Phoenix Suns ride strong second half to victory over the 76ers: By the Numbers

The Phoenix Suns sure are streaky.

After following up a six-game losing streak with a six-game winning streak, the Suns lost their last two before Friday’s 112-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Phoenix improved to 19-16 on the season, two games behind the 21-14 record they had through 35 games last season.

Much like the team’s overall streakiness, a strong start gave way to a poor showing late in the second quarter.

Phoenix led all but one second of the second quarter. Unfortunately for them, it was the final second, as the Suns were forced to overcome a two-point halftime deficit.

However a strong third quarter by the Suns gave them a lead they would never relinquish. Phoenix outscored the 76ers by 17 in the second half to pull away for good.

Compared to their home record of 0-14, the 76ers are road warriors, going 4-13 to begin the season. Philadelphia was hot from beyond the arc early on, but cooled off in the second half, as did their team. Philadelphia scored just 37 points in the second half.

Here’s how the Suns ended their two-game losing streak, by the numbers:

1 (Part I)

It’s rare to see something done in sports for the first time in history, but that was the case on Friday. Late in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand, the Suns floored a lineup with both the Morris and Dragic brothers. It was the first time in NBA history two sets of brothers played on the floor together on the same team.

1 (Part II)

It was a night of firsts for Zoran Dragic. Appearing in his third NBA game, Zoran scored his first bucket (off a pass from his brother Goran), grabbed his first rebound and got his first assist (on a pass to Goran). He also picked up his first foul.

3

Before tonight’s win, the Suns lost their previous three Friday home games. It is about time they got back on track with those orange shirseys.

6

Alex Len set a new career high for blocks in a game with six. His previous career-high was the five he had against the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 26. Len came into the game averaging 1.2 blocks per game this season.

8-7

The friendly confines of US Airways Center has not been so friendly to the Suns this season. Friday’s win pushes the Suns over the .500 mark at home, as they improved their record to 8-7.

10

Goran Dragic earned his second double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He led the team in plus-minus as well, going +19.

13

All 13 Suns got a chance to play against Philadelphia. Zoran Dragic, Archie Goodwin and Shavlik Randolph combined to play 7:01 on the floor, while the 10 other Suns all played at least 11 minutes.

21

Gerald Green led all Suns with 21 points off the bench. He went 9-for-15 shooting, including three 3-for-7 from 3. He finished with four rebounds and a pair of assists as well.

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