Live Score Updates As Kevin Durant Makes First Start

Since Kevin Durant's acquisition from the Brooklyn Nets, excitement has been building around his debut with the Phoenix Suns. A two-time NBA Finals MVP, this team hopes he can help them win a championship.

On his debut with Phoenix, KD got off to a fast start and helped lead his team to an early lead that propelled them to a 105-91 victory against Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday afternoon.

Charlotte Hornets

When the NBA expanded to four teams in 1988, George Shinn was among those eager to build a franchise in Charlotte. With an extensive business background and passion for basketball, George was quick to seize this unique opportunity.

After several failed attempts at the ballot box to secure funds for an arena, Charlotte City Council agreed to help Shinn out. In the end, a hotel and leisure tax was approved as part of their financing package for the new facility.

The team enjoys a large local fanbase and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They compete as members of the National Basketball Association's Eastern Conference Southeast Division and host their home games at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

They have a young team, but they possess great potential. They boast several talented players such as Anthony Davis, Kemba Walker and Will Barton.

Will they be able to stay ahead of their rivals this season? This question will be answered over the course of games.

One thing they will need to do is strengthen their starting five. They have some excellent players, but also some questionable ones as well.

It will be interesting to see how the team performs over the coming weeks. On the plus side, with Durant and Booker added to the lineup, they should be a formidable force over the next couple of seasons.

The Hornets' logo is an eye-catching design, featuring the image of a hornet. This fierce insect has piercing eyes and can deliver a lethal sting with ease.

According to fans, it is a brilliant way to convey the team's identity. It has been one of the most popular logos in the NBA for years and considered one of the most creative designs ever created.

It was a recurring symbol throughout the Hornets' history, and fans could identify them with that symbol for years. Their uniforms featured pin stripes in purple (away) and teal (home).

They began as a successful franchise in Charlotte in 1988 and enjoyed great success for three seasons, reaching the playoffs twice and reaching conference semifinals twice before moving to New Orleans in 2002. Returning home in 2013 however, they reclaimed their name and records.

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. Established in 1968, they play their home games at Suns Arena where they have played since.

The Suns boast the fourth-best all-time regular season win percentage and are one of three teams to play in Phoenix city proper (the other two being the Phoenix Diamondbacks and Mercury). They have won three Western Conference titles, but never an NBA championship.

For the last ten seasons, the Suns had gone without a playoff berth. But in 2021 they finally broke that streak thanks to all-star performances from Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The team made it all the way to the 2021 NBA Finals where they ultimately fell short against Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

On February 9th, Kevin Durant was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade and made his Phoenix Suns debut against Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. In 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting, Durant led his team to an easy victory of 105-91 over their opponents.

He added five rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes of action, becoming the first Suns player to start in almost a month. Expected to provide an offensive boost and defensive stability with his explosive play, it was expected that he would provide a spark on both ends of the floor.

After a slow start, the Suns jumped out to an early 57-41 lead and held on for their fourth consecutive victory, defeating the Hornets in their debut with KD playing. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Terry Rozier led Charlotte, but Durant gave Phoenix some much needed momentum in the second half for them to pull away for a comfortable victory.

LaMelo Ball missed his third straight game with knee soreness, but Phoenix still managed to find a way to win with Durant starting and Josh Okogie taking the fifth starter's nod. These two have an excellent rapport - Okogie leading the Suns in scoring this season and being a 5th round pick in Yahoo fantasy leagues over the last two weeks.

Though the Suns are a young team, they boast some elite talent on their roster. KD's addition strengthens the squad and should help them compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Furthermore, his presence provides more depth for the Suns' bench players to produce more effectively.

KD’s Debut

Kevin Durant's Phoenix Suns debut has been a long time coming, but soon enough it will be over. The two-time NBA Finals MVP will make his first start in a Phoenix uniform Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets.

Just before the 2023 trade deadline, Durant was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to a new city with an entirely new team. After missing most of January 8 due to his knee injury, the 13-time All-Star is eager to make an immediate impact in his new hometown.

Fans around the world eagerly await to witness Durant's debut with his new teammates. After taking some time away from courtside, Durant has worked hard in practice to sharpen his game. He's made sure to come out early and stay late, which players have noticed making a difference in their play.

He will likely only play 27 minutes in his debut, but the veteran is expected to make an immediate impact on the Suns' formidable frontcourt. Additionally, he could potentially help his teammates become more efficient which could translate into higher team scoring averages.

Wednesday's victory for the Phoenix Suns was largely due to their top-ranked offense, which shot 105 points on 54.5 percent shooting. Devin Booker led all scorers with 37 points.

Booker has long been known as a reliable scorer, but in recent months has shown signs of being an even better passer. On Wednesday night he recorded seven assists and has shown signs of growing into his role on this team with greater ease.

Meanwhile, Durant must keep working hard to regain his rhythm in the Suns' offense. Already one of the top teams in the Western Conference, with Durant joining their lineup they are sure to become even better with him at their side.

The team is now gearing up for their first road trip of the season and hope to use that as an opportunity to help their new star get ready for the NBA All-Star break. With four games remaining in the next four weeks, it may be possible for them to use that time as extra motivation in getting their superstar healthy and ready to go.

Final Score

Kevin Durant has been waiting patiently to make his first start for the Phoenix Suns, and fans will finally get their chance Wednesday night against Charlotte Hornets. Since his MCL sprain in January with Brooklyn Nets, Durant has been out of action; however, his teammates have been eagerly awaiting for him back on court.

He was an ideal addition for Phoenix, who have quickly blossomed into legitimate Western Conference contenders since trading for him in February. Led by KD, Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton - the Suns have a chance at winning their first NBA title in franchise history with KD leading the charge.

At present, the Suns are in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 32-28 record. But with Durant back in the lineup, they may have an improved chance to secure top honors.

KD is expected to get plenty of playing time in his debut with the Suns. While he will be on a minutes restriction for some time, there should be opportunities for him to contribute early in the game.

He hopes those minutes will help him adjust and get comfortable in Phoenix, where he said he enjoys the energy and opportunities for hard work. Furthermore, he's confident in his teammates and their potential to compete for an NBA championship.

However, he's not without some issues. After missing time due to a knee injury since January, he's returning from that setback and looking rusty. Additionally, his minutes restriction could make things difficult in the coming weeks.

Thus, it's difficult to expect a huge night from the former NBA MVP. He is an incredible player, but it's impossible to know how he'll perform in his debut with the Phoenix Suns.

KD will need time to adjust to his new teammates. He must become acquainted with starting point guard Chris Paul, shooting guard Devin Booker and center Deandre Ayton before being comfortable in Phoenix. But as an experienced star who's played on super-teams before, KD should be able to handle his role comfortably in Phoenix.