Nov 4, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns (5-1) are currently leading the Philadelphia 76ers (1-4) 65-63 at halftime in Paul George’s debut for Philadelphia.
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The Suns were up by as much as 11 in the first quarter (23-12), but the 76ers were able to get back into the game.
So what can the Suns do in the second half to build on their their lead and pick up their fifth-straight victory?
Win the 3-point line
The Suns started 5-for-11 from 3, compared to 0-for-6 for the 76ers. At halftime, the 76ers are shooting 10-for-26 (38.5%) from deep, while the Suns are 7-for-20 (35%) from beyond the arc.
Phoenix is doing a much better job attacking the paint with 32 points in the paint in the first half compared to a total of 24 in its 103-97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday.
However, the Suns need to keep up their identity of shooting more 3-pointers after they saw the 3-point line really keep Philadelphia in the game in the first half.
Get Devin Booker going, keep feeding Kevin Durant
Devin Booker had some free throws late in the half, and did a great job with his playmaking, notching four assists, but shot 1-for-7 from the floor. Kevin Durant got in a great rhythm with 15 points on 7-for-9 shooting to go along with four assists. Bradley Beal also had a very efficient half with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
The Suns will need to lean on their stars to lead them to victory.
Contain role players
Kyle Lowry (team-high 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting for 76ers) really started the 76ers comeback in the first quarter. Eric Gordon (seven points on 2-for-3 shooting) also got going off the Philadelphia bench.
The Suns stared off well playing good defense on Tyrese Maxey (12 points on 5-of-8 shooting) and George (10 points on 3-of-9 shooting), but both of these players started to get going feeding off the energy of the bench. Phoenix can’t allow the Philadelphia bench to create a rhythm for the rest of the team.
In turn, Suns need to continue to rely on Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen (10 points apiece) when they’re in the game.
Grab offensive rebounds
The Suns entered tonight’s game dead last in the NBA in offensive rebound and were able to grab four in the first half, but had a much more concentrated effort to crash the glass.
They will need this same effort in the second half on both ends, as the 76ers also notched four offensive rebounds. Philadelphia is currently winning the rebound battle 21-19.
Play into 76ers’ foul trouble
George and Maxey both ended the half with three fouls, so this is something to watch in the second half. Phoenix needs to attack them whenever it has the chance on offense.
Handle 76ers’ zone defense
A 3-2 zone by the 76ers allowed them to go on a 11-1 run in the first quarter and tie the game. If Phoenix faces this zone defense again, it has to be ready.
Suns reveal status of Bradley Beal against 76ers
