THE PHOENIX SUNS have started fast under new coach Mike Budenholzer.
The Suns have won their last four games and five of six overall entering Monday’s home game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers have dropped four of five to open the season while playing without stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, both out with left knee injuries.
However, George could make his season and team debut on Monday. The 76ers listed him as questionable for the contest.
Phoenix had an up-and-down performance on Saturday when it recorded a 103-97 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers.
The Suns trailed by four points at halftime, outscored Portland 44-18 in the third quarter and led by 26 early in the fourth quarter before the Trail Blazers mounted an electric comeback.
Phoenix was 9 of 18 from the 3-point line in the third quarter, while Portland was 1 of 11.
Devin Booker had 28 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in the victory. Kevin Durant scored 21 points.
Grayson Allen contributed 18 points and made four 3-pointers off the bench.
The 76ers are slipping behind as they wait for Embiid and George to get healthy.
Philadelphia lost a 124-107 home game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
Tyrese Maxey had 23 points on a night the 76ers were outrebounded 52-33.
Embiid made noise after the game by shouting at a reporter in the locker room and eventually shoving him. — Reuters
