Opening Night: Game 1: Phoenix Suns @ Golden State Warriors l Tuesday l 7:00pm l TNT

[enigmatics]

He's definitely not the same player he was in his OKC days and early warriors stint where he was in his athletic prime. KDs always been a finesse player but he's definitely much more careful about choosing his spots when it comes to attacking the rim now, as he should with his age and injury history. But the thing with KD is, he's just as efficient playing this way and he shouldn't be written off after 1 fluky bad shooting game.

I think you forget he shot 48% in the playoffs last year.

His efficiency is declining - which isn't exactly abnormal at his age post injury when being forced to become a jump shooter.

He also shot 56/40/92 in the regular season last year. He'll be fine.

Respectfully, I couldn't care less about regular season #'s.

In the playoffs defenders consistently took away his path to the rim. The hope is that Beal (when on the court) can loosen that up.

[matt131]

Saric was credited with 2 blocks last night.

For the Suns in 2020/2021, he was credited with 4 FOR THE ENTIRE REGULAR SEASON.

Draw from that information whatever you choose.

[bigfoot]

I think you forget he shot 48% in the playoffs last year.

His efficiency is declining - which isn't exactly abnormal at his age post injury when being forced to become a jump shooter.

He also shot 56/40/92 in the regular season last year. He'll be fine.

Respectfully, I couldn't care less about regular season #'s.

In the playoffs defenders consistently took away his path to the rim. The hope is that Beal (when on the court) can loosen that up.

If KD is your third option option on offense ... I'm okay with that. Will be better than any other third option out there. Will give him more energy for rebounding and defense.

[Fo-Real]

Off shooting nights from Durant 7-22, Gordon 4-16 and Allen 0-6, no Beal and we still won!! I'll take it.

[lonea]

The part about Nurk is that he can call plays and have the balls to run it. I was impressed he called a play for KD after his collision at the other end and told KD to goto the baseline.

[darealjuice]

All of this KD drama is pretty ridiculous. He hasn't been blowing past high level defenders and attacking the paint for years now. He's a tough shot maker, and he's been one of the most efficient scorers in the league despite that. He'll have cold nights like last night, he'll have hot nights, but he's been a consistent scorer. That skill isn't just going away.

It's pretty funny that KD's "struggles" in last year's playoffs would be a great run for most players lol. 29/8.7/5.5 on 60 TS% isn't exactly a bad run. Things got tougher during the Nuggets series, but at that point we were throwing darts with the majority of our rotation against the eventual champs and praying that Booker and KD would carry us for 40+ minutes per game through physical defense and double teams all game, especially after CP3 went down. I'm confident KD has a stronger showing for us when it matters this year with the roster we've put around them if we can just be healthy at the right time.

[garrick]

KD needs to watch some youtube of Dirk circa 2011.

Dude couldn't jump over a can of soda.

And he put up okay efficiency while creating his shots.

Dirk was also a fantastic off-ball player. He routinely cut or came off pin-downs for semi-open midrange shots or close to the basket gimmes.

KD basically wants to play on hard mode, wants to look like a 7 foot Kobe every time he shoots it.

It's dumb basketball.

I overrated his basketball IQ and I hope Vogel straight up tells him hey, maybe stop taking so many stupid ass shots.

Dirk was an underrated post player which helped but KD is so thin he easily gets pushed out of the paint by smaller players.

He even had a hard time getting around 38 year old CP3 which was a little embarrassing.

[Saberestar]

I think you forget he shot 48% in the playoffs last year.

His efficiency is declining - which isn't exactly abnormal at his age post injury when being forced to become a jump shooter.

He also shot 56/40/92 in the regular season last year. He'll be fine.

Respectfully, I couldn't care less about regular season #'s.

In the playoffs defenders consistently took away his path to the rim. The hope is that Beal (when on the court) can loosen that up.

Look at his numbers against the Clippers, his efficiency was unreal.

Then we played against the champs and CP3 went down and then (somehow/someway) Ayton too.

Book and KD were basically our only good players against the Nuggets and they were fantastic in games 3 and 4...but it was too much, they just couldn't do it all.

[handsome salary]

The NBA season has officially begun with the ESPN top NBA headlines:
Lebon logs 29 minutes in loss
Paul hears "CP3" chants as Dubs tout chemistry

[sashaturiaf]

He also shot 56/40/92 in the regular season last year. He'll be fine.

Respectfully, I couldn't care less about regular season #'s.

In the playoffs defenders consistently took away his path to the rim. The hope is that Beal (when on the court) can loosen that up.

Look at his numbers against the Clippers, his efficiency was unreal.

Then we played against the champs and CP3 went down and then (somehow/someway) Ayton too.

Book and KD were basically our only good players against the Nuggets and they were fantastic in games 3 and 4...but it was too much, they just couldn't do it all.

Nothing can be taken out of last season's playoffs. We were playing Shamet, Landale, Warren and Terrence Ross real minutes.

Booker was otherworldly good, and KD was good enough. But we had at max 3-4 players who would get minutes on a real contending team.

