The Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz had one of the most thrilling contests of last night as the Suns pulled out an incredible double-OT win with a Kevin Durant dagger. The dagger could’ve gone the other way when KD fouled Lauri Markkanen on a three, a call the referees made but was controversially overturned after a review.
Durant believed that was the right decision and that he didn’t even touch Lauri.
“It’s ridiculous they would even call that. I knew I blocked the shot and I knew that I didn’t touch him at all, but that’s just how the game is. It was a quick play for her so I’m sure she wanted to review it and get the right call. I am glad they were able to call a caucus and get it right.”
The decision to overturn the foul baffled many, as the video replay not only shows Durant’s hand making contact with Markkanen while he’s shooting, but KD also clearly takes away all of Lauri’s landing space as well.
If the foul stayed and the 84.1% free throw shooter Markkanen went to the line, this game could’ve seen a third OT and ended in the Jazz’s favor. Instead, Durant got to be the Suns’ hero, as his dagger game-winner in double-OT stood unchallenged, ending the night with 39 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists.
Kevin Durant Responds To Fans Criticizing Him After Controversial Call In Suns vs. Jazz
As was bound to happen, the Suns received a lot of hate on social media for the way they won the game behind the contentious overturned call. A lot of hate was aimed at Durant, the primary beneficiary of that moment. He responded to fans claiming he got a reputation call and that the decision would’ve remained the same if Markkanen had fouled Durant instead.
“I guess we’ll never know.”
A regular season game will not be something fans fret about too much when the season is over, especially with the Jazz, who aren’t necessarily competing for a playoff spot in a stacked West. The Suns will be glad to have gotten this win and rise above .500 with a 7-6 record instead of falling further back.
Can The Suns Survive Bradley Beal’s Injury?
The Suns lost a lot of depth this summer due to their move for Bradley Beal, a player they hoped would become the third star next to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Instead, Beal is struggling to get on the floor with back issues. After being cleared to return last week, Beal was sidelined for a minimum of three weeks with more back concerns.
Stephen A. Smith is already sounding the horns of concern regarding Beal’s contributions in this title-or-bust year for Phoenix.
I’m a big Bradley Beal fan, but since 2019, he’s missed about 105 of the last 312 games. He missed about 32 games last year, he only played 90 games, and now they talking about back injuries and they don’t know when he’ll be back. I’m starting to get really, really concerned. I need to see this guy on the court.”
Beal is averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 3 games, clearly needing to find his footing on the court as well. Without a clear timeline on when he’ll be back, Suns fans will hope Durant and Booker can make it through this stretch unscathed
