OKC Thunder Veterans Shine in Pivotal Win Over Phoenix
In this story:
Oklahoma City put on a show for the best home crowd of the season, knocking off the Phoenix Suns 124-120 behind a furious fourth quarter rally.
The Thunder secured sole possession of the No. 8 seed in the West with the win, and now sits a single game behind the sixth-seeded Mavericks. Oklahoma City’s play-in possibility is more than just a fun story, as the team inches closer with every win.
Phoenix led for the majority of the game until Oklahoma City’s final fourth quarter run ignited Loud City. Isaiah Joe, who poured in 15 points total, drilled his third triple of the night with just over five minutes left and gave the Thunder all the momentum needed.
Devin Booker scored a game-high 46 points on 18-of-28, torching the Thunder’s defense once again. His points weren’t enough, though, as Oklahoma City’s fourth quarter rally was too much to overcome.
The Thunder’s rookie class has been receiving plenty of praise lately, and rightfully so, but Sunday afternoon it was the “veterans” leading OKC to victory. Here’s who powered the team’s impressive comeback:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City’s superstar was at his best Sunday afternoon. Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t attempt a single 3-point attempted and managed to drop 40 points on 12-of-24 shooting. He was an impressive 16-of-19 from the free throw line and added five rebounds and four assists in the complete effort.
The difference SGA makes on the floor is monumental. When he plays, Oklahoma City has a chance against anyone. He’s that good, and a nightmare to slow down when he’s feeling it. With the Thunder inching closer to the playoff race, Gilgeous-Alexander has to be inching closer to an All-NBA team.
Lu Dort
It looked like a rough night in store for the Thunder’s defensive stopper, as Devin Booker opened the game with a hot hand and Lu Dort struggled to find a rhythm. Dort, however, bounced back in a big way, helping the Thunder win with his offense.
Booker was unbothered by Dort’s hounding defense. But the Thunder guard added 20 points of his own, including four 3-point makes and 64% from the floor overall. His pull-up triple in the fourth quarter gave Oklahoma City the lead, and the team never looked back.
Josh Giddey
Oklahoma City’s point guard was a playmaker on the floor tonight, impacting many different aspects of the game. Giddey totaled 16 points, six assists and six rebounds in 32 minutes.
The 6-foot-8 floor general shot 7-of-13 from the floor and 1-of-2 from 3-point range in an efficient scoring effort. He played under control all game long against one of the league’s best in Chris Paul.
Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
