Durant’s Buzzer-Beater Tops Suns; Sanders Excels for Clippers; Kerr Tossed in Warriors Loss
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HOUSTON — Kevin Durant stunned Phoenix with a three-pointer in the final second on Monday, sealing a 112-109 Rockets victory over the Suns and exacting a bit of personal revenge against his former club.
“Most definitely,” Durant said when asked if the moment carried extra weight. “A place that I didn’t want to leave … my first time — I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I will — to be kicked out of a place.”
Durant added that the Suns’ decision to trade him still fuels his competitive fire. “It’s nothing but love for the players, but I want to beat that team. I want to show them that I still got some juice in the tank,” he said.
Phoenix’s anticipated trio of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal never fully meshed, and quiet trade discussions involving Durant reportedly surfaced ahead of last season’s deadline.
Sanders Steps Up for Clippers
LOS ANGELES — With James Harden sidelined by shoulder stiffness, second-round rookie Kobe Sanders made the most of his fourth career start, posting 20 points, seven rebounds and logging 36 minutes in the Clippers’ 118-117 win over Golden State.
“His poise, his understanding of what we’re doing, and his confidence — that’s what’s stood out,” head coach Tyronn Lue said. Sanders began the year on a two-way contract but continues to strengthen his case for a permanent roster spot.
Kerr Ejected in Warriors Defeat
SAN FRANCISCO — Frustration boiled over for Warriors head coach Steve Kerr during Monday’s one-point loss to the Clippers. Kerr was ejected after receiving two technical fouls while protesting multiple calls, including a missed goaltend that crew chief Brian Forte later admitted should have been whistled.
Assistant coach Terry Stotts finished the game on the bench and conducted the post-game news conference. “I’m up here,” Stotts joked, “because I’m saving Steve some money.”
The Warriors fell to 15-18 with the defeat, while the Clippers improved to 21-12.
Source: Hoops Wire
