2 weeks Ago By Reign Amurao, Hardwood Heroics
While Devin Booker was the hero for the Phoenix Suns ’ Thursday win against the Los Angeles Clippers, Kevin Durant didn’t forget to give veteran forward Royce O’Neale a shoutout. O’Neale had his career-high off the bench with 21 points, including and efficient 5-for-6 from downtown. The Suns mounted a comeback in the game after they ended the first two quarters 18 points behind.
The team’s efforts lessened the gap between the teams, which was the reason behind their victory over Los Angeles. The Suns had an impressive third-quarter outing , not missing a shot from the field. The team had 15 straight shots for the period, which boosted their chances of getting back into the game.
At the end of the game, Phoenix took home the win behind Booker’s 40-point performance. After the game, Kevin Durant , who had 18 points in the night, was asked about his thoughts on O’Neale’s career-high. “I think at the point of his career now, he’s taking that next step as a player,” Durant said.
“You get the ultimate confidence, confidence from the organization, coaches, your teammates and then the work that you put in, all season, throughout the season, it’s starting to show. He’s stepping up a notch, stepping up the level as an individual player, he’s adding that to the team..
. I’m super, super impressed with what he’s doing. I know he’ll keep it up, just keep grinding.
.. we’ll all get better from that.
” "He's taking that next step as a player." Kevin Durant on Royce O'Neale, who scored 21 points, hitting 5-of-6 from 3, and grabbed 7 boards off the bench in Suns win over Clippers. #Suns #ClipperNation pic.
twitter.com/1cpEN1UigL — Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 1, 2024 Over the past four games, O’Neale has played valuable minutes for the Suns. He’s averaged 7.
8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
During that span, the veteran forward hasn’t found his rhythm from beyond the arc, only making 33.3% of his attempts from deep. But after tonight’s performance, the 6-foot-5 forward might’ve found his stroke.
Kevin Durant thinks the Suns have a deep team this season Despite not making significant changes to their roster, Kevin Durant feels they have a deep team this season. The Suns have surrounded their stars with experienced players and eager rookies who have stepped up big-time early in the year. Following the game, KD was asked by a reporter about his thoughts about the team’s depth this season.
“I feel like we got a deep team, guys that’s been around before,” KD said. “Understand what it takes. We’ve got a veteran coaching staff who understands adjustments and schemes, how to utilize the bench, the whole team.
” “When guys feel a little tired, coach is coming over to serve. We need a new lineup switch, or we need to match what the other team’s doing with their lineups, I see coach making subs. I just want players and coaches down at the same page, just be ready when they’re name’s called.
” "I feel like we got a deep team, guys that's been around before. Understand what it takes. We've got a veteran coaching staff who understands adjustments and schemes, how to utilize the bench, the whole team.
" Kevin Durant on rotations after Suns comeback win vs. Clippers. #Suns pic.
twitter.com/lGGZIzqudf — Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 1, 2024 Over the summer, the Suns’ front office targeted veteran players like Tyus Jones , Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee. They hit the jackpot during the 2024 NBA Draft when they drafted the defensive forward, Ryan Dunn.
This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission..
