Phoenix Suns coach Vogel praised the team's core player Kevin Durant on the defensive end after his team's 125-106 win over the Utah Jazz. "Durant is playing as the best defensive player right now, and that's really impressed with me and the coaching staff, who is not only willing to defend the best player of the opposing team, but also defends well. Vogel said.
Durant played 38 minutes in this game, scoring 40 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, while also contributing 2 steals and 3 blocks on the defensive end, one of which was in the fourth quarter, when he flew to block a layup by Rudy Gobert, the Jazz's main center, to stabilize the Suns.
Durant's defensive stats this season have also been eye-catching, averaging 15 steals and 1Eight blocks, both of which were career highs. He also has a defensive rating of 1018, ranked sixth in the league, is the tallest player on the Suns.
Durant's defensive prowess has always been underrated, and his defensive performance is often overlooked as he played for the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets before joining the Suns, both of which are known for their offensive prowess and Durant's scoring prowess. But in fact, Durant is physically fit for defense, with a height of 6-foot-11, a 7-foot-5" reach, as well as nimble footwork and excellent awareness, he can defend multiple positions from point guard to center, and is an all-around defender.
Durant has also found a better space to play in the Suns, he is not only the team's top scorer, but also the team's defensive core, he will often take the initiative to defend the opponent's strongest offensive point in the game, whether it is James (Lebron James), Curry (Stephen Curry), or Embiid (Joel Embiid), Durant will not back down, and defends well. His defensive attitude and ability have also infected the whole team, making the Suns one of the strongest defensive teams in the league.
Durant's defensive performance has also been recognized by the league, and he has been named to the NBA Defensive Team of the Year First Team this season for the first time in his career. He's also one of the strong contenders for MVP this season, and he's on track to add a Defensive Player of the Year trophy to his two Finals MVPs and one regular-season MVP, becoming only the third player in NBA history to achieve the feat, following Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.
Durant is not only willing to defend the best players of the opposing team, but also defends well, which is his responsibility and responsibility as a top star, and it is also his value in the Suns. He proved himself to be one of the most well-rounded and outstanding players in the league and the Suns' best hope for a championship.
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