PLAYER GRADES: Philadelphia 76ers 132, Phoenix Suns 127
It was too close for comfort, but the Philadelphia 76ers advanced to 2-0 in the new year with a victory in Phoenix.
The Philadelphia 76ers were uncharacteristically juiced on the second night of a back-to-back, with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and J.J. Redick all dominating the first quarter. Simmons led the way with 13 points on 3/3 shooting, while Embiid and Redick notched 12 a piece.
It was Embiid who would lead the charge all night, putting together arguably the best half of his professional career. He had 30 points and 14 rebounds when the halftime buzzer sounded, with the Sixers up 23.
The third quarter was, for the most part, more of the same. Embiid wasn’t as omnipresent, but the lead ballooned to as many as 30 points. It appeared as though the Sixers would cruise to an easy road win over a below-average team, getting Embiid — who was a game-time decision with knee soreness — some extra rest.
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Being the Sixers, of course, things played out differently. The Suns went on a brief run to end the third quarter, with Elie Okobo trimming the lead to 17 after back-to-back triples. In the fourth quarter, the Suns’ second unit cut into the lead even more. Okobo, Josh Jackson and Richaun Holmes (!) all made an impact.
Holmes put up 13 points in the second half, getting into some spirited battles with Embiid in the post. Jackson wasn’t efficient, but he hit several big shots and provided and excellent spark off the bench for Phoenix.
Embiid and Simmons were both excellent, but turnovers, poor execution and a general lack of focus hurt the Sixers late. Embiid stemmed the tide to some degree, but the Suns cut the lead as close as four in the final minutes.
Devin Booker checked in late in the fourth, giving the Suns some big buckets en route to 37 points. The Sixers were short on perimeter defense with Jimmy Butler and Wilson Chandler out, which didn’t help.
Simmons’ free throw shooting, in somewhat surprising fashion, was huge down the stretch. The Suns resorted to Hack-a-Ben in the final two minutes, but Simmons was mostly effective. He finished 15-23 at the line.
A. <strong>36 mins | 42 pts | 17 reb | 2 ast | 3 stl | 2 blk | 4 TO | 12-23 FG | 1-1 3PT| 17-19 FT | 3 PF | +6 |</strong><p>There was uncertainty regarding Embiid’s status leading up to the game, with the big man battling knee soreness on the second night of a back-to-back. He ended up tying his season high with 42 points, including 30 in the first half. Embiid walked the walked against reigning No. 1 pick <a rel=. C. Philadelphia 76ers. JOEL EMBIID
A. <strong>40 mins | 29 pts | 3 reb | 6 ast | 0 stl | 1 blk | 4 TO | 7-11 FG | 0-0 3PT| 15-23 FT | 3 PF | +10 |</strong><p>Simmons was aggressive early and often, scoring 13 first-quarter points without missing a field goal. He would end with 29, using a strong night at the free throw line to bolster his totals. The Sixers used Simmons extensively in the post, where he exploited several mismatches. It was a promising game for the potential All-Star.</p>. PG. Philadelphia 76ers. BEN SIMMONS
J.J. REDICK. A. <strong>36 mins | 27 pts | 4 reb | 4 ast | 2 stl | 0 blk | 2 TO | 7-12 FG | 5-8 3PT| 8-10 FT | 1 PF | +11 |</strong><p>Redick continues his recent hot streak, hitting five triples and keeping the offense afloat with his long-range marksmanship. The Sixers needed big performances from the core pieces in Butler’s absence, which Redick helped provide.</p>. SG. Philadelphia 76ers
D+. <strong>15 mins | 4 pts | 4 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 0 TO | 2-3 FG | 0-1 3PT| 0-0 FT | 4 PF | -1 |</strong><p>Bolden will continue to experience ups and downs, as is the case with most young players. He got the start in Chandler’s absence and didn’t show much, picking up three fouls in the first four minutes. It was limited playing time from thereon out for the former UCLA product. He was the only starter to post a negative plus/minus in a game the Sixers, at one point, led by 30.</p>. PF. Philadelphia 76ers. JONAH BOLDEN
Philadelphia 76ers. DEMETRIUS JACKSON. B+. <strong>13 mins | 8 pts | 0 reb | 1 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 0 TO | 3-3 FG | 2-2 3PT| 0-0 FT | 3 PF | -16 |</strong><p><a rel=. PG
The Suns’ comeback wasn’t ideal, but on the second night of a back-to-back, it’s difficult to maintain consistent energy for four quarters. The Sixers got big outings from Embiid, Simmons and Redick with a shorthanded roster, which is the main takeaway.
Also of note, the Sixers gave real minutes to Jonah Bolden (who started in Chandler’s absence) and Demetrius Jackson, who made pleasantly surprising contributions in funky five-man groups.
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Philadelphia’s next game is back home in the Wells Fargo Center, with Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks coming to town. It will take place at 7:30 PM E.T.