How Did Bradley Beal Do in Suns Debut? 4 Key Takeaways as Keita-Bates Diop and Jusuf Nurkic Save Face for Kevin Durant

The Phoenix Suns changed things up against the Chicago Bulls because of one player. It was Bradley Beal’s debut in the Suns jersey after an injury postponed it for multiple games. The lineup was designed to give Kevin Durant some much-needed reinforcement. It served just enough to take them over Chicago. It begs the question if this roster will work in the long run.

While analyzing Beal’s first game with the Suns, it’s hard to skip over the game-changers they have on the team. But there are also some missing gaps. This game proved that you need to keep a close eye on KD’s squad.

1. Give Kevin Durant a point guard

The starting lineup for the Suns included Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Keita Bates-Diop, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic. This would mark the regular season debut for Beal who was out for the first seven games because of a back injury. This lineup barely edged out the Bulls 116-115 with a last-second game-winning shot by Nurkic.

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For all of the hype around Beal’s debut, it was the Bosnian center and Diop who were strong backups to KD. But fans would say the Suns need to do a little more. They’ve gone by without a point guard since losing Chris Paul. Durant was glad to have Beal but if they have to score, they need a facilitator.

As of the latest statistics, Durant (9) and Nurkic (8) had a combined 17 assists. The rest of the team had 15. Eric Gordon was benched to make way for Beal who dished four assists this game.

The latest display proves that Durant is making creative offensive decisions to make up for the point guard vacuum. However, without a PG, it does feel like the Suns are putting their eggs in their high-scoring trio’s basket.

2. KD – The Suns’ Heavy lifter

It speaks of Kevin Durant’s tenacity to make up for the missing gaps in the team. But this is turning into another case of the LeBron James vs minutes restriction dilemma. KD is not in the best shape, and in his 17th season, putting him for 42 minutes in this one game was a major gamble. He can’t realistically have a full run of the offense, but there doesn’t seem to be a break for him.

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And like analysts predict, LeBron has a target on his back, KD is in a similar realm. Opponents are focusing on him, making it brutal. Sure, he decided he’s “tired of losing” and is on a spree of obliterating his rivals. Again, Frank Vogel needs to pace out their star scorer.

3. Suns ignoring potential torch-bearers

Sitting in his cozy TNT booth, Shaquille O’Neal commented that the Suns aren’t playing their big men enough. He was targeting a certain other player (Bol Bol), but it rings true for Keita Bates-Diop as well. Against the Wemby-led Spurs, he had his first action, and he proved he’s worth every penny. He was a powerful defender for all the 18 minutes he played, managing to hit a three-pointer that closed the lead briefly.

KD was colored, impressed by Keita, remarking he sees great energy from him. It made sense to bring him out in the starting five with Beal. Against the Bulls, he made 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks. One of his highlights was halting Pat Williams at the rim and keeping DeMar DeRozan in check.

Apart from getting the game-winning honor, Nurkic also is the first Suns player since Charles Barkley to fill the stat sheet with 20-16-8 in one game. He’s making that DeAndre Ayton trade worthwhile. Both were the understated stars of this game. It’s a surprise that Vogel & Co. aren’t spreading the chips beyond the Durant-Booker-Beal trio when they have these underdogs.

4. The goal is still far

Doubts will remain if the asset and cap-strapped Suns can continue their current strategy in the long run. The current strategy is just to give the ball to Durant, Booker, or Beal and have them work their magic. Devin Booker is warming the bench because of his injury. Beal wasn’t present until now. So once more Durant has to be a one-man offensive force.

2 out of 3 is still doable. But losing another to the bench will be an anxiety-causer to fans. Without enough playtime and player development, this trio is becoming nearly irreplaceable.

It’s not sustainable for championship hopes to only push their top scorers every game. They’re stretching them thin while well-rested, statistically efficient healthy players are on the bench.