When the Phoenix Suns landed Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets last year, it’s safe to say there was plenty of optimism among the Phoenix faithful to see the Slim Reaper touch down in the desert. However, it would’ve been hard to find someone happier than Devin Booker. The Suns’ star had made it clear earlier that he wanted to make a super team in the Valley. Now, with the likes of Durant, Bradley Beal, and him, they look a serious threat on the court.

Booker has stated that he has been a huge fan of KD and he’s one of his favorite players. Now, the two are teammates not only at Phoenix but the two represented the United States in the Paris Olympics as well. In a recent interview with Andscape, Booker even said, that he and Durant have “been close and is growing closer every day.” The two have been seemingly inseparable in a few different manners and this has resulted in increased chemistry on the floor.

Furthermore, Devin and Kevin live just five minutes apart in Phoenix and are constantly hanging out. As per Durant, hanging out has helped a lot. “Us hanging out, playing video games, going out and having a drink. All of that stuff helps when you have been trying to gain chemistry, and it’s been great getting to know him.” They not only hang out but even work together which showcases a pure connection between them.

However, this season, which started off great and featured a 7-game winning streak, has turned upside down since KD’s injury. Devin Booker has had to step up in his absence and lead the squad. This is too much of an ask, especially when prior to getting injured, the 14x All-Star was averaging 27.6 points. Let’s take a closer look at the challenges faced by the Suns amid their star’s absence.

How has Kevin Durant’s absence hurt the Suns’ playoff contention?

Phoenix is currently 9-6 for the season, after starting the season 8-1, they have lost five of their last six games. Not so coincidentally, Kevin Durant went down with a left calf strain six games ago. Additionally, more injuries have drained the Suns which include Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, and Jusuf Nurkic. These injury woes halted their current run, putting them in a slump.

With two of the big 3 out, in Durant and Beal, opponents have made life on the court hell for Booker. The teams are loading up on the Suns’ guard, double-teaming him whenever he even comes close to the ball. Booker has had to deal with a lot recently and teammate Tyus Jones agrees.

“We’re asking Book to do a lot. It’s a lot of pressure on him. It’s a lot of focus on him. They’re physical with him, they hold and grab him, all night they’re throwing two or three bodies at him. So, it’s a lot on his plate, and we just got to continue to find ways to get him open the times that we can, and also continue to help him out with other guys making shots and making plays,” Jones told Andscape after their most recent defeat against Orlando.

Booker has been averaging a healthy 23.5 points and 6.5 assists per game so far. But, the 28-year-old has seen a drop in his performances recently due to a physical approach from opponents, apart from a fantastic display at Minnesota where he dropped 44 points. Booker will have to endure this for a few weeks until KD and Bradley Beal return. They will have a lot of work to do and make up for these recent losses to remain in playoff contention later in the season.