Phoenix Suns was defeated 128-103 by OKC Thunder without Gilgeous-Alexander.
Written by Cliff BruntPosted at 8:08 p.m. on March 29, 2024 SunsAssociated Press MSTPhoenix.
Washington, D.C. (AP) – Despite All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missing the game due to an injured right thigh, Josh Giddey scored 23 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Phoenix Suns 128-103 on Friday night.
The Thunder shot 56.3% and made 16 of 30 3-pointers even without Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s third-leading scorer with 30.4 points per game.
The Thunder faced a crucial matchup as they started the evening trailing the Denver Nuggets by a half-game in the battle for the best record in the Western Conference.
In his last three games, Giddey, who typically scores about 12 points, has averaged 26.3. In the game against Phoenix, he had nine assists, seven rebounds, and hit 10 of his 15 field goals.
For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace both chipped in 16 points, while Chet Holmgren scored 20 points.
For the Suns, Kevin Durant scored 26 points. His decision to join the Golden State Warriors following the 2015–16 season after leaving Oklahoma City hasn’t been forgotten by Thunder supporters.
When the game began, they jeered him every time he touched the ball and during the pregame introductions.For the Suns, Kevin Durant scored 26 points.
His decision to join the Golden State Warriors following the 2015–16 season after leaving Oklahoma City hasn’t been forgotten by Thunder supporters.
When the game began, they jeered him every time he touched the ball and during the pregame introductions.
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal combined for 14 points and 15 points respectively to lead the Suns, who are struggling to stay out of the Play-In Tournament.
They were one and a half games behind the Dallas Mavericks for sixth place in the Western Conference at the beginning of the evening.
To avoid the Play-In, the Suns must place sixth or higher in the standings.
Oklahoma City led 70-59 at the half after shooting 62% in the first half. All 14 of Isaiah Joe’s points came in the first
