Kevin Durant declared the Los Angeles Lakers the NBA Cup favorites after they defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-103 in the quarterfinals of the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament on Tuesday. The Purple and Gold, backed by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves, extended their unblemished streak in the flagship tournament and will now meet the New Orleans Pelicans in the Las Vegas semifinals.

Durant, who finished with 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, declined to blame the loss on the officials following a contentious timeout decision. Instead, he sees Los Angeles as a strong contender for the trophy:

“They have the stature… The fastest flight. The majority of supporters…. I can’t wait to see what happens. These games have been quite intense. I wasn’t a fan at first, but the In Season competition has converted me.”

The contentious timeout whistle by referee Tom Washington came with 11.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Lakers led 105-103. James inbounded the ball from the baseline to Austin Reaves under the rim.

Reaves lost control of the ball as Booker challenged the guard. On the opposing sideline, James pleaded for a timeout with Washington and was allowed one. The Suns’ coaches and players were spotted disputing with the referee on the sidelines as a result of this. However, the ruling was not reversed. The victory knocked the Suns out of the In-Season Tournament.

The Lakers dominated, taking advantage of the Suns’ inconsistent defense and mistakes. James, like Kevin Durant, finished with 31 points and eight rebounds. Davis had 27 points and 15 rebounds, while Reaves added 20 points, six rebounds, and two assists off the bench.

Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns fall in the Western Conference standings.

With the Suns out of the tournament, the team will concentrate on regaining their rhythm in the regular season. Since Devin Booker’s return from injury, Phoenix has amassed a 12-game winning streak. The loss on Tuesday, however, caused them to drop in the regular season standings. Their 12-9 record now places them ninth in the West.

With 31.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, Kevin Durant has been the Suns’ driving force. With 27.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.4 assists, Booker is the team’s second-leading scorer. Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon have been filling in for Bradley Beal, who has been out with a back injury for the majority of the season.

The Suns will play the Sacramento Kings next, who were defeated by the New Orleans Pelicans earlier in the season. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker will be crucial once again against Sacramento’s ferocious offense.