RECAP: Phoenix Suns 115, Philadelphia 76ers 101
Despite an improved second half effort, the Philadelphia 76ers lost 115-101 in disappointing fashion to one of the league’s worst teams, the Phoenix Suns.
Well, that was ugly.
The Philadelphia 76ers slept-walk through the first half on their way to a brutal fourteen point home loss against the bottom-feeding Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker absolutely killed the Sixers, going for a grand total of 46 points
In the first half, the defensive effort level was extremely low and the Sixers trailed 60-47 heading into the break. Although they played much better in the second frame, there was absolutely no answer for Devin Booker‘s shot-making.
Booker had his way no matter who was thrown at him. The presence of T.J. McConnell was deeply missed and before the game Brett Brown hinted he should be ready to go for the Sixers next match-up. Regardless, McConnell’s absence was felt tonight, typically being able to give opposing teams’ scorers fits.
The Suns not only came into the game with one of the worst statistical defenses in the league, they were hot off of one of the most jaw-droppingly awful defensive sequences you will ever see in their five-point loss to the Celtics over the weekend.
The Sixers did not take advantage, shooting 23.3 percent from three and turning the ball over 14 times. The Sixers wings were dreadful tonight, with Robert Covington leading the team in turnovers at three.
B+. 34 mins | 22 pts | 12 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 4 blk | 0 TO | 7-18FG | 0-0 3PT| 8-8 FT | 1 PF | -11+/-| Summary: <a rel=. C. Philadelphia 76ers. JOEL EMBIID
Philadelphia 76ers. BEN SIMMONS. A. 36 mins | 20pts | 8 reb | 7 ast | 6 stl | 0 blk | 3 TO | 9-18 FG | 0-0 3PT| 2-2 FT | 3 PF | -10+/-| Summary: <a href=. PG
D. 33 mins | 10 pts | 6 reb | 5 ast | 1 stl | 1 blk | 3 TO | 3-13 FG | 2-10 3PT| 2-2 FT | 1 PF | -10+/-| Summary: The Sixers will not win many games that <a href=. SF. Philadelphia 76ers. ROBERT COVINGTON
J.J. REDICK. B. 33 mins | 25 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 1 stl | 0 blk | 2 TO | 9-16 FG | 3-10 3PT| 4-4 FT | 3 PF | -19+/-| Summary: <a href=. SG. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers. NIK STAUSKAS. F. 7 mins | 0 pts | 0 reb | 0 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 2 TO | 0-1 FG | 0-1 3PT| 0-0 FT | 1 PF | -7+/-| Summary: I’m sorry I have to do this, but if anyone needed any more confirmation that <a rel=. SG
T.J. Warren also had a huge night, putting up 25 points on 63% shooting. Credit to the Suns, who came out and took full advantage of the lack of effort presented by the Sixers in the first half.
Every night, it becomes more evident that the Sixers desperately need a creator like (healthy) Markelle Fultz, to serve as a secondary ball-handler and threat to make shots. Redick and Covington were both cold for the majority of the game, making it near impossible for the Sixers to gain any ground on the lead the Suns built early.
Without T.J. McConnell tonight either, we saw some point-Stauskas and let’s just say Sixers fans should hope that’s the last time we ever see that experiment. An update on Fultz should be coming in the next few days.
Overall, this loss won’t haunt the Sixers, but it’s definitely disappointing to see nearly everyone come out so flat against a team they should have rolled over. Also, things were going just too good on the Philadelphia sports scene so, naturally, the Eagles and Sixers had to remind us all in a 24 hour span that we aren’t there JUST yet.
The Sixers now sit at 13-10 heading into a nationally televised match-up with the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night. Nothing like seeing Ben Simmons work Lonzo Ball on national TV.
Next: 5 goals for the remainder of the Sixers' season