Player grades: Devin Booker too much for Sixers to handle in loss to Suns
The Philadelphia 76ers have proven themselves to be a resilient bunch all season long. As they invaded the Footprint Center to take on the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, they were looking to show that off again after a loss on Friday. Both teams were short-handed for this one with Philadelphia missing James Harden and Phoenix missing Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton.
Considering the pieces missing on both sides, it was an even matchup in that sense. In the end, it was Devin Booker and the Suns who walked away with a 125-105 win over the Sixers. Booker had 29 points and five assists in order to lead the way for Phoenix. The Suns also received a big boost from their bench as they outscored Philadelphia’s bench unit 53-17.
Tyrese Maxey had 37 points and seven rebounds to lead Philadelphia, Joel Embiid had a bit of an off night, but he still finished with 28 points,10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, and Tobias Harris had 13 points.
Here are the player grades following the loss on the road:
Tyrese Maxey: A
It was a fast start for Maxey as he was getting into the paint quickly and making things happen on the offensive end. He was also knocking down his triples in order to get Philadelphia going on the offense. His efficiency with his shot both by getting to the basket and with his ability to shoot from deep kept the Sixers in the game. He showed more aggression in the non-Embiid minutes in order to keep Philadelphia afloat. Overall, the shot-making he displayed in this one was so impressive as he continues to show off his talent.
De'Anthony Melton: C-
Trying to be aggressive on defense, Melton picked up two fouls early which limited his effectiveness a bit. He was better in the second half when he knocked down a spot-up triple, attacked the basket for a layup, and he made plays with his passing. In the bigger picture, though, it was a bit of a tough night for Melton as he wasn’t able to get into his rhythm.
Tobias Harris: B-
With the night Maxey was having, the Sixers didn’t need Harris to be the offensive force he was on Friday, but when he got his opportunities, he made the most of them. He continues to be an efficient source of offense for the Sixers as he has been in a rhythm as of late following a really tough extended stretch. Whatever the Sixers ask of Harris, he is able to provide it for this group.
PJ Tucker: C
After a pretty miserable offensive night on Friday, Tucker knocked down a corner triple in the first quarter and he was able to work his way inside for a layup. He was also tough on the defensive end as he continues his preparation for the playoffs.
Joel Embiid: B+
The big fella had a bit of a slow start and the Suns deserve credit for their defensive effort. Bismack Biyombo is athletic and he has good hands in an effort to stay in front and bother the MVP candidate. Embiid missed his first four shots and had a turnover to begin his night. That led to an overall lackluster night for the big fella in terms of his efficiency. He still was able to get to the line and he was making the right decisions with the basketball, but it was a bit of a rare struggle for him. Overall, though, he was still able to contribute in a positive way and still be impactful out on the floor.
Shake Milton: C-
It wasn’t a great defensive night for Milton, but he had a few offensive moments that made him a positive contributor off the bench. He continues to impress as a passer keeping his head up and being able to find teammates for open looks. The defensive issues were glaring in this one, though.
Georges Niang: F
The Minivan had a nice moment to start his night when he put the ball on the floor and he was able to make a play with his passing. However, Niang had a tough night on defense as the Suns were able to take advantage of him being out of position to get easy looks from deep. He also had a tough night converting on his open looks on offense.
Paul Reed: D
As with Niang, there were a few times when Reed was out of position on the defensive end which allowed Terrence Ross and TJ Warren to get going for Phoenix. Those two guys are both streaky players so when they get into that rhythm, they’re tough to stop. It was just a bit of a rough night for the energetic big man out of DePaul. He also looked a bit out of place on the offensive end at times. The rough minutes for him forced the Sixers to have to go to Dedmon after halftime.
Jalen McDaniels: F
Returning to the floor after missing another two games with that right hip contusion, McDaniels still didn’t look right. He was missing wide-open looks and he looked a bit out of sorts on defense. He fouled Booker shooting a jumper on two separate occasions. It could have been a lack of rhythm due to the two missed games, but it was an overall really tough night for him.
Dewayne Dedmon: D-
Considering the rough Reed minutes in the first half, the Sixers turned to Dedmon in the second half. The veteran drew a tough whistle from the officials when he fouled Jock Landale for an And-1 opportunity for Phoenix and then they called Dedmon for a moving screen when it looked like Booker ran into him. He did have a nice block on Landale in the fourth, but he struggled in his minutes.
