Why the Steph-KD match will determine the outcome of the Warriors-Suns

Why Steph-KD match will determine Warriors-Suns outcome originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Once teammates and training partners with the Warriors after practice, they will come from opposite benches on Saturday to share moments before the game and, hours later, to hug shortly after the game.

Meanwhile, the Warriors and Suns will collide, with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant trying to hang an “L” on each other.

Because they play different positions, Curry and Durant won’t be used to defend each other – neither would have much of a chance of containing the other – but as their team’s superstars, their performances will likely determine the direction of the game.

Since both teams come to the Chase Center with a record of 15:15, it can be assumed that the 36-year-olds will be desperate for victory. Neither would be happy waking up on Sunday as the leader of a sub-500m team.

Both teams have slowed down significantly after great starts. After winning 12 of 15 games, Golden State has since lost 12 of the next 15. Phoenix was 8-1 before Durant went down with a calf strain in early November. As valuable as Curry is to the Warriors, they are 4-2 when he sits. However, Durant’s availability was crucial to the Suns avoiding a complete collapse. They are 14-6 when he plays, 1-9 when he doesn’t play.

Still, as Curry noted a few days ago, Golden State is facing a crucial phase of the season. Impressive early-season metrics have skyrocketed during their ongoing slump, and it’s impossible to imagine a sudden turnaround without Curry taking center stage.

Curry is averaging 22.5 points per game and shooting 44.4 percent from the field, including 41.1 percent from deep. All three numbers are below career averages, but he matched his season high of 38 points in a Christmas Day loss to the Lakers.

Durant is averaging 27.5 points on 51.5 percent shooting, including 42 percent from distance – all slightly above his career average. He is averaging 33 points per game since returning to the Phoenix lineup on December 13th.

While Curry was released for Golden State’s loss to the Clippers on Friday night in Los Angeles, Durant scored 35 points in 38 minutes in the Suns’ home loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

The Suns are missing four-time All-Star Devin Booker (left groin strain), so KD’s offense is a prerequisite for success.
While Curry’s goals – and presence – always give the Warriors a chance, they will also need a strong defense to get out of this slump.

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