Kevin Durant has emerged victorious from an exciting first NBA conflict with former teammate Kyrie Irving for the reason that two superstars have been traded by Brooklyn final month.
Durant scored 37 factors, together with the tie-breaking jumper with 11 seconds to go, to elevate the Phoenix Suns to a 130-126 win over a Dallas Mavericks aspect led by Luka Doncic and Irving in Dallas on Sunday.
Doncic had 34 factors for Dallas, however his point-blank shot for a tie rimmed out earlier than he fouled Durant after the rebound with 3.5 seconds remaining.
After the play was over, Doncic and Suns star Devin Booker, who scored 36 factors, ended up nose-to-nose and each have been issued technical fouls earlier than Durant hit two free throws to clinch the victory.
It was the 14th technical of the season for Doncic, two shy of the edge for a one-game suspension.
Irving scored 30 factors precisely 4 years to the day for the reason that final time he confronted Durant, when his Boston Celtics blew out Durant and his Golden State Warriors 128-95.
Phoenix’s win left the groups tied within the season collection, with playoff seedings within the Western Conference extensive open under top-seeded Denver.
Point guard Chris Paul scored eight of his 11 factors for the Suns within the fourth quarter for considered one of a number of tiebreaking or go-ahead buckets for each groups.
Durant was 12 of 17 from the sphere and 10 of 11 from the road in his first 30-point efficiency in three video games since becoming a member of the Suns in a blockbuster take care of the Nets that got here days after the Mavs acquired Irving.
Phoenix are 3-0 with Durant, whereas Dallas dropped to 3-6 since Irving joined the membership.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
