The Suns won their fifth consecutive game while the Sixers (1-5) dropped their third straight. Philly was without its injured former MVP Joel Embiid but All-Star Tyrese Maxey stepped up with a team-high 32 points.

Smith said Durant has been “leaderless” when addressing the question of whether the two-time finals MVP can lead Phoenix to a championship. Suns teammates came to Durant’s defense, saying he’s an easy target, and defended his leadership style.