The work the Phoenix Suns have forward of them over the following couple of weeks was placed on outstanding show Friday in a 128-103 loss to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Phoenix (43-31) has not been a superb group this yr. As in, the best way it performs collectively and capabilities, not the expertise on the roster. OKC (51-22), however, has been a superb one all common season.
The Thunder, a beast within the common season that’s fourth in offensive score and sixth in defensive score, have been lacking MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (proper quad contusion) for simply the third recreation this season. This really made the Suns a betting favourite.
However the hole between the 2 sides was evident. In contrast to the Denver Nuggets in Wednesday’s Suns win, OKC’s exercise and engagement have been excessive. It confirmed what it will imply for this Suns group to face a top-three seed within the Western Convention for a playoff collection, if Phoenix may even get that far. It’s outmatched in a number of methods.
The Suns trailed by 11 at halftime regardless of an OK begin, having chunks of fine ball motion and first rate defensive effort sprinkled into an total efficiency missing the air-tight execution required in opposition to high-end competitors. OKC’s offense possessed stream always with out Gilgeous-Alexander, missing a turnover within the first quarter and continuously attending to the paint whereas drilling 3s (as the most effective capturing group within the league alongside Boston).
The sport was nonetheless up for grabs however then Phoenix’s slippage actually went past simply being a step sluggish on a cross or defensive rotation within the third quarter. The psychological disconnection we’ve seen in droves returned and OKC prolonged its result in 26 with 4:05 left plus a complete different quarter.
There was no elite outing from a Suns star to maintain them on this. Kevin Durant obtained as much as 26 factors and 6 rebounds, although it was extra within the realm of a few of his earlier performances in comparison with his mega-impactful evening on Wednesday. Devin Booker was held to 14 factors and 9 shot makes an attempt whereas Bradley Beal was 6-of-13 for 15 factors.
The Suns obtained again Jusuf Nurkic (proper ankle sprain) after one recreation however he was not very efficient, as he’s had a tricky time this month basically whereas enjoying by way of a number of accidents.
Josh Giddey led the cost for the Thunder and commanded the offense nicely to the tune of 23 factors, seven rebounds and 9 assists on 10-of-15 capturing.
OKC shot 16-of-30 (53.3%) from 3-point vary.