The Oklahoma City Thunder (11-2) overwhelmed the Phoenix Suns (9-4) from start to finish, claiming a 99-83 win on November 16.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the attack, racking up 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, helping the Thunder secure their first win of the NBA Emirates Cup. Lu Dort registered 15 points and 9 rebounds while playing suffocating defense on Booker. Jalen Williams remained on top of his game, posting 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. The Thunder is a perfect 3-0 with him playing center. Oklahoma’s small-ball lineup frustrated the Suns all game, limiting them to 29.3% shooting while outscoring them 48-22 in the paint.
The Suns suffered a major offensive collapse, failing to reach 100 points for the first time this season. Devin Booker, their star scorer, was completely shut down, going scoreless in the first half and finishing with just 12 points. Josh Okogie top-scored for his squad with 15 points, but the Suns couldn’t avoid dropping their third game in the last four.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Strong Third Quarter Fueled the Win
The Thunder swooped in, mounting a 15-2 run to smother the Suns early. Oklahoma’s furious defense held the Suns to a meager 3-for-21 shooting from the field and 1-for-11 from three in the first. The Suns showed some signs of life in the closing minutes of the second, going on an 11-5 run, but the Thunder remained firmly in control.
The momentum continued to roll for the Thunder with a 17-6 start to the third, stretching their lead to (65-42). The Suns tried to claw their way back, but SGA kept them at arm’s length, terrorizing Phoenix with 15 points in the quarter alone. The Suns were unable to mount a serious challenge in the fourth, as the Thunder cruised to the win.
Up Next
The Suns travel to Minnesota on Monday, while the Thunder prepare for a showdown against the Mavericks.
