And if the Suns had finally found the rare pearl to get out of the soft underbelly of the Western Conference… Last night, Kevin Durant's teammates won a 5th victory in six matches, and this success in Detroit marked the great debut of Nick Richards in its new colors. Arriving in the Hornets week, the pivot immediately found his feet with 21 points and 11 rebounds coming off the bench!
From his performance, we will remember his efficiency in the first half with 11 points on 100% shooting, four rebounds, including two offensive, and very interesting activity. “He was great on both ends of the pitch” liked Mike Budenholzer. “I think he brings us a presence on defense, and on both ends of the court on the rebound. I don't think he made a counterattack, but we feel his presence by his size. I found that it changed the opponents' point of view. He arrived the day before in the afternoon, and he played 25 minutes for 21 points and 11 rebounds… It’s very impressive.”
The future pillar of defense
Same observation for Devin Booker, already a fan of his new teammate. “He was incredible! He gets rebounds, he finishes near the circle… It's only his first game, but he played where he needed to. He found positions to dunk. It's a really good catch for us, and he proved it tonight. »
Trained at Kentucky, Richards could quickly enter the starting five, and further push Jusuf Nurkic towards the exit. “He was terrible! » continues Kevin Durant. “By his finishing near the circle, his ability to recover possessions, to take offensive rebounds… He was special this evening with his 7 out of 8 on shots, his free throws and he was more and more at the easy. »
And Durant has already warned him of the mission that awaits him: “We told him we wanted him to be our pillar in defense. I liked his debut. »
