KEVIN DURANT LOOKED around PHX Arena during the March 4 home game against the LA Clippers and saw a lot of people having a "terrible time." The Phoenix Suns, losers of 11 of their previous 14, had given up 41 points in the second quarter and trailed by 19 entering the fourth.
The first three quarters had encapsulated the season so far for the Suns, who must make up ground just to qualify for the play-in despite the highest payroll in NBA history. Disappointment, drama and dysfunction. Durant later downplayed his first-quarter sideline clash with coach Mike Budenholzer, portraying the animated argument stemming from a disagreement regarding offensive strategy as evidence of how much they care about righting the ship, but it was perceived in the moment as further proof of a disconnected Phoenix squad falling apart.