Like a wounded warrior guarding his post! After a strong first half against the Mavs with a 13-point lead, the Phoenix Suns blew the game wide open in the second half, turning it into a one-point encounter. Kevin Durant, who led the team with 26 points, ramped up his cylinders in clutch and propelled a 113-114 win. Hours after the win, the team announced that the superstar suffered a left calf strain and would miss at least two weeks. Tonight, the Suns coach Mike Budenholzer revealed details of the Slim Reaper’s selfless act.

Notably, the game’s recording showed KD grabbing his left calf before clocking back in for the final 7-minute play. So, it was evident that the 2x NBA Champ played in pain in the last quarter. The vet, however, didn’t tell the staff!

Budenholzer confirmed it at the pre-game presser ahead of the Kings game. The 55-year-old said, “He didn’t share anything. Before going back in, he was able to finish the game back in. So, there was no awareness from us. Credit to him for finishing and finding a way to help us win that game.” 

Kevin Durant started this season on a high, parking his name in the MVP debate straightaway, averaging 27.6 ppg with 6.6 rpg. Above all, the superstar is leading the league in clutch, with 35 points. Out of which, he has made 12 out of his 14 two-point shot attempts. Importantly, the Suns have a bad habit of taking their games too close often. So, it’s a boon that the Valley side has The Slim Reaper!

However, in the upcoming two weeks, Devin Booker & Co. will have to find a way to keep their games out of clutch situations. But who will replace the superstar’s presence during those situations? It remains unanswered, for now.

Will the Phoenix Suns survive without Kevin Durant?

More importantly, it’s not only about the number of shots KD makes during the clutch but also the minutes he clocks. Speaking about it, Coach Mike added, “Kevin has been playing a lot. We’re going to need a little bit of everything. Everybody needs to be ready.”

Tonight, it was the rookie sensation Ryan Dunn, who replaced the superstar in the power forward position. Earlier, the young gun had a similar chance to play in the starting lineup in place of Bradley Beal in the previous game against the Mavs. Guess what? He proved his clutch prowess there as well. Especially, speaking of Dunn’s particular three-pointer in the fourth quarter, KD had massive praise.

The Slim Reaper speaking of the three-pointer said, “I just love his poise. I love that he’s physical, I like that he’s actually fouling… Confident in shooting three… He faked a back screen on me, curled off, two guys kinda confused who they gonna switch, came off and shot the ball confidently knocking in.” So, the Suns have a young player who has already impressed KD. But we can’t be sure until we have some evidence. In tonight’s game against the Kings, we could see the traces of Dunn’s clutch brilliance.

What do you think about Kevin Durant’s replacement? Let us know in the comments.