THE Philadelphia 76ers have been in management in opposition to the Phoenix Suns on Monday night time. They held a 115-108 lead with 3:39 left, however could not maintain on as Kevin Durant spoiled Paul George’s Philadelphia debut and handed the Sixers a 118-116 defeat within the desert.
Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 32 factors whereas George had 15 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Guerschon Yabusele scored an NBA career-high 19 factors whereas hitting 5 triples with seven rebounds and 6 assists, Kyle Lowry had 13 and 7 assists, Kelly Oubre Jr. had 11 and Eric Gordon added 10.
Listed here are the three predominant takeaways from the loss:
George’s gravity
George talked about lately in follow that he desires to assist the offense thrive. He did not have an ideal sport on Monday, however his seriousness and presence helped the offense flip issues round. The Suns needed to pay a whole lot of consideration to him due to who he’s and what he brings to the desk, which received Maxey began.
We have now to imagine that George will reach fixing this drawback. He was a keen passer, he helped on the glass and he was capable of knock down some powerful appears. He did flip the ball over at a excessive charge, however the distinction with him on the ground in comparison with the primary 5 video games was evident.
Poor offensive execution throughout the interval
The explanation this wasn’t a win within the win column was the dearth of offensive execution down the stretch. After Yabusele dunk to offer Philadelphia a 6-point lead, it was a wrestle. Yabusele missed two deep open appears, Oubre had his shot blocked by Durant on a transition alternative, Yabusele was known as for journey, Oubre fouled, Maxey missed a vital free throw and George missed the potential equalizing gaze.
Total, the Suns turned to Durant and he delivered on his promise for Phoenix whereas Philadelphia could not get the identical manufacturing from George or Maxey down the stretch.
The dancing bear went to work
Regardless that Yabusele contributed to this loss, one can’t ignore his general manufacturing. The Dancing Bear scored an NBA career-high 19 factors and hit 5 triples on 11 makes an attempt. Not solely was he scoring the ball, however he was additionally contributing in different areas comparable to rebounding and playmaking. He was implausible and the Sixers will want extra manufacturing like this because the season goes on.
This text was initially printed on Sixers Wire: 3 greatest takeaways for Sixers after heartbreaking highway loss to Suns
