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Phoenix Suns Show Promise in close Loss to Oklahoma City Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Phoenix Suns demonstrated‍ their potential as contenders despite falling ⁢128-124 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on friday, ⁣November⁤ 29, 2024. While the loss stings, the Suns showcased ⁤resilience against the league’s top-ranked defense, highlighting areas for growth as they strive for championship contention.

The Thunder’s aggressive defensive style, allowing physicality on drives adn ball-handling, proved a challenge for the Suns. Devin Booker ‍noted, “They do speed you up. They⁣ play aggressive. They’ll grab, they’ll hold, but it’s never like when you’re in a shooting position. It’s always on ‌the handle or on your drives when they get away with it.” This physicality contributed to a high turnover rate for Phoenix, with⁣ Booker committing five and Keita Bates-Diop and Saben Lee each turning the ball over four⁣ times. Oklahoma city capitalized, scoring four points off⁣ turnovers in the fourth quarter, a margin ⁤that ultimately mirrored the final score.

The Suns are ⁣aiming to emulate the Thunder’s ‌defensive freedom, earned through established defensive prowess. Oklahoma City finished last season with the NBA’s No. 1 defensive rating, allowing them to play a more hands-on​ style without drawing frequent fouls. Phoenix is working towards that level of defensive consistency to gain similar officiating leeway.

Shai⁢ Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with a dominant performance, scoring ⁣36 points​ and drawing 17 free throw attempts, converting 14. ‍He extended his streak of consecutive ‍20-plus point games, tying Wilt Chamberlain for second all-time. His ability to score, draw fouls, and convert free ‌throws remains a key component of Oklahoma City’s success.

The Thunder also saw the return of Jalen Williams,who is recovering ⁤from⁤ a wrist injury,though he was limited to 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting.⁢ Despite Williams’ struggles, the team’s reliance on Gilgeous-Alexander remains central to their⁤ identity.

The Suns will look to build on this competitive showing as the season progresses, focusing on ball security and defensive consistency to reach their championship ​aspirations.