What The Wizards Need To Do To Stop Kevin Durant?
Tonight, the Wizards are visiting Phoenix to take on a player they once felt they could lure to play for them, Kevin Durant and the Suns. Even at age 35, in his 17th season, he is still playing at a high level and dominating in the league today. He is seventh in the NBA in scoring dropping 30 points per game easily on 52% shooting from the field. This game won’t be easy for the Wizards as Devin Booker is right behind Kevin Durant in eighth place in scoring thus far this season. Surely, the Wizards will need to take one of them out of their rhythm offensively. More than likely, it will be Devin Booker. Defense will be the key for the Wizards tonight.
How to Watch Washington Wizards vs. Phoenix Suns today:
Game Date: December 17, 2023
Game Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
TV: Monumental Sports Network, NBA League Pass
Stream: Youtube TV
From: Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona
Projected Starters
Washington Wizards:
Guards: Jordan Poole, Tyus Jones
Forwards: Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija
Center: Daniel Gafford
Phoenix Suns:
Guards: Devin Booker, Eric Gordon (GTD)
Forwards: Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant
Center: Jusuf Nurkic
Spending the week out West 🌵👑☔️🌉#ForTheDistrict | @CarMax
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 16, 2023
Injury Report
Washington Wizards:
Delon Wright: OUT (Knee)
Johnny Davis: OUT (Calf)
Landry Shamet: OUT (Rib)
Phoenix Suns:
Nassir Little: Day-To-Day (Knee)
Eric Gordon: Day-To-Day (Leg)
Bradley Beal: OUT (Ankle)
Damion Lee: OUT (Meniscus)
Josh Okogie: OUT (Hip)
Three straight possessions.
Three straight threes.Kevin Durant is ON FIRE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QLHVglQ6I3
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 16, 2023
The Bottom Line
The Wizards have a terrible matchup in this game tonight. Going against one of the league’s top scorers is hard in itself. But when you have to go against two top ten scorers, things really can get challenging for you. The Wizards are upset to see former guard Bradley Beal hurt, however they may be relieved that he won’t be playing as he could easily drop 30 points on them as well. The bottom line is this, the Wizards have to shut Kevin Durant or Devin Booker down. More than likely, it will be Devin Booker if possible. Kevin Durant is simply just a hard to match up with. He is too tall, long, and quick for the average big man to contend with. His jumper is lethal and he has the ability to get to the basket as well. He is very similar to Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans who recently dropped 40 on the Wizards. The Wizards must do well to force KD to attack the basket. Giving him the open lane while crashing on him as he gets to the basket forcing a double team is a quality game plan for them. They need to force him to become a facilitator. Even that is another way he can beat you. In matchups like this, the Wizards could use a guy they once had back in the day in Jared Jeffries. No matter the case, the Wizards unfortunately don’t have anyone to slow down Kevin Durant.
