Brooklyn Nets vs Phoenix-suns Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Suns star Kevin Durant ready for return to Brooklyn

Kevin Durant’s return to Brooklyn brings not only a personal narrative of his time with the Nets but also significant implications for the Phoenix Suns’ playoff aspirations. As the Suns battle for consistency in a tightly contested Western Conference, Wednesday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets is an opportunity for Durant to shine and the Suns to bolster their postseason positioning.

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Durant’s Forward-Looking Mindset: No Room for “What Could Have Been”

Nearly a year after his blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns, Durant has made it clear that dwelling on the past isn’t his style.

“I mean, that’s just a pointless exercise, in my opinion, to think about what could have been,” Durant said after scoring 33 points in a Suns victory over the Nets on January 31, 2024. His focus remains on the present, aiming to help Phoenix stay above .500 and strengthen their playoff push.

This time around, Durant leads the Suns into Brooklyn as they aim to rebound from a tough loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

The Suns: Fighting for Consistency in the Playoff Hunt

Phoenix’s season has been a rollercoaster. After a promising start, the Suns endured a rough stretch, losing 10 of 13 games between early December and January. They’ve shown signs of improvement recently, going 6-3 in their last nine contests, but consistency remains elusive.

Monday’s 118-92 loss to Cleveland marked their second-most lopsided defeat this season. Durant contributed 23 points, but the team struggled, getting outscored 66-43 in the second and third quarters. Despite the setback, Durant remains optimistic.

“I’m looking forward to playing them again,” Durant said of the Nets. “We want to see them and get a W. End the road trip off right.”

Mixed Results for Phoenix’s Big Three

Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal were expected to form a formidable trio, but the results have been mixed. Booker is averaging 25.5 points this season, though his streak of five consecutive 30-point games ended with a 15-point outing against Cleveland. Meanwhile, Beal, who has been moved to the bench, is averaging 14.7 points in his last seven games and remains questionable for Wednesday due to a sprained ankle.

Durant, however, has been the Suns’ most consistent performer, regularly scoring over 25 points and providing leadership on and off the court.

The Brooklyn Nets: A Team in Transition

The Nets have struggled mightily since Durant’s departure. Brooklyn is on an eight-game home losing streak and has gone 5-20 since their November win over Phoenix. Tuesday’s 99-95 loss to the New York Knicks exemplified their challenges: a low-scoring affair where poor shooting (37.2% from the field) cost them the game.

Still, Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez remains optimistic. “I think the guys did a great job, and we had an open shot from our best shooter to take the lead. I will sign up for that every day,” he said, referring to Cameron Johnson’s missed three-pointer in the final seconds.

Rebuilding and Growing Pains

The Nets are clearly in a rebuilding phase, and the absence of consistent scoring has been a major issue. D’Angelo Russell and Johnson combined for 39 points against the Knicks but shot just 12-of-37. Brooklyn’s roster lacks the star power it once had, but their young players and role players continue to fight hard.

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High Stakes for the Suns

For the Suns, Wednesday’s game is more than just another stop on a road trip—it’s an opportunity to close out the trip with a winning record and gain momentum for the playoff push. With the Western Conference standings tightly packed, every win matters.

“Anytime you can finish out a road trip above .500, it’s a good thing,” Booker said. “It’s an important game for us.”

Durant’s Return: Emotional but Focused

While Durant has downplayed the significance of facing his former team, the narrative of his Brooklyn tenure lingers. Durant joined the Nets in 2019 with hopes of building a championship contender alongside Kyrie Irving and James Harden. However, injuries, off-court drama, and inconsistent performances derailed their ambitions, leading to a massive mid-season trade in 2023.

Now, Durant is focused on proving that Phoenix, not Brooklyn, is where his championship dreams will come true.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Both Teams

The Suns’ visit to Brooklyn is a crucial moment in their season, offering a chance to steady their ship and build momentum for the postseason. For the Nets, it’s another step in their rebuilding journey, with lessons to be learned and opportunities to be seized.

As Durant takes the court in Brooklyn, the spotlight will be on him to deliver—both as a leader and as the driving force behind the Suns’ playoff aspirations. With both teams eager to leave their respective struggles behind, fans can expect a competitive and emotional game.