[Saberestar]

All of this KD drama is pretty ridiculous. He hasn't been blowing past high level defenders and attacking the paint for years now. He's a tough shot maker, and he's been one of the most efficient scorers in the league despite that. He'll have cold nights like last night, he'll have hot nights, but he's been a consistent scorer. That skill isn't just going away.

It's pretty funny that KD's "struggles" in last year's playoffs would be a great run for most players lol. 29/8.7/5.5 on 60 TS% isn't exactly a bad run. Things got tougher during the Nuggets series, but at that point we were throwing darts with the majority of our rotation against the eventual champs and praying that Booker and KD would carry us for 40+ minutes per game through physical defense and double teams all game, especially after CP3 went down. I'm confident KD has a stronger showing for us when it matters this year with the roster we've put around them if we can just be healthy at the right time.

This.

He has never been a ball dominant type of player and he has always tried to move himself with a purpose to not waste energy and be efficient all the time.

He didn't shot well tonight but it's just one game.

[dremill24]

KD needs to watch some youtube of Dirk circa 2011.

Dude couldn't jump over a can of soda.

And he put up okay efficiency while creating his shots.

Dirk was also a fantastic off-ball player. He routinely cut or came off pin-downs for semi-open midrange shots or close to the basket gimmes.

KD basically wants to play on hard mode, wants to look like a 7 foot Kobe every time he shoots it.

It's dumb basketball.

I overrated his basketball IQ and I hope Vogel straight up tells him hey, maybe stop taking so many stupid ass shots.

Please check back after 10 games, a mid-range fade for KD is a layup for most players.

Its clearly not...hes better at making mid range fade aways relative to most players but that doesnt make it a good shot relative to shots that are less contested. Its a great safety valve as a backup plan but he and the coaching staff need to make a conscious effort to get him better looks as the primary focus, instead of the first option being a contested fade away with a guy hanging on his hip. It was the same against the Nuggets. He can get hot more than others but it has to be sustainable.

[sashaturiaf]

KD needs to watch some youtube of Dirk circa 2011.

Dude couldn't jump over a can of soda.

And he put up okay efficiency while creating his shots.

Dirk was also a fantastic off-ball player. He routinely cut or came off pin-downs for semi-open midrange shots or close to the basket gimmes.

KD basically wants to play on hard mode, wants to look like a 7 foot Kobe every time he shoots it.

It's dumb basketball.

I overrated his basketball IQ and I hope Vogel straight up tells him hey, maybe stop taking so many stupid ass shots.

Please check back after 10 games, a mid-range fade for KD is a layup for most players.

Its clearly not...hes better at making mid range fade aways relative to most players but that doesnt make it a good shot relative to shots that are less contested. Its a great safety valve as a backup plan but he and the coaching staff need to make a conscious effort to get him better looks as the primary focus, instead of the first option being a contested fade away with a guy hanging on his hip. He can get hot more than others but it has to be sustainable.

Cringe. You're really questioning how Durant plays？gotta be sustainable? WTF? He's one of the best players in NBA history yet you think you know better ?


He's got 2 rings 2 finals MVPs and shoots over 50% for his career. Id say his inefficient midrange jumpshots are working for him

[enigmatics]

[
This.

He has never been a ball dominant type of player and he has always tried to move himself with a purpose to not waste energy and be efficient all the time.

He didn't shot well tonight but it's just one game.

For the last time -

I'm not stating my observations off one game. If you're going to continue to reduce my argument down to that then just stop right now. No point in continuing the conversation.

[NapoleonII]

KD needs to watch some youtube of Dirk circa 2011.

Dude couldn't jump over a can of soda.

And he put up okay efficiency while creating his shots.

Dirk was also a fantastic off-ball player. He routinely cut or came off pin-downs for semi-open midrange shots or close to the basket gimmes.

KD basically wants to play on hard mode, wants to look like a 7 foot Kobe every time he shoots it.

It's dumb basketball.

I overrated his basketball IQ and I hope Vogel straight up tells him hey, maybe stop taking so many stupid ass shots.

Please check back after 10 games, a mid-range fade for KD is a layup for most players.

You're right, and I'm not *that* worrired. I'll take a KD mid-range every time if the defense wants to give that to us.

But in today's league, sooner or later, to be one of the best teams, you need to start gaining point differential per possession.

And if a team we're playing starts hitting enough threes at a 36-44% clip, it's impossible to overcome that with mid-range shots. Because you also have to add in turnovers (especially without a point-guard), you also have to add in their free throws vs our free throws, you also have to add shots that rim out.

[NapoleonII]

I think you forget he shot 48% in the playoffs last year.

His efficiency is declining - which isn't exactly abnormal at his age post injury when being forced to become a jump shooter.

He also shot 56/40/92 in the regular season last year. He'll be fine.

Respectfully, I couldn't care less about regular season #'s.

In the playoffs defenders consistently took away his path to the rim. The hope is that Beal (when on the court) can loosen that up.

This.

Jesus, people need to be able to take criticism.

This is what professionals do - they tinker. They look at past performance. They use this to extrapolate on future performance.

