Thunder Overcome Gilgeous-Alexander Absence, Defeat Phoenix Suns in Blowout
Even though it missed its best player, the Oklahoma City Thunder came out on top against a Western Conference contender.
Although undermanned, the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled through tonight.
Due to a quad injury Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat on the sidelines yet again, but unlike it did against the Houston Rockets, the absence hardly affected the Thunder. It won 128-103 over the Phoenix Suns in convincing fashion, defeating another big contender in the Western Conference that it could see in the playoffs.
Josh Giddey led the way with 23 points, seven rebounds and nine assists on 10-of-15 shooting in just 24 minutes, considerably one of the best games of his entire 2023-24 season. While he usually takes a back seat to Gilgeous-Alexander as the vocal leader and primary ball handler, the injury has allowed the 21-year-old to regain some comfortability in the flow of the offense. He looks much more confident, which is crucial as the playoffs reach closer.
Giddey had plenty of help alongside him, including a 20-point and six-rebound performance from Chet Holmgren. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace didn't fall too far behind with 16 points each, as well as Isaiah Joe's 14 points.
Oklahoma City's offense was more efficient than ever, shooting 53.3% from the 3-point line and converting all 14 attempts at the free-throw line. It's defense also handled Phoenix well, holding Devin Booker to an especially underwhelming 14-point night.
It was a competitive first quarter, with Oklahoma City just barely getting the two-point edge by the end of it. Kevin Durant's return to the place he once called home insinuated boos right off the bat in Paycom Center, as tensions mounted for a matchup between two of the best teams in the West.
The Thunder started to jump out to a lead in the second quarter, making for a 70-59 differential by halftime. Giddey emerged as the leader for most of the half, filling in for the responsibilites of Gilgeous-Alexander nicely.
And Oklahoma City wasn't going to pull any punches in the second half.
It yet again dominainted the Suns in the third quarter, holding them to just 21 points. The defense had a masterful 12 minutes of action, all while continuing to hit shots and play an efficient offense. Giddey's dominance continued, along with the help of Holmgren and Williams.
All the Thunder had to do was continue to stat pad in the fourth quarter to come out with a win, and that's exactly what it did. Phoenix never came close to reaching distance for the rest of the contest, opting to utilize its bench by the halfway point.
Oklahoma City will head on the road to face the New York Knicks (44-28) next on Sunday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m. CT in a cross-conference duel.
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