The Oklahoma City Thunder claimed victory over the Phoenix Suns with a decisive score of 99-83 during their NBA Cup match held at the Paycom Center on Friday night. This win marks the Thunder's third consecutive victory, propelling their record to 11-2, showcasing their prowess even without key players.
Leading the charge for the Thunder was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 28 points, demonstrating his superior skills on the court. His performance was complemented by Lu Dort, who contributed significantly with 15 points and nine rebounds. Jalen Williams also made his mark with 14 points and eight rebounds, and Isaiah Joe added 11 points to the Thunder’s tally. Despite missing traditional center Chet Holmgren due to injuries, Oklahoma City’s defense proved too strong for the Suns.
The Phoenix Suns entered this game shorthanded, facing the challenges of competing without star players Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Grayson Allen. Their absence was palpable, particularly as the Suns struggled to maintain offensive momentum. Devin Booker, the Suns' leading scorer, finished the game with only 12 points on 2-for-10 shooting. His struggles were evident as he missed his first six shots and often found himself under defensive pressure from Dort and other Thunder defenders.
The Suns had high hopes for the game, but the reality of their performance unfolded differently. They started off on the wrong foot, trailing 29-12 after the first quarter, which put them at a disadvantage right from the get-go. Throughout the game, Phoenix’s offense seemed to sputter, hitting only 24.3% of their 3-point attempts. The team ended the game with just 17 assists compared to 14 turnovers, highlighting their struggles to effectively move the ball and create scoring opportunities.
Booker’s play was stifled by his defenders, particularly Dort, whose tenacity was reminiscent of the difficult challenges Booker faced earlier in his career. Throughout the match, Booker was trapped by relentless double teams, impacting his shooting rhythm and decision-making. This resulted not only in missed opportunities for him but also for his teammates, as the entire team struggled to find their offensive rhythm.
This contest reflected the growing pains the Suns are experiencing without their complete roster. They had hoped to take advantage of the Thunder’s lack of height following Holmgren's injury, yet found themselves unable to capitalize. Their center, Jusuf Nurkic, also had a disappointing outing, tallying just 4 points and missing all seven of his shots. With Nurkic battling through injury, the Suns faced a hurdle difficult to overcome against the aggressive defense of the Thunder.
The first half saw the Suns claw their way back to slightly close the gap, reducing the lead to 45-36 after scoring 11 of the next 13 points. This brief surge gave fans hope, but the Thunder quickly elevated their play, eventually leading by 25 points at one point during the game and showing no signs of weakness.
Turning to the numbers, Oklahoma City not only outperformed Phoenix on the scoreboard but also secured the edge on the boards, out-rebounding the Suns 53-50. This dominance on both ends of the court illustrated the Thunder's capacity to control the game against depleted opposition. The Suns, struggling to find effective shooting, relied heavily on their defense, which, though admirable, couldn’t overcome their offensive deficiencies.
Head coach for the Thunder, Mark Daigneault expressed both pride and frustration throughout the game. While acknowledging the team's solid play, he also raised concerns about the Thunder’s free-throw rate. His candid observations highlighted the coach's desire for improvement even amid victory, demonstrating his commitment to constant growth and refinement of his squad.
The Thunder are expected to face the Dallas Mavericks next as they look to continue their winning streak, whereas the Suns face the Minnesota Timberwolves, hoping to bounce back from their recent setbacks. The results of these upcoming games could shape the narrative for both teams as they progress through the season.
This performance from the Thunder, underscored by Gilgeous-Alexander's offensive prowess and complementary contributions from players like Dort and Williams, sets the tone for their campaign. The Suns, on the other hand, face questions about their ability to maintain competitive play without their stars and must seek solutions quickly to revitalize their current form. This match serves as both a challenge and a chance for reflection as the season progresses.
