Kevin Durant led the Phoenix Suns (6-1) to a narrow 118-116 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers (1-5) on Monday night. The superstar forward scored 35 points, including a crucial driving layup with just 24 seconds remaining to break a tie.
The win improved Phoenix’s record to 6-1, while Philadelphia fell to 1-5, spoiling Paul George’s debut with the team. George, who missed the first five games due to a bone bruise in his left knee, contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 32 minutes.
Durant’s scoring prowess was complemented by Bradley Beal, who added 17 points, and Jusuf Nurkic, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. The Suns showcased their offensive depth as they secured their fifth consecutive victory.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 32 points, shooting 12 of 22 from the field and 6 of 14 from beyond the arc. Maxey’s strong performance came as he filled the scoring void left by All-Star center Joel Embiid, who remained sidelined.
Guerschon Yabusele also had a productive night off the bench for Philadelphia, contributing 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists. However, the team’s struggles continued as they fell to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
George faced challenges in his first game back, struggling with his shooting. He started slow but managed to find his rhythm, scoring 10 points in the second quarter. However, he missed a critical shot that could have tied the game in the final moments.
Devin Booker had an off night, finishing with only 13 points on 3 of 18 shooting. Despite his shooting struggles, he was effective from the free-throw line, converting all seven attempts.
The game showcased the Suns’ resilience as they overcame challenges and maintained their winning streak. The performance of the bench players, including Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, provided crucial support in the tight contest.
