The Phoenix Suns have won five games in a row following an exciting victory over the Philadelphia 76ers tonight, 118-116. Entering tonight’s game, the Suns were on a hot streak, winning their last four games and five out of six overall as they prepared to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Meanwhile, the 76ers are struggling, having lost four of their first five games this season while missing key players Joel Embiid and Paul George, both sidelined due to left knee injuries.
Geroge made his debut tonight, and while he posted 15 points, he only went 4-14 from the field and the Suns (led by Kevin Durant’s 35 points and Bradley Beal’s 17 points) took advantage of that. The game was neck and neck towards the end, but the Suns escaped with a two-point victory due to Durant’s clutch game-winner with 24.0 seconds left in the game. The Suns are looking stronger and stronger and we provide a grade for every one of the players who made the court tonight.
Kevin Durant: A+
Stats: 35 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 3 turnovers, 14-20 FG, 2-5 3-PT FG, 5-5 FT, 38 mins
Kevin Durant was exceptional, leading the Suns with 35 points on efficient 14-of-20 shooting, including a clutch game-winner when he attacked the rim and finished with 24.0 seconds left on the clock. He also contributed 6 assists and a block, making a strong impact on both ends. Durant’s consistent scoring and leadership were crucial in this close victory, and the star has been the driving force behind an impressive start to the season by the Suns so far.
Jusuf Nurkic – B+
Stats: 15 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 4 fouls, 5 turnovers, 5-8 FG, 1-3 3-PT FG, 4-6 FT, 28 mins
Jusuf Nurkic provided a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds, asserting himself inside. His defense (2 steals, 1 block) was solid, though his 5 turnovers were a slight downside. Despite the fouls, he was reliable in the paint and a key part of the Suns’ success on the boards. The Suns had the edge over the 76ers in defensive rebounds (34 to 29) and Nurkic was a major part of that so he gets a B+.
Royce O’Neale – B+
Stats: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 6-9 FG, 3-4 3-PT FG, 23 mins
Royce O’Neale came off the bench with an efficient 15 points, hitting 6-of-9 shots and 3-of-4 from deep. His hustle and defensive presence (1 steal, 1 block) were noticeable in his 23 minutes. O’Neale’s energy and shooting provided a significant spark for the Suns and his production as a backup was absolutely critical, especially considering the team only shot 34.4% from deep. O’Neale’s shooting was important considering how Devin Booker struggled with his jumper.
Bradley Beal: B
Stats: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 7-10 FG, 3-5 3-PT FG, 34 mins
Bradley Beal scored 17 points on an efficient 7-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. He also chipped in 5 rebounds and 3 assists, along with 2 steals. His scoring and defense were solid, but his turnovers and lack of defensive focus at times left room for improvement. Regardless, dropping 17 points on 70% shooting will give the player a B grade.
Grayson Allen: B
Stats: 14 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 3-6 FG, 2-4 3-PT FG, 6-6 FT, 23 mins
Allen was efficient with 14 points, going 3-of-6 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. He didn’t contribute much beyond scoring but avoided mistakes with no turnovers. Allen provided some valuable scoring and perimeter defense to keep the Suns competitive throughout a tightly contested game. As long as Allen shoots a high percentage, he will always get a decent score.
Devin Booker: C+
Stats: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, 2 turnovers, 3-18 FG, 0-6 3-PT FG, 7-7 FT, 38 mins
Devin Booker had a rough shooting night, going just 3-of-18 from the field and missing all six three-point attempts. However, he was perfect from the free-throw line (7-7) and contributed with 6 assists and 3 rebounds. His playmaking helped make up for the poor shooting, though his overall offensive impact was limited. However, it is hard to give Booker a bad score (even if his jumper is off) considering his presence offensively will always attract defensive attention.
Tyus Jones – C+
Stats: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 2 turnovers, 2-5 FG, 0-2 3-PT FG, 28 mins
Jones had a quiet game with only 4 points but did contribute 5 assists. His shooting was average (2-of-5), and he struggled to make a significant impact, both offensively and defensively. Jones was a steady presence, but the Suns would benefit from more production from the point guard they are placing heavy stock in.
Mason Plumlee: C+
Stats: 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 2-3 FG, 0-0 3-PT FG, 1-2 FT, 14 mins
Plumlee added 5 points and 3 rebounds in his limited 14 minutes. He was efficient from the field (2-of-3) but didn’t make a strong impact defensively, with no steals or blocks. Plumlee was serviceable but could have been more aggressive in his role because Jusuf Nurkic could have used some help in the paint tonight despite the absence of Joel Embiid.
Ryan Dunn: N/A
Stats: 0 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 0-3 FG, 0-3 3-PT FG, 10 mins
Dunn went scoreless in his 10 minutes, missing all three of his shot attempts, including from three. He grabbed 4 rebounds and had 1 assist, but his offensive contributions were minimal. Dunn showed some effort on the boards but was otherwise quiet in limited minutes.
