The Phoenix Suns defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 112‑108 on Jan. 20, extending their road winning streak to three games. Devin Booker delivered 28 points, Kevin Durant added 30, and Jalen Green posted a career‑high 22 in his return from injury. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid scored 34, but the loss dropped the Sixers to 45‑23.
First Half: Early Lead and Even Score
The Sixers opened strong, taking a 30‑24 lead as Embiid recorded a double‑double and Maxey hit a three‑pointer. The Suns answered with a 10‑2 run highlighted by Booker’s drive and Green’s corner three. By halftime the score was tied 55‑55, with the Suns’ bench contributing 28 points, led by Cameron Johnson’s 12‑point burst.
Third Quarter: Momentum Shifts
Phoenix seized control in the third. Durant exploded for 14 points, including a contested mid‑range jumper that gave the Suns a 71‑66 edge. Green, playing his first full game since his ankle injury, added 9 points and a key defensive stop that led to a fast‑break dunk by Deandre Ayton. Philadelphia trimmed the deficit, but a missed free throw by Maxey and a turnover allowed the Suns to head into the fourth quarter with an eight‑point lead.
Fourth Quarter: Clutch Execution
The final period turned into a chess match. Maxey’s two quick threes cut the margin to two with 6:12 left. Embiid fought through a sore knee to grab an offensive rebound and tie the game at 106‑106 with 3:45 remaining. Booker responded by drawing a foul and sinking both free throws to make it 108‑106. Green then hit a high‑arc three with 1:12 left, extending the lead to five. Maxey’s final three rimmed out, sealing the Suns’ victory.
Key Player Statistics
- Devin Booker: 28 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds
- Kevin Durant: 30 points, 7 rebounds
- Jalen Green: 22 points (career high), 5 rebounds, 3 steals
- Joel Embiid: 34 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Tyrese Maxey: 27 points, 5 assists
Implications for Both Teams
The win moves Phoenix’s road record to 12‑5 and keeps them within two games of the league‑leading Denver Nuggets, strengthening their Western Conference push. Coach Monty Williams praised the team’s resilience and highlighted Green’s return as a catalyst.
For Philadelphia, the loss maintains a 45‑23 record, keeping them in the Eastern Conference’s top two but exposing defensive lapses against elite perimeter talent. The injury to forward P.J. Washington remains a concern as the Sixers look to tighten perimeter defense.
Looking Ahead
Next, the Suns travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers, aiming to extend their road streak and climb further in the West. The Sixers conclude their six‑game home stretch against the Boston Celtics, hoping to rebound with Embiid’s inside dominance and Maxey’s scoring versatility.
