Suns star Kevin Durant delivers strong opinion on NBA viewership trends post-Christmas Day

As the NBA awaits the official viewership reports for its Christmas Day showcase, there’s cautious optimism within the league. The day featured standout performances that sparked positive conversations among fans, with Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns emerging as one of the key contributors to the excitement.

The five-game slate delivered thrilling matchups and stellar individual displays. LeBron James and Stephen Curry battled it out in the Lakers-Warriors clash, Anthony Edwards shone for the Timberwolves, Joel Embiid dominated for the 76ers, and Kevin Durant showcased his elite talent with the Suns.

These standout performances reminded fans of the league’s unique ability to captivate audiences. Following his game, Durant addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on the viewership debate and how discussions often shift toward the players. He emphasized that the issue extends beyond individual performances.

“It’s a weird dialogue around the league and viewership, and I see a lot of people blaming the players for it,” Durant said. “Something that big, it’s not just one component on why it’s going that way.”

Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during a 125-119 Suns win over the the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on October 31, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

Durant’s comments highlight a broader perspective on the challenges the NBA faces in maintaining viewership and engagement, suggesting that solutions require more than just focusing on player performance.

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Durant reflects on Christmas Day victory

The Phoenix Suns showcased their potential as a dominant force in the NBA regular season with a statement victory over the Denver Nuggets on Christmas Day. Despite Nikola Jokic’s determined efforts, the Suns, led by stellar performances from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, proved too much for the Nuggets to handle.

After the game, Durant shared his thoughts on the Suns’ resilience. “When key guys in your lineup are out, sometimes you’ve got to adjust your team’s identity on the fly,” Durant said, addressing the challenges of playing without a full-strength roster. His comments highlighted the team’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

Durant also reflected on the significance of playing on such a meaningful day, surrounded by loved ones. With his mother in the stands, he emphasized the importance of family support during these special occasions. “It never gets old having your family and support system there,” Durant remarked, underscoring the emotional value of the moment.

Durant leads the Suns to a Christmas Day triumph

As he has done throughout the season, Kevin Durant led the charge for the Suns in their victory over Denver. Alongside Bradley Beal, Durant delivered a stellar performance, giving Suns fans the perfect Christmas gift. Both players tallied 27 points, helping the team secure a 10-point win after leading in three of the four quarters.

In addition to his scoring, Durant contributed across the board, recording 6 assists and grabbing 4 rebounds. The victory improved the Suns’ record to 15-14 in the NBA regular season and added another highlight to Durant’s impressive campaign.

Looking ahead, Durant and his teammates will prepare for the final three games of 2025, starting with a tough matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves this Thursday.