As we approach the final stretch of the NBA season, the Western Conference has become a battleground. While the Lakers and Warriors are finding their rhythm, the Phoenix Suns have faltered, slipping to 11th place with a 29-33 record.

Their playoff chances are slim, with a mere 0.4% probability. Despite the team's struggles, one player is giving it his all: Kevin Durant, the 36-year-old star, still logs an average of 41 minutes per game, trying to drag the Suns to victory.

The Suns' Current Struggles

Phoenix's situation is less than ideal. Despite owner Ishbia spending the most money in luxury taxes to build a "Big Three" featuring Booker, Beal, and Durant, the Suns are a far cry from a championship contender. Booker is a one-dimensional player, Beal's contract has been underwhelming, and the team's defense is practically non-existent.

Durant, meanwhile, has been putting the team on his back, but the odds seem stacked against him. Since February, the Suns have only managed 4 wins and 11 losses. Durant, playing in all but 3 of those games, has seen the team win just 3 of the 12 games he's participated in.

Why Durant Keeps Fighting

It's clear that Durant knows his chances of winning a championship this year are slim. Yet, he continues to give it his all, despite the glaring reality. This might be what we would call a "basketball fanatic" fate — one who can't help but play, even when the odds are overwhelmingly against them.

Just like the 2019 Finals when Durant tore his Achilles trying to win for the Warriors, he's pushing through physical exhaustion. In a recent game against the Rockets, with Booker on vacation and Beal absent, Durant played 42 minutes and dropped 37 points, though it wasn't enough. Against the Grizzlies, he spent 42 minutes on the floor, but the last quarter saw him merely running alongside Booker as a passive backup. In a thrilling comeback against the Clippers, Durant scored 34 points, leading his team to a 23-point turnaround despite Booker's lackluster performance.

The Struggles of His Teammates

It's become apparent that Durant's efforts alone can't carry the team. The Suns' defense is ranked among the worst in the league, and the team lacks depth, especially on the defensive end. The management's decisions — like trading away defensive stalwarts like Bridges and Crowder — have left Phoenix vulnerable. Meanwhile, Booker and Beal, two of the supposed "Big Three," have been inconsistent. Booker's defense is ranked 229th in the league, while Beal's 17.6 points per game and 243rd-ranked defensive efficiency have raised concerns. What was supposed to be a formidable trio has instead become a burden for Durant.

Durant's Pure Love for the Game

Despite the team's underperformance, Durant has shown what we can call an undying love for the game. After defeating the Clippers, he remarked, “People think we're done, but I haven't given up.” This mindset separates him from players like Kyrie Irving, whose career might be in jeopardy due to injury. Durant, however, continues to fight, not just for a championship, but for the love of basketball itself.

From Oklahoma City to Golden State, Brooklyn, and now Phoenix, Durant has been driven by a pure competitive spirit. Even though his career has been criticized, especially after winning titles with the Warriors, Durant continues to play with passion, often saying, “Basketball is about playing the game, and in key moments, I just want to execute.”

Durant's Destiny: A Sisyphus-like Journey

Durant's journey has often felt like that of Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology who was condemned to roll a boulder up a mountain, only for it to roll back down each time. Durant has repeatedly pushed towards success, only to watch it slip through his fingers.

What's Next for the Suns?

The Suns' path forward seems clear. If management wants to change the direction of the team, they should trade away Beal or Booker and focus on building a team around Durant that emphasizes defense. If the current setup remains, it might be time for Durant to request a trade, moving to a team where he can truly make an impact.

A Legacy of Dedication

In the end, Durant's perseverance is a testament to his love for basketball. He plays with an intensity that's unmatched, and while his career may not end with as many championships as some of his peers, we will always remember the “basketball fanatic” who refused to quit, even when the odds were stacked against him. When Durant eventually retires, the one thing that will remain etched in our minds is his unwavering commitment to the game.