GRADES: Sixers can’t cool off the 1-seed Suns

On this night, the Western Conference powerhouse, Phoenix Suns, came into Philadelphia as one of the hottest teams in the association. If there was ever a statement game, it would be this one for the Sixers.

The 76ers started off ice cold, missing their first seven shots from the field. Meanwhile, the Suns’ All-Star shooting guard, Devon Booker, was nailing his shots. Chris Paul was leading from the point position, setting up teammates for open shots.

Eventually, Joel Embiid started knocking down his shots from the perimeter and getting to the line. A rim-rattling dunk drew cheers from the crowd before Embiid subbed out.

Off the bench first was Georges Niang, Furkan Korkmaz, and Andre Drummond. Korkmaz backed up Tyrese Maxey in this game, playing point forward.

Once Embiid sat, the offense sputtered, especially as the result of multiple turnovers from Danny Green. The brightest spot in the first quarter was Matisse Thybulle’s play. On defense, he had a nice block on Booker, while hitting both of his 3-point attempts.

The second quarter saw the Sixers go on a run thanks to Tobias Harris stabilizing the offense and key baskets from Niang and Drummond. The Suns failed to execute on multiple possessions as Paul couldn’t find his groove.

Going into the half, the Sixers had a lead, while making more shots beyond the arc and scoring more fast break points. If there was one area of improvement, it was to limit turnovers for the rest of the game.

Doc Rivers’ team came out firing early, extending the lead to nine. Tyrese Maxey stayed aggressive, while his matchup, Paul, found his stroke in the third. Booker kept his hot shooting going, putting pressure on the Sixers’ defense.

Of all players to contribute to the Suns, JaVale McGee stepped up and made solid plays in the paint. He scored efficiently and guarded the rim effectively.

The common theme throughout the game was Philly’s top three scorers burdened the offensive load. Missing on the night was Seth Curry, who had an atrocious shooting performance. Korkmaz and Green also found it tough to find the rim with any accuracy.

The unsung hero for the Suns on the night was Mikal Bridges, who 76ers fans would have rather the team kept opposed to Zhaire Smith. The Villanova graduate was a steady offensive threat and played solid defense throughout.

The final stretch was as entertaining as any game you’ll see at the Wells Fargo Center. The Suns seemed to pull away after an 11-3 run, but a monster Embiid dunk and a timely 3-pointer by Harris closed the lead to three under a minute.

A series of Embiid touches, including a wild 3-pointer, steal, and turnover ended up putting Booker at the line. From that point on, the Sixers were forced to foul the rest of the way and the Suns secured the lead with time on their side.

This was a tough loss, especially knowing the Sixers could have tied the game on the last possession if not for the turnover.

Grades from the Sixers’ heartbreaking loss to the 1-seed Phoenix Suns

Tobias Harris: A

41 mins | 30 pts | 7 reb | 3 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 4 TO | 13-18 FG | 2-4 3PT| 2-2 FT | 2 PF | +2

On this night, Harris was the anchor the Sixers needed when Embiid sat. He hunted his shots and executed from all areas of the floor. With all the trade chatter surrounding Harris, he played like it was an insult to have his name mentioned in any rumors. This was one of the best performances of the season for Tobias Harris.

Tyrese Maxey: B-

34 mins | 14 pts | 6 reb | 4 ast | 0 stl | 0 blk | 2 TO | 5-16 FG | 0-4 3PT| 4-4 FT | 3 PF | -1

Although he’s only 21 years old, Tyrese Maxey keeps showing growth as a point guard. On offense, he never hesitated to launch a shot or drive the lane. He tallied six boards and four assists in the process. He took open shots and maneuvered just enough to get off tough shots in traffic. He did miss all four 3-point attempts though. The one late in the fourth would have helped the Sixers rally, but he could not connect.

Joel Embiid: A

33 mins | 34 pts | 12 reb | 3 ast | 3 stl | 0 blk | 2 TO | 13-25 FG | 2-8 3PT| 6-6 FT | 3 PF | -4

What more else can you say about the NBA’s leader on the MVP ladder? At this point, he puts on an offensive clinic against all opponents and in any arena. He carried the load when needed and the team suffered when he rested. If he doesn’t win MVP this season, it will be a crime.

Matisse Thybulle: C

35 mins | 8 pts | 1 reb | 1 ast | 1 stl | 2 blk | 0 TO | 2-2 FG | 2-2 3PT| 2-2 FT | 4 PF | -12

The team’s best perimeter defender did all he could to disrupt Phoenix’s potent offense. He tipped passes, recorded steals and blocks while draining multiple 3-pointers. Too many times though in the game Thybulle seemed to fade in the offensive sets. More cutting will be needed from him in the future in order to add much needed offense. Also, he must be more disciplined when going around screens to avoid senseless fouls.

Seth Curry: F

26 mins | 3 pts | 4 reb | 2 ast | 0 stl | 1 blk | 1 TO | 1-9 FG | 1-6 3PT| 0-0 FT | 5 PF | -6

Doc Rivers’ son-in-law has been brought up in potential trade packages lately. It probably doesn’t affect his play, but his terrible recent shooting nights could be related to injuries and rust after missing games. The Sixers could have used his perimeter shooting versus the Suns as the teams went back and forth throughout the game.