Takeaways from Suns getting much-needed, 109-99 victory over depleted 76ers

Jan 6, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) passes the ball past Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin (16) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Making multiple changes to the starting lineup, the Phoenix Suns were able to snap a four-game losing streak with a total team effort in a 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Having a point to prove, Beal came off the bench and put up 25 points for the Suns (16-18). Kevin Durant finished with 23 points and rookie Ryan Dunn added 15 to help Phoenix secure the season sweep over Philadelphia, 2-0.

Pushing as hard as they could have for the injury-riddled 76ers (14-20), Tyrese Maxey had 31 points while former Sun Kelly Oubre Jr. recorded a double-double (26 points, 11 rebounds).

Here are the main takeaways from the Suns getting back in the win column:

-For the first time on the Suns when healthy, Beal did not start and instead came on as a sub. Both Beal and Jusuf Nurkić were removed from the starting lineup amidst their four-game losing streak going into Philadelphia. They checked in after the 7:00 mark of the first quarter.

-Weakened by injuries, the 76ers had to play without Joel Embiid (left foot sprain, right sinus fracture), KJ Martin (left foot), Jared McCain (left meniscus surgery), Andre Drummond (toe) and Kyle Lowry (right hip soreness). Though he was a game-time decision, Oubre Jr. (left hand sprain) was Philadelphia’s best player throughout the night with his double-double.

-On the first 13 shots by Phoenix, the team scored just five points in over half of the first quarter. While they did have quality looks and scoring chances, the shots were not falling for the Suns and they were down 17-5.

-Making it a game after a sluggish start, the Suns battled back and got within one in the second quarter, 30-29. Playing practically everyone, Phoenix’s bench scored 24 of the team’s 42 first half points and 54 in total.

-Picking up the pace, getting big stops defensively and showing more effort overall, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer went to the players with the hot hand. After a three-point first quarter, Durant didn’t play most of the second. Phoenix did not have one player score in double digits in the first half but everyone put up at least two points.

-Needing to step up with Embiid and Drummond both out, 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele had to play center and was a standout for his team. Reaching a double-double, the Frenchman had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

-With the offensive production as low as it was, multiple players from both sides were left shaking their heads in disbelief. The 76ers shot 34-for-87 (39.1%) from the field and 15-for-40 (37.5%) from 3 while the Suns were 41-for-81 (50.6%) overall and 14-for-30 (46.7%) from deep.

-Starting off slow, 76ers star Paul George struggled to form any consistency. George notched 13 points from 5-of-18 (27.8%) shooting from the field and going 3-for-9 (33.3%) from behind the arch.

-Once the momentum switched into Phoenix’s favor, the Suns went on a 17-2 run in the third quarter and took the lead 62-54. From there on, Philadelphia couldn’t get back into the game as Phoenix was making shots and the 76ers didn’t.

-Starting over Nurkić, Mason Plumlee helped defensively and in other areas on both sides of the floor, but the stat sheet numbers didn’t depict that. Hustling for every loose ball and establishing a strong presence in the paint, Plumlee had two points, seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

-Adapting quickly to his new role, Beal shined for Phoenix and was one of the main reasons why the team came back from the early slump. Show a higher sense of urgency when attacking the basket, Beal led the Suns in scoring with 25 points.

-A rough outing for him, Booker was unable to get in a rhythm as he was 3-for-16 (18.9%) from the field and 1-for-5 (20%) from 3. While it was an off night compared to his standards, Booker clinched a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists.

-Not giving up, Maxey got hot offensively as the game wore on despite the deficit growing more and more. Using his physicality and shooting from any distance, the 24-year-old went off for 31 points and 10 assists.

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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, ASU Athletics and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini