeck / April 19, 2023
Magic Johnson: I like the leadership of MVP Joel Embiid and his co-pilot James Harden. They are committed to trying to bring a championship to Philadelphia this season! -via Twitter @MagicJohnson / April 18, 2023
A few samplings from the Embiid supporters who were polled: “There’s not many people in the league you may fear, but I think he’s one of those few people that you have appropriate fear for every time you go out,” one player said. “Dominance,” another player said of Embiid. “He’s the hardest player to stop in the league, and his team is winning.” “I think he’s a clear-cut (No. 1), to be honest — and he plays defense,” said another player of Embiid. “When you’ve got a guy that plays both ends, like Joel Embiid, I think he’s just got to win.” -via The Athletic / April 18, 2023