Phoenix Suns are above .500 for first time since Christmas after win over Detroit Pistons in third game of five-game road trip.

Kevin Durant was excited when the Suns traded for Nick Richards, and explained why during Thursday's shootaround.

Kevin Durant reacted to new teammate Nick Richards' debut for the Phoenix Suns against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker praise Nick Richards for an incredible debut for the Phoenix Suns against the Detroit Pistons

Richards - coupled with rookie stud Oso Ighodaro - will inject a very pointed surge of athleticism into the Suns' lineup. Last season Nick Richards had more dunks (120) than Nurkic and Plumlee combined (100) in 1000 fewer minutes.

The Suns made a move to acquire Nick Richards from the Hornets, but some people are more skeptical of the move than expected.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said he expects Richards to meet the team Friday in Detroit and get him up to speed on their offensive and defensive schemes. He foresees Richards making his Suns debut Saturday against the Pistons.

Suns 125, Pistons 121. Kevin Durant (36 points) got going in the second half, and he and Devin Booker (35 points) iced the game late in the 4th. Pistons fall to 21-21

Kevin Durant scored 30 of his 36 points in the second half, and the Phoenix Suns defeated the Detroit Pistons 125-121.

This game marked the Suns debut for Nick Richards after he was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Richards came off the bench and made a huge impact with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 11 rebounds and was a team-high plus-22 in 30 minutes.

Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum added 23 points after coming into the game listed as questionable with a left shoulder strain. He shot 7 of 21 overall.