For the past few days, Kevin Durant has fought a lone battle against Stephen A. Smith and his naysayers. Questions sparked about his inability to lead. But when it all to play for today, the Slim Reaper left fans with a sight to behold. In Paul George’s debut for the Sixers, Durant struck with venom, turning heads while remarkably helping the Phoenix Suns extend their win streak by five games.

If there was a question about him being unable to will his team, they might have to stop. In an evenly contested game all night long, Durant could barely miss. He shot 70% for the night, but the Reaper awoke in the fourth. He scored 15 of his 35 in the fourth quarter, including back-to-back lead-taking shots, one of which would be the game-winner.

An image of Durant simply standing unfazed after securing a win with a running layup is etched into memory. It was another one for the highlight reel and it sent his peers into a frenzy. His former teammate, Kendrick Perkins felt the jitters as Durant expertly guided the Suns to a win. And even though they have clashed in the past, he was willing to put water under the bridge to rightfully salute the 36-year-old.

“A Happy Kevin Durant is a Dangerous Kevin Durant. I said it once and I’ll say it again. The Greatest Scorer to ever touch the damn Basketball,” he wrote in his tweet.

The win marks the fifth straight win for the Suns and with their only loss coming to the Los Angeles Lakers on the road.

The Phoenix Suns’ fixes are working their magic

Last season, a myriad of injuries never enabled the Suns’ ‘Big 3’ to leap as they would wish to. Additionally, there was the lack of a true point guard who could string these scorers together. The front office managed to get a grip on most of their pressing weaknesses, starting with the advent of Tyus Jones.

Jones, an efficient playmaker has earned a reputation as being spotless. It’s no surprise that he is leading the Suns in assists at 6.8 per game but is averaging less than one turnover per game. With that, all of Beal, Book and Kevin Durant have the opportunity to operate in their spaces. Booker in particular doesn’t have to worry about becoming the focal playmaker and can dedicate himself to the art of scoring.

So far, Bradley Beal staying healthy has also helped their offensive firepower remain at full force. Due to both Booker and Durant by his side, the quality of shots the veteran guard has got have improved. 43.4% of his attempts have been open shots, resulting in him hitting 50.8% of his shots.

Lastly, the Suns have greatly improved their defense. Having been to the Olympics, both Kevin Durant and Booker are playing inspiring defense, staying active throughout the game. Furthermore, the likes of Royce O’Neale and rookie Ryan Dunn, the prototype 3-and-D players have allowed Phoenix to have a well spaced out offense, leading to better transition from one side of the floor to another.

Having lost only one game, do you think the Suns should be considered title contenders this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.