At the heart of two series of trips, the Suns regain energy at home. Carried by a new great match Grayson Allenthe Arizona players did not need to release the best production of their season to push back the Sixers (115-102).
The Suns were up to 26 points ahead in a game that they began to really dominate in the final minutes of the second quarter. Leading by 13 points at the break (60-47), the Suns put a serious boost in the third period, ending with a 17-2 lead to start the last quarter with a margin (90-66). ).
The expected “garbage time” did not really take place because a few substitutes on the opposite side decided to come and support a struggling Kelly Oubre Jr. with his shot, to show a little resistance. Under the eyes of a Tyrese Maxey who is even more in difficulty in terms of skill and hampered by a clumsy Bradley Beal too, who was not called upon during this last period.
Coming back to 11 points five minutes from the end (91-102), the visitors finally let go with two new prize-winning baskets from Kevin Durant and the inevitable Grayson Allen.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Very hot Grayson Allen. Season record equaled for the Suns shooter who continues his rise in power since the All-Star Game. With 9 award-winning baskets, he also equaled his career record by having several opportunities in the last quarter to reach ten award-winning baskets. The guard has finished seven games this season with at least eight 3-pointers, making him second behind Stephen Curry.
– Kevin Durant surpasses Shaq. As a symbol, the Suns player passed the pivot, passed by Phoenix, on a jump shot from… the free throw line. “KD” now occupies 8th place in the ranking of the best scorers in the history of the league with 28,610 points. Next stop, another legendary pivot: Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points).
– A “funny” fourth quarter. Frank Vogel had to wait until the last two minutes of the game to send Isaiah Thomas and the others to the floor. It must be said that its starters, all mobilized for at least 31 minutes, did not really shine in the last quarter against a five opposite made up mainly of substitutes without much pedigree. Like Bradley Beal sometimes beside his basketball (pass aimed at Kevin Durant in the stands, air-
3-point ball…), the Suns made a lot of blunders and didn't show much seriousness in defense. Result: season record equaled with 23 ball losses, without impact on the final outcome. Kevin Durant emphasized that at this stage of the season, the important thing was to win.
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.
