Can the Suns stay on top of the West without Durant?

Injuries happen, and this year, they started early. How do the Suns maintain the momentum they built with Durant sidelined?

Kevin Durant leaves the Phoenix Suns atop the Western Conference, set to miss two weeks due to a calf strain injury. Who will step up for the Suns in his absence? Which players can provide what’s needed to fill the void left by Durant? It would take another Durant to truly replace his impact, but while there’s debate about whether it will be Ryan Dunn or Royce O’Neale stepping into the starting lineup, my focus shifts to Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. These two need to hold things down and keep the Suns at the top of the West.

Booker and Beal have been quietly supporting the team alongside Durant over the past week, allowing him to dominate and take over in key moments. Now, with Durant temporarily sidelined, that fear he instills in opponents will have to be set aside.

But is there really a reason to worry when Booker and Beal are here? Both should be capable of holding things down—or are you skeptical?

Just a week ago, Booker won the Western Conference Player of the Week, a sign that he’s more than comfortable taking on an alpha role and controlling the game at his own pace. While Durant’s performance has been so commanding that it’s easy to forget, Booker has occasionally taken a back seat, blending into a more supportive role alongside Beal. But this new challenge allows him to step fully into the spotlight, reminding fans and opponents alike of his skill and leadership.

Tonight, against the Sacramento Kings, the Suns face yet another challenging test in the West. With the support of their home crowd, there should be a strong urge to win this one for Durant. The pride and intensity he has brought to the team in the first nine games of the season shows just how committed he is to leading this squad and making a serious push this year. While there’s no sense of panic for the Suns, his absence is undeniably a significant missing piece.

Durant’s early-season performance has set a high standard for the team, and it’s clear that his presence has lifted the morale and ambition of the entire roster. His leadership was showing early and often.

Without him on the court, the Suns will need to tap into that momentum and play with the same level of determination and grit he’s demonstrated. This game against the Kings is an opportunity for Booker, Beal, and the rest of the Suns to rally together, showcasing their depth and resilience as they strive to keep the winning energy alive.

I believe the Suns are in solid hands with Booker and Beal at the helm, but there will undoubtedly be challenges. Both players have the scoring ability, experience, and leadership to guide the team through Durant’s absence. Booker, in particular, has shown he can take over games when necessary, and Beal’s adaptability should allow him to elevate his contributions as well. The question is whether they can maintain the high level of play Durant brought night after night, especially with tough opponents like the Kings.

As for who steps up in the lineup—between Royce O’Neale and Ryan Dunn—each brings something different to the table. O’Neale, with his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, might be the safer choice for plugging gaps on both ends of the floor. Dunn, meanwhile, is younger and less proven but could bring some fresh energy and grit to the lineup. It might even be beneficial for the Suns to experiment with both, depending on the matchup.

So, where do I stand? I’m optimistic but realistic. Booker and Beal can keep the Suns competitive, but this stretch without Durant will test their chemistry and depth. How they respond could shape their season and prepare them for the pressures of a deep playoff run.