Check azcentral for live updates of scores, highlights, and statistics during the Suns-Pistons game. Durant catches fire, drives Suns in 3rd quarter. Kevin Durant found his rhythm

"To steal a page from the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix would receive back its own 2025 and 2027 first-round picks. Those two picks were initially traded to Brooklyn when Durant joined Phoenix two years ago, and then again traded to Houston this past summer. The 2025 pick would be projected to land in the lottery.

The Phoenix Suns (19-20) play the second of their five-game road trip at the Washington Wizards (6-32) on Thursday.

With his production from the charity stripe, Durant climbed the NBA 's leaderboard for the most free throws made. He entered the game with 7,156 free throws made in his career, needing just five to surpass NBA legend Jerry West (7,160) for the ninth spot.

Suns owner Mat Ishbia received an emphatic Kevin Durant endorsement about his leadership style and quest to win an NBA championship.

Much like his fans, Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant is excited for the acquisition of seven-foot center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets. “He’s a strong presence in the paint,” Durant told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

If Nick Richards doesn't help the Suns right the ship this season, they soon may be facing existential questions about the core of their roster.

Jan 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant made his return to his hometown in the Suns win against the Wizards on Thursday and rejoiced in it.

With the Phoenix Suns' latest embarrassing loss, it might be time to have an uncomfortable conversation soon on their long-term direction. What happens next in Phoenix?

James now has 2,591,287 fan votes to Durant’s 2,498,843. The two all-time greats are second and third to three-time NBA MVP, Denver Nuggets big Nikola Jokic, who has 2,924,436 fan votes.

Devin Booker reached the game-high 27 points, adding nine in the third quarter. Kevin Durant contributed 10 of his 23 points during the quarter. Allen had 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Ryan Dunn has been the Suns’ second-most efficient shooter, hitting 7-of-9 and matched his season-high 16 points.