What a game ! The Phoenix Suns won by a landslide 118-116 against the 76ers in an epic duel. Kevin Durant on fire with 35 points but the Sixers didn't give up. Analysis of a meeting which kept all its promises…
Last night, NBA fans were treated to a real duel at the top between the Phoenix Suns and the Philadelphia 76ers. In a tight match that was indecisive until the end, it was ultimately the Suns who won with a score of 118 to 116 thanks in particular to an XXL performance from their star Kevin Durant.
A match of incredible intensity
From the start of the match, the tone was set with two teams who showed constant commitment. In a balanced first quarter, it was the 76ers who managed to take a slight advantage, carried by the Tyrese Maxey – Paul George duo.
But the Suns didn't give up and came back with much better intentions in the second quarter. Led by a great Kevin Durant (35 points including 12 in this 2nd quarter alone), they inflicted a scathing 37-26 to take the lead at the break (64-59).
KD and fashion MVP
If Phoenix managed to hold off the 76ers' comeback in the second half, they owe it largely to the remarkable performance of Kevin Durant. The former MVP pulled out all the stops by scoring 35 points at 14/20 shooting, including a perfect 5/5 shooting.
KD showed why he is one of the very best forwards in the league. He was clutch in the money time and took his team to victory.
An NBA scout present in the stands
But Durant was not the only one to shine on the Suns side. Devin Booker, despite an unusual clumsiness (13 pts at 3/18), was able to prove himself valuable through his creation (6 assists). Jusuf Nurkic also weighed in with a big double-double (15 pts, 15 rebounds).
Philadelphia didn't give up
Despite the defeat, the 76ers can emerge from this shock at the top with their heads held high. Carried by Tyrese Maxey's 32 points and a productive bench (48 pts), they pushed Phoenix to their limits and could even have won with a little more success in the final.
The good performances of Guerschon Yabusele coming off the bench (19 pts, 7 rebounds, 6 pds) and the solidity of Caleb Martin (5 pts, 10 rebounds, 5 pds) deserve to be highlighted. The only downside was the clumsiness of Paul George (15 pts at 4/14) who could have turned the match around more effectively.
A poster that promises for the playoffs
With this narrow victory (their 3rd of the season against the Sixers), Phoenix consolidates its place in the top 4 in the West. For its part, Philadelphia remains solid in 3rd position in the East despite this setback.
One thing is certain, if these two teams were to meet in the playoffs, we could witness an epic series. The offensive potential of the Suns against the athletic density of the 76ers, the duel at the top between Durant and Embiid (absent yesterday)… Enough to make NBA fans salivate!
The foundations of a rivalry have been laid and we can't wait to see them face off again. See you on March 12 for the return match in Philadelphia. Until then, there is no doubt that these two teams will do everything to ensure their place at the top of the rankings.
Despite the defeat, the 76ers can emerge from this shock at the top with their heads held high. Carried by Tyrese Maxey's 32 points and a productive bench (48 pts), they pushed Phoenix to their limits and could even have won with a little more success in the final.
The good performances of Guerschon Yabusele coming off the bench (19 pts, 7 rebounds, 6 pds) and the solidity of Caleb Martin (5 pts, 10 rebounds, 5 pds) deserve to be highlighted. The only downside was the clumsiness of Paul George (15 pts at 4/14) who could have turned the match around more effectively.
A poster that promises for the playoffs
With this narrow victory (their 3rd of the season against the Sixers), Phoenix consolidates its place in the top 4 in the West. For its part, Philadelphia remains solid in 3rd position in the East despite this setback.
One thing is certain, if these two teams were to meet in the playoffs, we could witness an epic series. The offensive potential of the Suns against the athletic density of the 76ers, the duel at the top between Durant and Embiid (absent yesterday)… Enough to make NBA fans salivate!
The foundations of a rivalry have been laid and we can't wait to see them face off again. See you on March 12 for the return match in Philadelphia. Until then, there is no doubt that these two teams will do everything to ensure their place at the top of the rankings.
