Sixers burnt by Suns, lose 109-99

Sixers
Jan 6, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) controls the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Coming home after a six-game road trip, the Sixers looked to whip up some home cooking against the visiting Phoenix Suns. A couple of hours before the opening tip, it was announced that the Sixers would be without Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry, with Andre Drummond to be a soon-to-be-included addition.

Being shorthanded is nothing new to this season’s Sixers, who have spent the entire season with one malady or another, but as the year lingers on, Philadelphia has little option but to fight through the pain.

Though the visiting Suns are not world-beaters in the Western Conference, a team boasting the talents of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal cannot be taken lightly. Phoenix debuted a brand new starting lineup that saw Beal and Jusuf Nurkic head to the bench.

Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) walks off the court after being punched by Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (not pictured) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Initially, the Suns’ new lineup failed to pay off as Philadelphia pulled out to a quick 23-16 lead, but as the game labored on, the Sixers’ offense became more and more stagnant, allowing the Suns to not only pull back within reach but take the lead during the second half.

Philadelphia’s offense would come to a near stop in the third quarter, scoring nine points in the first eight minutes. Meanwhile, the floodgates would open defensively as the Sixers would allow 36 points to a Suns square who only managed 42 points in the previous two quarters.

Tyrese Maxey struggled early offensively, while Paul George could not find his footing against the Suns throughout the night. A lack of ball movement or any semblance of offensive cohesion limited the Sixers’ chances in this one from the moment the Suns adjusted.

Jan 6, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

A fury of Kelly Oubre toward the end of the third quart kept Philadelphia close, entering the fourth, as he continued to punish Phoenix inside the paint, being rewarded with both the basket and the foul repeatedly.

The resistance of a thousand Suns met another fourth-quarter push, although it was actually more like 11 members of the Phoenix Suns. Kevin Durant had woken up and would not be denied in this final quarter. Just like that, another winnable game goes by the wayside for Philadelphia, who now sits with a 14-20 record on the season.

Jan 6, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Up next for the Sixers

The Sixers will next welcome Kyle Kuzma and the Washington Wizards to Philadelphia for a matchup on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Jan 5, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) shoots the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) looks on in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and you can catch the game on NBA Sports Philadelphia or listen live at 97.5 FM the Fanatic.