Game Recap: Durant would not be denied in thrilling comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers

KD had 15 of the Suns’ 24 fourth quarter points, willing Phoenix to a 118-116 win.

And so begins Week 3 for the Phoenix Suns…

After a dominating Week 2, in which the team went 3-0 and Devin Booker won the Western Conference Player of the Week, the team opened with a thrilling win over the 76ers, winning 118-116, moving their record to 6-1 and winning their fifth consecutive game.

Kevin Wayne Durant set the tone for Phoenix, pouring in 35 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. True to his style, he hit some tough shots, but the sniper made it look effortless. His scoring was crucial, especially with Devin Booker struggling at just 3-of-18 from the field.

The Suns attempted just 32 three-pointers in the game, while Philly launched 51. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 32 points, and Paul George, making his debut with the team, added 15. Both players had opportunities to either send the game into overtime or win it, but ultimately missed their shots in the closing moments.

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Game Flow

First Half

No Joel Embiid in this game,w which meant Andre Drummond would get the starting nod. And given his rebounding prowess — he’s averaging 11.8 a game — that’s where our eyes focused early to see how he and Jusuf Nurkic would match up. 6 early points for Drummond, but 5 for Nurkic, including a three-ball.

Royce O’Neale looked effortlessly smooth, sinking back-to-back three-pointers to stretch the lead to 20-10. His shooting stroke seems more fluid than ever, and within Budenholzer’s system, he’s truly finding his rhythm and place on the floor.

Old Man Kyle Lowry kept Philly in the game early, coming off the bench at 38 years old to score 10 points and ignite a 6-0 run that tied it up at 26. Houston shot a solid 47.6% from the field, while Phoenix, with 6 points each from Durant and O’Neale, posted a close 45.8%. Paul George was 0-of-5 from the field in his first quarter this season.

Phoenix ultimately edged ahead, taking a 28-26 lead into the second quarter.

Former Sun Eric Gordon ignited a 9-0 run to open the second quarter, scoring 7 points, including a three-pointer. If only EG had shown that level of consistency off the bench for Phoenix last season. The 76ers hit a hot stretch, going 7-of-11 from deep, and held a 41-38 lead when Gordon checked out, making way for Kyle Lowry.

Bradley Beal found his rhythm in the second quarter, sinking 3 of his first 4 shots — including two three-pointers — to score 7 points in the first six minutes.

With the Suns leading 54-53 and 5:02 remaining in the half, Mike Budenholzer opted to challenge a play where Guerschon Yabusele — known from the 2024 Paris Olympics and the French team — was blocked by Jusuf Nurkic. Budenholzer trusted Nurkic, who immediately signaled for the review, and it paid off: the challenge was successful.

Nurkic dominated the boards in the first half, grabbing 7 rebounds and effectively boxing out Philly. As a result, the 76ers managed only 4 offensive rebounds and 2 second-chance points.

Late in the half, Philly surged with an 8-0 run to take a three-point lead, but Grayson Allen responded with his first three-pointer, tying the game at 63. A pair of Devin Booker free throws closed out the half, sending Phoenix into the locker room up 65-63.

Both teams poured in 37 points in the second quarter. Phoenix’s scoring was led by Kevin Durant’s 15 points, while the 76ers saw contributions from Paul George, who scored all 10 of his points in the second, and Kyle Lowry with 13.

Booker and Durant combined to go 0-of3 from three-point range in the first half.

Second Half

The third quarter brought more balance, with both teams scoring 11 points in the first 5 minutes. Back-and-forth the teams went, putting their little 4-point runs on each other. Nurk continued snagging boards. Bradley Beal continued his hot shooting, scoring 5 of the Suns’ first 11 points in the quarter.

Tyrese Maxey started heating up in the third, hitting back-to-back three-pointers. He had 12 points in the first half. He had 10 with 3:19 left in the third. He’s someone who does that hop-back step that I swear to this day is a travel, and he has it perfected.

Seriously. Tell me how the shot taken below isn’t a travel. He takes two steps into his shot, then two steps to jump.

Maxey cooled once Ryan Dunn entered the game and began guarding him. Such a nice asset to have,

Grayson Allen received a flagrant foul, penalty one, after kneeing Yabusele in the back of the head. Yes, you read that correctly. Air Allen? Yabusele pump-faked him into the air, and Allen inadvertently made contact with the back of his head. It was one of those moments that just didn’t add up tonight.

Philly’s season-high from beyond the arc entering the game was 11 made. They had 15 after three quarters. After 6 lead changes and 4 ties in the third, Phoenix led 94-93 after three quarters.

The 76ers kicked off the fourth quarter with an 8-2 run, capitalizing on three turnovers — two of which came from Tyus Jones — to score 4 quick points.

Philadelphia kept their three-point shooting strong, making 4 of their first 8 attempts from deep, with Tyrese Maxey knocking down shots and signaling the “three” symbol. The game was getting physical, but the officiating felt a bit one-sided. Devin Booker was swiped on a shot attempt—no call. Nurkic took a shot to the face from Kelly Oubre—still no call. It was shaping up to be one of those nights.

Guerschon Yabusele who crushed the Suns. 76ers head coach made an in-game adjustment, moving off of his starting center and putting in Andre Drummond. And it paid off. Yabusele’s previous high score in a game was 16 in 2018 with the Celtics. His previous career-high in three-point field goals made was 3. Tonight he went for 19 points and 5-of-11 from three.

Kevin Durant kept Phoenix afloat with his expert shot-making. And they were some difficult shots.

Phoenix battled back, despite the ball not bouncing their way and facing a lack of calls, closing the gap to 115-114 with 1:50 left in the game on a 10-2 run. A clutch 14-footer from Kevin Durant gave Phoenix the lead with just one minute remaining.

Maxey converted one of two free throws to tie the game. A crucial offensive rebound by Grayson Allen set up a driving layup from Durant, putting the Suns back in the lead. Paul George missed a 22-foot jump shot, sealing the outcome. The Suns finished strong with a 14-4 run to secure the victory.

Suns win 118-116.

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Next up for the Suns? A battle against the Miami Heat at home on Wednesday. The Heat, who lost to the Kings 111-110 tonight, are 3-3 on the season.

We’ll see you then, Bright Side!

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