Booker powers Suns past East-leading 76ers

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three-point shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the 76ers 120-111. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

Devin Booker scored 36 points to pace the Phoenix Suns in a 120-111 victory at home over the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 76ers.

Chris Paul added 18 points and 10 assists and the Phoenix bench delivered 56 points as the Suns won their fifth straight and their eighth in nine games.

The Suns shot 60.8% from the field, leaving Sixers coach Doc Rivers to bemoan his team’s defensive breakdowns — especially when the reserve unit was on the floor.

“It’s funny, the first eight minutes, I thought defensively, were pretty good, and then right when we went to the bench is when our defense struggled,” Rivers said.

Center Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 35 points. Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris added 18 apiece.

“I think overall, we didn’t get back in transition,” Simmons said. “That’s where it started. They shot 61% which is too high. We had our run, we got the lead, and then we let it go, we didn’t execute on offense late game.”