Kevin Durant makes his feelings clear on Nick Richards after Suns' new addition shines on debut

Kevin Durant reacted to new teammate Nick Richards' debut for the Phoenix Suns against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. The Suns acquired Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a move to bolster their chances of getting out of their midseason slump.

Richards finished with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench. Mason Plumlee started for the Suns, but the newly acquired big man played heavy minutes in the team's close 125-121 win.

Speaking to reporters, including AZ Central's Duane Rankin, after the game, Durant shared his thoughts on Richards' performance and impact on the victory. The two-time NBA champ called him "terrific" and "special," pointing out how he was already comfortable anchoring the team's defense.

"He was terrific, finishing around the rim," Durant said. "Getting extra possessions with offensive boards. He was special tonight. He was 7-for-8, knocked down his free throws and he's getting more comfortable. He was vocal out there, he was talking to us, anchoring the defense."

The Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards and a second-round pick from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Josh Okogie and three second-picks. Richards provides scoring, rebounding and defense at the center position. He'll likely get into the starting lineup soon or continue to play a big role off the bench.

The Suns have a loaded frontcourt with Jusuf Nurkic, Mason Plumlee, Oso Ighodaro and Bol Bol. However, they have underwhelming this season, especially Nurkic, who has been part of trade rumors ahead of the deadline.

The Bosnian Beast has been out for almost two weeks with an illness. He was initially linked to the Richards deal, but it seems like the Suns are going to hold out for a better offer for the big man.

Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the Suns entered the season with great expectations under new coach Mike Budenholzer. However, they are only 21-20 after the win in Detroit and are sitting 10th in the Western Conference standings.

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Kevin Durant and Devin Booker lead Suns to win over Pistons

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker lead Suns to win over Pistons. (Photo: IMAGN)

The Phoenix Suns entered Saturday's game with a 1-1 record in their current five-city road trip. The Suns lost to the Atlanta Hawks before bouncing back to beat the Washington Wizards. They were up against a much-improved Detroit Pistons team led by Cade Cunningham.

Phoenix and Detroit went toe-to-toe, but the combination of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker was hard to stop. The duo scored 17 of the team's 27 points in the fourth quarter to pick up the 125-121 win.

Durant had 36 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks, while Booker put up 35 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Suns continue their trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets before returning home to Arizona.