Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer must have heard Kevin Durant’s leadership being questioned over the years. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith just criticized him Thursday for not being a better leader who can have an impact on teammates because of the respect he’s earned as an all-time great player.

Prior to the Suns' opening game Wednesday, Booker was 1,137 points away from tying Walter Davis' 15,666 for No. 1 in franchise history. The late Davis, who was inducted to the Naismith Hall Of Fame earlier this month, played the first 11 of his 15 seasons in Phoenix before he retired in 1992. He was a shooting guard like Booker.

Phoenix clawed its way back and Durant's and-one layup over Harden plus the free throw put the Suns up 101-99 at 1:39 left. Harden then hit a stepback mid-range jump shot to tie the game, then on the Clippers' ensuing possession drew a foul from Durant at 41.5 seconds. Harden hit a pair of free throws and LA led 103-101.