The Sixers were competitive in the first quarter against Phoenix Friday night.
That’s about as long as it lasted.
The Sixers were hammered the rest of the way in a 122-96 loss to the Suns at the Wells Fargo Center. The loss dropped them to 0-12, while the Suns moved to 8-5.
Outside of the final score, there was little to learn from a game that for 36 minutes resembled pick-up ball at the nearby playground where the sides were unevenly divided.
Turning point
The Sixers played a solid offensive first quarter, shooting 52.4 percent to lead 27-26 after one. The second 12 minutes were a whole new story.
Phoenix outscored the Sixers, 41-17, in the second quarter on 75.0 percent from the floor. The Sixers shot 33.3 percent in the frame.
NBA
Follow the leader
Isaiah Thomas led all scorers with 23 points coming off the Phoenix bench. Four Suns starters scored in double figures, including both Morris brothers. Markieff Morris finished with 18 points and Marcus Morris had 11.
Michael Carter-Williams and Tony Wroten started together for the first time this season. Carter-Williams led the team with 18 points and Wroten added 13.
K.J. McDaniels played 28 minutes after playing only 11 minutes Wednesday. He finished with 17 points on 5 for 12 shooting.
Stat-egic
The Sixers are gaining ground on the 1972-73 Sixers, who hold the mark for the worst start in franchise history by going 0-15.
However, there is a difference in how the two teams lost. The ’72-73 lost their first 12 games by 109 points total. Brett Brown’s Sixers have lost their first 12 games by a combined 206 points.
Take a bow
The Suns have the second-highest scoring bench in the NBA, averaging 43.3 points per game. They were even better Friday against the Sixers with the Suns’ reserves scoring 68 points.
What’s next?
The Sixers are right back in action with matchup against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden Saturday night.
The Knicks are 3-10 this season and recently suffered through a seven-game losing skid.
The Knicks last played Wednesday in a 115-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.