PHILADELPHIA – It was apparent that the back-to-back on Tuesday night after their matchup with the Nets last night had taken a toll on the Suns’ energy levels as they looked sluggish to begin their game against the 76ers. Phoenix didn’t get its first FG of the game until there were a little over seven minutes left in the first quarter.
PHILADELPHIA – It was apparent that the back-to-back on Tuesday night after their matchup with the Nets last night had taken a toll on the Suns’ energy levels as they looked sluggish to begin their game against the 76ers. Phoenix didn’t get its first FG of the game until there were a little over seven minutes left in the first quarter. They became more physical as the first quarter went on, which was the catalyst to help Phoenix get back into it early on.
Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jalen Green also made his anticipated return for the Suns, and was involved heavily in the offense as he drove to the rim with a different level of quickness and intensity, helping draw the defense and creating space for guys such as Oso Ighodaro and Devin Booker.
Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) dribbles in front of of Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
VJ Edgecome was leading the 76ers offense with his shifty maneuvering and was helping supplement their scoring without Philadelphia’s stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George. Andre Drummond was also a presence in the paint with the absence of Embiid. The three-point shots started to fall in the second quarter as Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Collin Gillespie all were feeling it early. Although towards the end of the second quarter, energy levels dipped, and another scoring drought occurred. If the Suns can focus on getting more of those open opportunities, they will be in a good position to get a victory in Philadelphia.
Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) is introduced before action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
Category: General Sports
