Fans criticize the Suns for losing due to the absence of Kevin Durant.

The Phoenix Suns once again faltered without Kevin Durant, falling 115-110 to the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. The loss marked the end of a winless three-game road trip and dropped the Suns to an alarming 1-9 record without Durant this season. With Durant sidelined due to a left ankle sprain, the team continues to grapple with inconsistency and a lack of composure in crucial moments.

Durant’s absence loomed large as the Suns committed 21 turnovers, resulting in 23 points for the Magic. The turnover woes were most evident in the fourth quarter when the Suns gave the ball away seven times, effectively sealing their fate. Bradley Beal, who fouled out late, was responsible for five turnovers, while Devin Booker and Grayson Allen added three each. To make matters worse, Allen left the game in the final minutes with a right ankle injury, further depleting Phoenix’s lineup.

Magic Capitalize Despite Missing Key Players

The Magic, playing without their stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, showcased their depth and resilience. Jalen Suggs led the charge with a game-high 26 points, including a dominant 14-point outburst in the fourth quarter. Goga Bitadze added a crucial double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds, dominating on the offensive glass with nine offensive boards. His timely tip-in with just over 13 seconds remaining effectively put the game out of reach for the Suns.

Even with a depleted roster, the Magic relied on their size, physicality, and defensive intensity to stifle Phoenix. They pressured the Suns into uncomfortable positions, forcing turnovers and disrupting their rhythm. The absence of Durant’s calming presence and ability to create offense under pressure was painfully evident.

Suns’ Physicality and Rebounding Issues

A recurring issue for the Suns this season has been their struggles against teams that play with size and physicality. The Magic exposed this weakness, outmuscling Phoenix on the boards and dictating the tempo of the game. Rookie Oso Ighodaro struggled to contain Orlando’s big men, often failing to box out and allowing second-chance opportunities.

The Suns also missed the defensive presence and rebounding ability of Jusuf Nurkic, who is sidelined with a thigh contusion. While Nurkic’s return could address some of these issues, the team needs a more collective effort on the glass. With lineups that often feature four guards, Phoenix must emphasize gang rebounding and find ways to neutralize opposing teams’ size advantage.

Fans Grow Restless

Sunday’s loss amplified the frustration among Suns fans, who have grown impatient with the team’s inability to perform without Durant. Critics argue that Phoenix, despite having stars like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, relies too heavily on Durant’s presence to close games.

The Suns have four days to regroup before facing the Utah Jazz on Friday, a game where Durant’s potential return could provide much-needed stability. However, the team must address its broader issues, including turnovers, physicality, and rebounding, if they hope to compete against physical, high-energy opponents.

Until the Suns prove they can win without Durant, questions about their depth, resilience, and championship potential will continue to linger. For now, the team finds itself at a crossroads, needing solutions quickly to avoid falling further behind in a competitive Western Conference.