By: Kylan Watson
After beating the Indiana Pacers last night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Phoenix Suns for the first time this season. Thanks to a Devin Booker scoring explosion the Suns were able to withstand a late Philly rally to beat the Sixers 116-110.
The Sixers once again found their offensive rhythm early and often in this contest and were able to take an early lead over the Suns in this game. VJ Edgecombe (25 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (21 points) combined for 46 of Philly’s 110 points and kept them afloat throughout this contest, Oubre Jr. has come alive since being re-inserted into the starting lineup and has brought some energy and life to the starting lineup which has been missing Paul George and Joel Embiid throughout the last couple of games. Oubre Jr. can rediscover his offensive and defensive prowess once again he will be a pivotal piece for them through the rest of this season.
Despite the early scoring explosion from Edgecombe and Oubre Jr. Phoenix was able to storm back in this game thanks to Devin Booker and their second unit. Booker scored 27 points in this game his fourth straight game of scoring 20 plus points or more. He was able to get whatever he wanted from the floor and the Sixers defenders had no answer for what he was doing. They did not have Paul George available for this game and their defensive scheme suffered without him as Phoenix was able to take full advantage of the high-percentage shots they created off their ball movement. Booker and the rest of the Suns shooters took full advantage of the Sixers ineffective perimeter defense in this game.
Additionally, Booker going off Phoenix’s second unit also played a significant role in this contest they scored 56 points in this contest and that was the difference in this contest. Philly’s second unit has been in a slump for the last few games and their inability to put points on the scoreboard cost them another game. Nick Nurse must find someone who can consistently score and could bring some energy to this struggling unit.
Despite not getting enough from their bench the Sixers still had multiple opportunities to win this game and take it from Phoenix. That did not happen because late in the game Philly could not hit the shots that they were making early in this contest. Edgecombe and Oubre Jr. went cold from the field and Tyrese Maxey (20 points) had to bear much of the scoring load late in the game, and he also could not create or make shots when Philly needed it most.
The rotations continue to be a problem as well and Nick Nurse needs to get that fix as well and with the trade deadline coming up Philly’s front office may need to look at finding some players who can put points on the board and play some defense consistently.
Now the Sixers will prepare to face the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, and they should have Joel Embiid and possibly Paul George available in that game. Philly will need to limit their turnovers, stay connected to their defensive assignment, win or keep the rebounding battle competitive, and cash in on the high-percentage scoring opportunities created from their ball movement. Implementing these things into their game plan on Thursday will put them in great shape to win their 24th game of the season.
