PHILADELPHIA — In a surprising move, Bradley Beal came off the bench for the first time in nearly a decade, contributing 25 points to help the Phoenix Suns snap their four-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
Beal’s transition to a reserve role injected fresh energy into the team, particularly in the second half, where he scored 20 of his points. This performance helped the Suns overcome an early 12-point disadvantage, marking just their second win in nine outings.
Kevin Durant also played a pivotal role, adding 23 points to the scoreboard, while Ryan Dunn contributed 15 points for Phoenix. On the other side, Tyrese Maxey was the standout for the 76ers, racking up 31 points and dishing out 10 assists. Philadelphia was without their star player Joel Embiid, who is currently dealing with a left foot sprain. Kelly Oubre stepped in with a solid 26 points, but the 76ers faced their third loss in four games.
In a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating his lineup, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer made the decision to bring both Beal and Jusuf Nurkic off the bench. Despite trailing after the first quarter for the fifth consecutive game, the Suns’ bench delivered impressively, outscoring their Philadelphia counterparts 54-7.
Meanwhile, the 76ers have navigated the season without Embiid for the 21st time, leading them to rely on Guerschon Yabusele for additional offensive production at the center position. Yabusele responded with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, but the team now holds a disappointing 7-14 record without Embiid.
One pivotal moment in the game came during the third quarter when the Suns unleashed a formidable 25-6 run. This surge transformed a seven-point deficit into a commanding 12-point lead, which proved insurmountable for the 76ers.
A key statistic from the game revealed the Suns’ effectiveness from beyond the arc, as they shot 14-for-30 (46.7%), with Durant, Beal, and Dunn each sinking three 3-pointers.
Looking ahead, the Suns will conclude their three-game road trip against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, while the 76ers prepare to host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
