Thunder Win Streak Ends in Phoenix

Without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and stellar rookie Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City was defeated by the Suns 132-101 at the Footprint Center on the second night of a back-to-back. The Thunder took down the Golden State Warriors 137-128 on Tuesday night at the Paycom Center.

The blowout loss ends OKC’s three-game win streak, dropping the team’s record to 31-35.

In the absence of two key players, Norman native Lindy Waters III led the way for Oklahoma City, notching 23 points, three rebounds and two assists. For Phoenix, All-NBA guard Devin Booker finished with 44 points, four assists and three rebounds.

In pregame warmups, Suns superstar and former Thunder forward Kevin Durant slipped and hurt his ankle, forcing the former MVP to miss Wednesday night's matchup.

The Thunder took their only lead of the contest early in the first quarter after an offensive rebound by Josh Giddey led to a layup for fellow second-year guard Aaron Wiggins. The Suns, however, quickly gained control of the game, embarking on an 18-3 run that was aided by a 2-for-16 start from the field for OKC.

After falling behind 22-8, Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault called a timeout to regroup his team. Coming out of the break, two-way guard Jared Butler scored five consecutive points for the Thunder to end a long scoring drought.

A 3-pointer from former Sun Dario Saric moments later cut Phoenix's lead to nine, but the OKC big man was quickly called for a technical foul. At the end of the opening frame, the Thunder trailed 34-21 with Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins being the only starters to tally a point.

Oklahoma City went on a 12-2 run midway through the second quarter, capped off by a triple from Waters III and two layups by Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. After the away team's offensive barrage, Suns head coach Monty WIlliams called a timeout with his team ahead 43-39.

Coming out of the timeout, Phoenix turned the ball over on its next two offensive possessions. The Thunder were unable to capitalize on these chances, with Lu Dort missing 3-pointers on consecutive trips down the court.

In the following moments, Waters III and Booker traded baskets, scoring the game's next 12 points in a row. After the former two-way sharpshooter was sent back to the bench, OKC fell behind 59-49.

Waters III checked back in prior to halftime and was fouled while shooting a 3-pointer from the corner. Waters III knocked down all three of his free throws, bringing the score to 60-52 at the break.

The Oklahoma State product went 6-of-8 from beyond the arc for a team-high 21 points in the first two quarters. No other Oklahoma City player finished the first half with more than six points.

Giddey opened the third quarter with an "and-one" bucket that would cut the deficit to five. After the Australian tallied his first points of the game, the Suns went on a 7-0 run that pushed the lead back to double-figures.

A 3-pointer by Josh Okogie gave Phoenix a 74-59 lead less than four minutes into the second half, resulting in a timeout from Daigneault. Coming out of the timeout, Waters III scored a quick basket, but a triple from former Thunder guard Chris Paul gave Phoenix its largest lead of the game.

OKC was unable to shrink the Suns lead in the third quarter, trailing 92-74 with less than four minutes left in the period. Phoenix continued to grow its lead, as Jock Landale used his strength to finish a layup over Ousmane Dieng under the basket to put the Suns up 99-78.

The Suns scored a whopping 44 points in the third quarter, and would head into the final frame with a 104-80 lead. Phoenix picked up where it left off, hitting a 3-pointer in the first 10 seconds of the fourth quarter.

The final 12 minutes of Wednesday night's contest were more of the same, as the Suns outscored Oklahoma City 28-21. Despite missing Durant, Phoenix was able to easily take down the Thunder, 132-101.

The Thunder return to action on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 P.M. against the New Orleans Pelicans in the Smoothie King Center.

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