Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant finished a go-ahead driving layup with 24 seconds remaining, which proved to be the game-winner in a 118-116 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at Footprint Center.
Philadelphia’s Paul George, making his team debut after signing over the offseason, missed a jump shot that would have tied the game, as the Suns closed Monday out on a 14-3 run.
Durant finished the game with 35 points on 14-for-20 shooting. He hit a contested step-back jumper from mid range to take a 116-115 lead, leaving 60 seconds on the clock. Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey drew a Jusuf Nurkic foul on a floater the other way, but he split the free throws to tie the game.
Durant sized up 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele as the shot clock ticked down, and he drove hard to his right and finished off the glass. He finished with 15 points in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback.
Phoenix has won five straight games to improve to 6-1 this season. The 76ers fell to 1-5 without franchise center Joel Embiid, who missed another game due to knee injury management.
The Suns survived a barrage of 76ers 3-pointers, as Philadelphia shot 20-for-51 from deep. Phoenix went 11-for-32 from outside.
Phoenix had six players finish with double-digit points, and reserves Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale combined for 29 off the bench.
The Suns will host the Miami Heat on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
