The Suns didn’t just beat the Sixers - they sent a message. And that message came loud and clear from the bench.
Phoenix’s second unit stepped up in a big way, pouring in nearly half of the team’s 116 points. That’s right - 48% of the scoring came from five guys not in the starting lineup: Oso Ighodaro, Jalen Green, Ryan Dunn, Grayson Allen, and Jordan Goodwin.
Together, they shot a combined 21-of-40 from the field, outscoring Philly’s bench by a wide margin. The Sixers’ reserves managed just 28 points - and in today’s NBA, that kind of disparity can flip a game on its head.
This wasn’t about one guy catching fire - it was a collective, balanced effort. And it highlighted something that’s been quietly building in Phoenix: depth that matters.
Mark Williams, clearly running on fumes in the second night of a back-to-back, saw his minutes scaled back - and Oso Ighodaro stepped right into the spotlight. He logged close to 30 minutes, anchoring the offense with his high-IQ decision-making and holding his own defensively. Oso’s presence gave the Suns a steady hand when they needed one most.
Grayson Allen, meanwhile, made the most of his extended run. He filled the stat sheet with 16 points, five boards, and six assists, while knocking down 45% of his threes. Allen’s ability to space the floor and make plays off the bounce gave Phoenix another layer offensively, and his energy on both ends was contagious.
Jalen Green’s return was handled with care - and smartly so. He clocked in around 20 minutes, enough to shake off the rust without overextending.
But even in limited time, Green reminded everyone what he brings: explosive movement, sharp cuts, and a knack for getting to the rim. Goodwin played a similar role - a burst of energy off the bench, tallying 16 points and a pair of steals in a high-impact outing.
As for Ryan Dunn, his eight minutes might seem quiet on paper, but they speak volumes about where this team is headed. When the bench is clicking like this, every minute is earned. It’s a sign of real internal competition - and that’s a good problem to have.
What we’re seeing is a rotation that finally feels intentional. Jordan Ott is starting to press the right buttons, matching personnel to the moment.
The numbers back it up: of the eight Suns lineups that have logged 100+ possessions this season, six have a positive net rating. Five of those are +8 or better.
No other team in the league can say that right now. That kind of lineup versatility isn’t just a luxury - it’s a competitive edge.
One of the most intriguing developments in this game was the on-court pairing of Jalen Green and Oso Ighodaro. On paper, it’s a bit of a contrast - Green thrives in chaos, slicing through defenses with speed and movement, while Oso operates with poise, vision, and a more grounded, cerebral approach.
But that contrast? It works.
Their chemistry was on display early. In their first shared action, Oso set a sturdy pick, and Green wasted no time attacking the paint.
The defense collapsed, and Oso rolled into open space for an easy finish. A few possessions later, they ran it back - same result.
Philadelphia’s big man, Adem Bona, couldn’t keep up.
But the highlight came on a dribble handoff. Oso’s timing and positioning were perfect, giving Green a clean lane without forcing the issue.
It was a small moment, but it showed a level of trust and understanding you don’t often see in a newly formed duo. It’s the kind of connection that can grow into a real weapon.
This win wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was about identity.
The Suns didn’t rely on their stars to bail them out. They leaned on depth, on chemistry, on smart rotations and selfless basketball.
And that’s the kind of formula that holds up in the long run.
If Phoenix’s second unit continues to evolve like this, they’re not just going to be a tough out - they’re going to be a problem for every team in the league. Because when you can maintain pressure for 48 minutes, when your bench doesn’t just hold leads but builds them, you move from being a fun team to a serious contender.