And the playoffs are all about tinkering.

I don't care if KD shoots 90% in the regular season, he needs to realize that defenses are going to hound him in the playoffs, and he needs to occasionally put his head down and get a tough lay-up, and try to get some damn free-throws.

[sashaturiaf]

KD needs to watch some youtube of Dirk circa 2011.

Dude couldn't jump over a can of soda.

And he put up okay efficiency while creating his shots.

Dirk was also a fantastic off-ball player. He routinely cut or came off pin-downs for semi-open midrange shots or close to the basket gimmes.

KD basically wants to play on hard mode, wants to look like a 7 foot Kobe every time he shoots it.

It's dumb basketball.

I overrated his basketball IQ and I hope Vogel straight up tells him hey, maybe stop taking so many stupid ass shots.

Please check back after 10 games, a mid-range fade for KD is a layup for most players.

You're right, and I'm not *that* worrired. I'll take a KD mid-range every time if the defense wants to give that to us.

But in today's league, sooner or later, to be one of the best teams, you need to start gaining point differential per possession.

And if a team we're playing starts hitting enough threes at a 36-44% clip, it's impossible to overcome that with mid-range shots. Because you also have to add in turnovers (especially without a point-guard), you also have to add in their free throws vs our free throws, you also have to add shots that rim out.

I agree, but KDs efficiency in the midrange opens up open 3 balls for the rest of the team. Open spot up 3s are good, random walkup 3s are not good, even for Steph Curry

The shots were there for the role guys last season , they just couldn't hit them. I think the front office has noticed that and brought in an Armada of shooters this offseason

[NapoleonII]

Please check back after 10 games, a mid-range fade for KD is a layup for most players.

You're right, and I'm not *that* worrired. I'll take a KD mid-range every time if the defense wants to give that to us.

But in today's league, sooner or later, to be one of the best teams, you need to start gaining point differential per possession.

And if a team we're playing starts hitting enough threes at a 36-44% clip, it's impossible to overcome that with mid-range shots. Because you also have to add in turnovers (especially without a point-guard), you also have to add in their free throws vs our free throws, you also have to add shots that rim out.

I agree, but KDs efficiency in the midrange opens up open 3 balls for the rest of the team. Open spot up 3s are good, random walkup 3s are not good, even for Steph Curry

The shots were there for the role guys last season , they just couldn't hit them. I think the front office has noticed that and brought in an Armada of shooters this offseason

I agree. The team re-tooling has looked really good, and promising, even with last night's sloppy play.

But I disagree that mid-range "opens up for other 3 point shooters".

From my understanding, players take mid-range shots when the other teams close up the paint AND run us off the three point line. It's a reactive way of playing. The "middy" is a shot that is, overall, less efficient, but superstars excel at taking them because sometimes in the playoffs, you have to hit hard shots.

But we shouldn't go LOOKING for hard shots. We should move the ball around, cut, get in transition for easy shots.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I loved how gritty and tough we seemed defensively last night. The defense was very physical. Loved our effort on the offensive boards - though the Warriors had one more. I feel like they're always getting a lot of offensive rebounds because of all the threes they put up, but the numbers for past years don't reflect that.

19 turnovers is a lot, and we may struggle with that at times. Continuity will help, as will Beal's speed when he returns.

Both teams were pretty cold shooting the ball, but the Warriors shot 35.6% from the field and 22% from three and the game still went down to the wire. Thought CP3 was great for them: he might get in the 6MOY conversation if he stays healthy.

I was also really impressed by our depth, our bench shooting, and most of all by the toughness of Nurkic and Okogie. As others have said, we wouldn't have won that game with Ayton. People complain about his hands, but man, it was refreshing to see our center get some tough boards and play physically. It set the tone for the rest of the team.

Should be a great season!

[bwgood77]

KD had his best shooting season last year, highest FG%, over 40% from 3 on nice volume, highest TS%, highest 2pt%.

He had a great playoff series against the Clippers, shooting 52% overall, 46% from 3, 96% from the line on 9 free throws a game..so got to the line a ton, and averaged 28.4, 7.6 and 6.2.

Those numbers are absurd. Booker had his best #s also in this series, but that was largely due to having KD require so much defensive attention.

KD did not shoot well from 3 against the Nuggets...had a bad series in that regard, and with turnovers, averaging over 3 a game, but again, he still got to the line a ton, over 8x a game, shooting over 88% from the line, and shot over 50% from 2, and averaged 29.5, almost 10 boards a game (9.7), and 5 apg.

Those are still crazy #s, despite not shooting well from 3. But that didn't have a huge impact, as he took 23 shots per game, and like 4 3s a game, making an avg of 1 a game. It's not like he was going 2-10 from 3 every game.

This was after playing like 8 games with the Suns in the regular season, going against the best team in the NBA.

And now he has one poor shooting game to start the season, yet still contributed in other ways, pulling down 11 boards, and people are writing him off.

I think he will decline, and is maybe starting to, but I'm not entirely sure about that given last year was one of his best years ever.