Opinion
3 min read

Can the Philadelphia 76ers Eclipse the Phoenix Suns in Upcoming Duel?

As the Philadelphia 76ers gear up for their next challenge against the Phoenix Suns, fans are left pondering whether their team can bounce back from a recent string of performances that have been less than stellar. The upcoming game scheduled at Footprint Center in Phoenix is not just another matchup; it's an opportunity for redemption.


PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVMEBER 4: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 4, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

The 76ers' last outing on March 9 against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center ended in disappointment, with a final score of 95-103. Despite a valiant fourth-quarter rally where they outscored the Pelicans by fifteen points, it wasn't enough to overcome earlier deficits. This loss was indicative of a troubling trend for PHI: an inability to maintain consistency throughout all four quarters.


One glaring issue has been their three-point shooting accuracy. Against the Pelicans, they shot just 24 percent from beyond the arc – a stark contrast to their opponents' more effective rate of 36 percent. Additionally, while both teams had similar numbers in terms of total rebounds (PHI with 50 and NOP with 52), it was PHI's lower efficiency rating (95 compared to NOP's 127) that highlighted areas needing improvement.


PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 04: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives past Josh Okogie #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on November 04, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

However, not all is bleak for Philadelphia fans. The team demonstrated resilience and depth when facing off against Memphis Grizzlies on March 7th. Despite ultimately falling short with a scoreline of 109-115, there were positive takeaways: an impressive bench contribution totaling forty-three points and an ability to force turnovers leading to eighteen points off those opportunities.


Looking ahead to their encounter with PHX, PHI must capitalize on these strengths while addressing weaknesses exposed in previous games. The Suns will be formidable opponents; however, if PHI can harness fast break opportunities as they did against Memphis – where they scored nineteen points – and tighten up defensively by reducing opponent possessions like during their game versus Brooklyn Nets on March 6th (where they led for over twenty-nine minutes), victory could be within reach.


PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 4: Patrick Beverley #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 4, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The key battle will likely be waged beyond the three-point line where precision will be paramount; improving upon recent outings' percentages could tilt this contest in favor of Philly.


As anticipation builds towards this pivotal clash between two determined sides seeking momentum as playoffs loom closer, loyal supporters should mark their calendars for March twenty at ten PM Eastern Time. Fans can catch every dribble and dunk live on AZFamily or NBCS-PH networks as these titans collide under Arizona skies at Footprint Center – will you witness potential history unfolding?

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