PHOENIX — Here we go again. Another highly anticipated Suns’ "Big 3" debut put on hold due to more injury news.
Kevin Durant will not be on the court for Bradley Beal’s return when the Suns host the Warriors Tuesday night. The team announcing Durant will miss his second straight game with a left ankle sprain.
Durant did practice on Monday, but this is likely the Suns being cautious before a back-to-back. His next shot to play is Wednesday night against the Nets. The 13-time All-Star suffered an ankle sprain during the fourth quarter of last week’s In-Season Tournament game loss to the Lakers.
Injuries to Durant, Beal and Devin Booker have kept all three from playing together in a game this season. Beal is back after missing nearly a month a back injury, which has limited him to only playing in three games this season.
Cam’s Comments
It’s always something with this Suns team. From the moment the season started, something just felt off. The hype and buzz have worn off. The excitement for the new look trio of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker on the floor together has died down due to what feels like endless delays.
It’s like you're sitting at the airport waiting for your flight, but it keeps getting delayed. Now you’re not sure how you’ll feel when it finally arrives.
I understand the logical reasons why the "Big 3" haven’t played together yet. Injuries are a part of the game – you can’t plan for them, rest is needed to get healthy, and the goal is to be full strength come playoff time. But all offseason, Suns fans had to listen to the talk --- that maybe this team is just a bunch of injured guys. And so far, through the first 22 games of the season, their greatest fear has been their reality.
Suns fans have seen this story before. 55-years of reasons why their team hasn’t won a title. There’s serious “here we go again” level concern.
Maybe that’s why the vibes feel off for one of the best fan bases in the NBA? This team was rightfully so overhauled in the offseason after back-to-back second round playoff exits. A lot of new faces, but missing in action are the personalities --- like a Mikal Bridges, Cam Payne, Cam Johnson and even at times, Deandre Ayton.
It’s obvious, the audience has yet to connect with this Suns team. There’s zero question this team is an NBA title favorite when healthy. But when does that come? Until then the Valley will wait, but for how long?
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