Suns Counterattack: Durant went from Suns to Rockets, Suns rose 5 spots, Rockets dropped 2 spots

The Heat defeated the 76ers 127-117, the Hawks narrowly defeated the Hornets 113-110, Leonard returned but the Clippers lost to the Cavaliers 105-120. The Celtics defeated the Magic 138-129, the Raptors defeated the Nets 119-109, the Thunder defeated the Trail Blazers 122-95, the Suns defeated the Spurs 111-102, and the Jazz lost to the Lakers 106-108.

After the end of today's game, the ranking of the Western Conference has also been adjusted.

The Lakers defeated the Jazz, while the Spurs lost to the Suns. The Lakers' ranking rose from 5th to 2nd, and the Spurs dropped to 5th. The Suns ranked 6th, only half a game behind the Spurs.

The current Western Conference rankings are Thunder, Lakers, Nuggets, Rockets, Spurs, Suns, Timberwolves, Warriors, Trail Blazers, Grizzlies, Jazz, Clippers, Mavericks, Kings, and Pelicans.

It is worth mentioning that the Suns, who lost Beal and Durant one after another, ranked 11th in the Western Conference with 36 wins and 46 losses last season and missed the playoffs. This season, they have 11 wins and 6 losses, ranking sixth in the Western Conference, and their ranking has risen 5 places.

The Rockets, who got Durant, are currently ranked fourth in the Western Conference, down two places from last season.

In fact, the Rockets' lineup has changed significantly compared to last season. Although the Rockets ranked second in the Western Conference last season, their record was only 50 wins and 32 losses, and they lacked superstars. It was difficult to make it far in the playoffs. In the end, the Warriors staged a black-7 miracle in the first round. This is the fundamental reason why the Rockets traded for Durant.

Because the lineup changes need to be adjusted, the Rockets' performance at the beginning was not ideal, but they have gradually got on the right track. The current record is 10 wins and 4 losses, and the winning rate is actually higher than last season. However, at the beginning of this season, other teams in the Western Conference have higher winning rates, so the Rockets are temporarily ranked 4th.

But in terms of lineup strength, team record, and ability to fight tough battles, the Rockets are higher than last season. Trading for Durant is indeed an improvement and a gamble for the Rockets-

If Durant is still in good condition and can step forward at critical moments, then the Rockets will be upgraded from last season's playoff team to a strong contender for the championship.

And if Durant is in poor condition, it will be difficult for the Rockets.

So far, they have made the right bet.

The surprise should be the sun. I thought the Suns were going to rebuild, but I didn't expect the Suns to remain in the top 6 in the Western Conference. Since reaching the finals in 2021, the Suns have started to go downhill.

They sent away Ayton, sent away Paul, welcomed Beal, sent away Bridges and other players, and welcomed Durant, but they failed to reach even the Western Conference Finals again.

So they simply sent Durant away during the offseason, leaving only the oldest core - Booker.

I didn’t expect the Suns to achieve a good record, so Booker’s team leadership ability has always been underestimated!

In the 2020-2021 season, the Suns reached the finals. Many people attributed it to Paul, but in fact, in the rematch of the 2019-2020 season, Booker had already led the Suns to a complete victory.

If the Suns play games normally this season, they still have a good chance of reaching the playoffs. However, the playoffs should not be the Suns' goal. They must either strive for better results or start rebuilding. If they don't succeed, it will be a waste of time.

I don’t know what the Suns will choose in the future. As for the Rockets, their goals must be very clear.