Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Chris Paul (3) Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

With Kevin Durant out for the next two to three weeks, the Suns have found themselves approaching the most difficult and pivotal point of their schedule without their 13-time All Star on the court.

However, Chris Paul wanted to remind the fans that KD has only played in three games with Phoenix. While of course his presence will be missed, Paul still believes the Suns will be just fine without him as long as they stay on course with how they have been playing throughout the second half of this season.

“We done played more games without KD than with him. It’s a lot of dramatics going on right now.”

Paul also provided an update on when Durant will be able to return to the team. He kept it short and sweet, responding with: “When he’s able and ready, he will.”

The Suns have not lost when Durant is in the starting lineup, but they have found success regardless over the past few months. Phoenix holds a 16-5 record dating back to Jan. 16, which should be plenty to keep hope alive in the valley.

On the other hand, the Suns are looking ahead to an extremely difficult next week or so. This stretch begins with the No. 2 seed Sacramento Kings on Saturday, followed by the Warriors, the Bucks, the red-hot Lakers, the 76ers and once again the Kings.

Durant will not be able to make an appearance in any of these games, meaning the Suns will be in need of more breakout performances from SG Devin Booker, plus some extra help from new faces such as Terrence Ross, who came close to a season high with 26 points in Phoenix’s victory over the Thunder on Wednesday.

Currently, the Suns hold a three-game lead over the Clippers for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. And, with two games against the Kings in their near future, Phoenix has an opening to make a run for the No. 2 seed, as the Suns are now just 2.5 games back. 

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