Key to Victory: Suns Face Thunder

The Suns continue to be in pursuit of a top-six spot in the West.

Oklahoma City Thunder v Phoenix Suns / Christian Petersen/GettyImages

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns' turbulent season continues.

The perception of where the season was heading for the squad shifted astronomically in the matter of days - a result that culminated in a victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Now, the Suns are facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on a quick turnaround this evening.

Oklahoma City is in pursuit of the number one overall seed in the West, but star G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is doubtful for the contest with a quad injury.

That is where the Suns cannot let up.

The San Antonio Spurs took advantage of the Suns' lackluster effort and lackadaisical approach just days ago - the Thunder have a much stronger roster minus the centerpiece than San Antonio does as well.

The Suns absolutely cannot play down to competition - Thunder star Jalen Williams has proven to be incredibly clutch and well rounded even as just a second-year player. Josh Giddey has played his best basketball all season over the last two weeks. Chet Holmgren is certainly still a force to be reckoned with despite a rough stretch shooting the ball.

The key is simple: The Suns have to play a clean, disciplined game against a Thunder team that is supremely well coached, well prepared, and uber-talented. This game will still be an uphill battle for the squad - they will have to come out with an exemplary showing from opening tip to final buzzer to secure the win.

The Suns are still in the tempest stage of their season - every single game is crucial to deciding the potential the franchise has to make a deep run in the postseason in 2024.