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Sports
07 January 2025

Suns Surge Past 76ers With Second-Half Rally

Bradley Beal's breakout performance helps Phoenix snap four-game skid against Philadelphia.

The Phoenix Suns faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 6, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center, as both teams aimed to correct their recent trajectories. The Suns came to Philadelphia with hopes of breaking their four-game losing streak, having lost seven out of their last eight games, and this matchup marked the second installment of the season series against the Sixers, with Phoenix having previously won the first game 118-116 back on November 4.

The Suns made some significant adjustments to their lineup, most prominently with Bradley Beal coming off the bench for the first time this season. Rookie Ryan Dunn was slotted to start, with veteran Mason Plumlee also on the court, which had been confirmed through various reports leading up to the game. Beal, along with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, was seen as instrumental for the Suns as they looked to turn around their misfortunes.

The 76ers, on the other hand, entered the contest following a solid 123-94 victory against the Brooklyn Nets just two nights prior. Their hopes lay with All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, who aimed to capitalize on the Suns' struggles. The Sixers had also been dealing with some key injuries, including their star center Joel Embiid, who was ruled out due to foot and nose injuries, alongside Kyle Lowry.

When the game tipped off, it was clear the Suns were struggling from the start, as they found themselves trailing 23-16 at the end of the first quarter. Their shooting percentage was dismal, finishing at just 26.3%, compared to the Sixers' 44.5%. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the scoring for Philly during this period, showcasing his ability to capitalize on the Suns’ defensive lapses.

Moving to the second quarter, the Suns began to find some rhythm and utilized their bench effectively. Despite trailing at halftime 46-42, they managed to cut down the deficit thanks largely to their reserves, who collectively outscored the 76ers' bench 24-5. This allowed them to maintain competitive pressure as Kevin Durant started to find his footing, contributing to the scoring, even as Devin Booker struggled to find his range, going just 1-for-10 from the field.

The game really heated up during the third quarter, where Beal and Durant ignited the Suns to take charge. Beal opened the quarter strong, scoring 12 of his 19 points, and propelled the team forward as they mounted a scoring surge. By the end of the third, the Suns had built a slender 78-73 lead, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. The pivotal moments were marked by incredible plays, including Beal's energetic drive to the basket and Durant's consistent scoring ability.

Heading to the fourth quarter, the contest remained closely contested. Key moments included Beal blocking Oubre's layup, showcasing the Suns’ defensive intensity when it was most needed. Paul George made efforts to keep the Sixers competitive, but missed several key attempts. The teams exchanged baskets, with the game’s momentum fluctuated as players fought for dominance on the court.

With time winding down, Kevin Durant assumed responsibility, hitting clutch shots, including significant three-pointers to solidify Phoenix’s lead. Despite strong performances from other Sixers players, including Guerschon Yabusele, it wasn’t enough to overtake the Suns, who were bolstered by their combination of offense and tenacious defense.

Reflecting on this match, both teams had much at stake, as the Suns sought to build momentum moving forward and the 76ers aimed to recover from inconsistent play. The final score would set the tone for their upcoming games, with fans eager to see how these narratives evolve, as both clubs continue to grapple with injuries and roster rotations. For now, the Suns could take solace with the victory as they marched on, leaving Philadelphia with important lessons and growing hopes for their season.