By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to find some positive rhythm especially as they started their west coast road trip against the Phoenix Suns tonight. Both of these teams traded blows throughout this contest and if it was not for a late game lay-up by Kevin Durant. Philly may have won this game instead they fell 118-116.

The Sixers finally got one of their weapons back as Paul George made his debut in this game. He looked rusty throughout the game, but his presence alone brought organization and rhythm to Philly’s offense. The Sixers were finally able to cash in on high-percentage shots created off their ball movement. That kept them in this game and even helped them get the lead late in the fourth quarter. Tyrese Maxey (32 points), Guerschon Yabusele (19 points), and Paul George (15 points) combined for 66 of the Sixers’ 116 points in the contest. The Suns had no answers for Philly’s trio in tonight’s contest.

Yabusele seemed to be unlocked in this contest as he made five three-pointers in this contest, and he continues to make an argument to play more throughout this season. He will probably end up as the back-up power forward for the Sixers, but he has flourished as a small-ball center. His continued development as a consistent three-point shooter and getting more comfortable playing as a center will be key in helping him get more minutes this season.

Despite the explosion by Yabusele, the Suns were able to take over this game late in the fourth quarter as they made their shots when it mattered. While the Sixers were only able to muster up one-point during the critical last three minutes of the fourth quarter that decided this game. Kevin Durant (35 points) proved to be too much for the short-handed Sixers defense. He was able to get whatever he wanted from the field and there was just nothing the Sixers could do to stop him. It is Kevin Durant, but their perimeter defense on him left a lot to be desired. The fact they did not try to trap him or get the ball out of his hands cost the Sixers this game.

They were able to keep Devin Booker in check he only scored 13 points in this contest and frustrated him throughout this game. Holding Booker to under 20 points is no small feat for a defense that was struggling their last few games.

This was the Sixers best game so far in this season, they were finally able to find the bottom of the basket and play good enough defense to win this game. The return of Paul George added another dimension to the Sixers offense and defense. Joel Embiid should be returning in the next few days, so the Sixers will finally be able to be at full strength fairly soon.

However, they still have to learn how to play with each other and improve their team chemistry. Especially as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. The Clippers are a team that the Sixers cannot afford to play with, and they will need to cash in on their high-percentage shooting opportunities and win the rebounding battle against a game Clippers squad on Wednesday night. Implementing these things into their game plan on Wednesday will put them in great position to win their second game of the season.