This is what we call killing two birds with one stone. While the Sixers recorded the return of Paul George and Guerschon Yabusele (19 points) set a new career record, Kevin Durant made things clear. A great performance at 35 points, decisive shots while his team was struggling at the end and especially the winning shot (118-116)!
With a much better collective dynamic, particularly at home, the Suns had the best start to the match. The desire to share the leather made many happy among the Suns, including Royce O'Neale whose second winning basket in a row gave his team a 10-point lead (20-10).
But this first passage of the respective substitutes turned to the advantage of the visitors, carried by a hyper productive Kyle Lowry from the start. With him, and a troublesome zone defense, Philadelphia recovered and a match with one possession, or two , settled in for a good while.
Paul George still rusty with his shooting, Tyrese Maxey was responsible for feeding the score with his 3-point arrows. The leader of the Sixers embarked in sequences of sniper duels with Kevin Durant who, for his part, compensated for Devin Booker's disastrous shooting evening. Phoenix's third strong man, Bradley Beal, was efficient, notably cutting the passing lines several times to finish on the counter-attack.
The Sixers escape thanks to Guerschon Yabusele
After three quarters (94-93), it was very difficult to know which team was going to gain the upper hand over the other. The locals had a tricky start to the 4th, their Mr. Clean, Tyus Jones, surprisingly losing two balls in quick succession. After a new exchange of baskets between Maxey and Durant, the
We thought the Suns were a little stunned. It was without counting on a Kevin Durant full of composure in the final moments. His mid-range shots were doing great damage, while the visitors' small five also struggled to contain the size in front. In response to a 9-0 conceded, the Suns signed an 8-0 to regain the advantage (116-115).
Tyrese Maxey had the opportunity to give his team the lead again, but settled for a 1/2 on the throw line. Behind him, the inevitable Kevin Durant signed the penetration of the win to which Paul George was unable to respond.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Suns impeccable at home. Even if they were very hot this evening, the Arizona players (6 wins – 1 loss) have a 5th victory in a row and remain undefeated at home (4-0), with the start of a good table of hunting (Mavs, Lakers). Next meeting, still at home, against the Heat next Wednesday.
– Career record for Guerschon Yabusele. His previous NBA record, with the Celtics, dated from one evening in April 2018, when he scored 16 points. He easily beat this record on the basis of his high volume of 3-point shots (5/11), in addition to his complete contribution (7 rebounds and 6 assists). Essentially used on the “pick-and-pop”, he still scored a big dunk in the last quarter by cutting to the circle. Victim of a flagrant foul by Grayson Allen, he had a little difficulty in defense at the end.
– Stars in the tough. Devin Booker (3/18), Paul George (4/13, 7 lost balls), almost the same fight. While the former had a very solid start to the season, he never managed to get into rhythm. The second clearly lacked it and seemed borrowed, forcing many of his shots and penetrations.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
