Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns, Mar. 3

On the second night of a back to back the OKC Thunder travel to Phoenix looking  to return to the win column. Game Day Preview breaks down the match between the OKC Thunder and  Suns.

Sham God Feast:

To say the Phoenix Suns are OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook’s favorite opponent may be stretching the truth a tad. Then again this season offers fodder to believe the Suns may be a close second.

In the first contest Westbrook posted an impressive triple-double of 51 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. It took overtime, but the Thunder won.

The second outing offered a dime fest as Westbrook dished 22 assists including the Sham God assist which set social media on fire.

Related: Westbrook’s amazing  ascent up All-Time NBA leader board lists

Phoenix have endured a tough season, tied with the Lakers for worst in the West (second worst in NBA). Yet, taking this team for granted can result in a shellacking. For those questioning the Suns can win just ask top teams like the Spurs, Raptors, Hawks,  and Bulls who have the big “L” to prove it.  In their last game the Suns took it to the Hornets beating them 120-103.

Suns Forge an Identity:

There is already ample film footage to confirm the lack of love between these two squads going back  the past few seasons. Something this current squad seems to be developing is an identity of toughness.  Vince Carter got ejected in the game versus Memphis earlier this week for knocking Devin Booker to the ground. But, replays show Booker was in Carter’s space acting like the defensive pest you typically expect from a player of Tony Allen or Andre Roberson’s ilk.  Coach Earl Watson and veteran Tyson Chandler have this team playing with a gritty identity and when things finally do click they’ll be a squad most teams dread playing.

For now, assuming the OKC Thunder have something saved in the tank after the loss last night they’ll be looking to take it out on the  should look to apply early

Related: Player Additions Could Be Answer to OKC Thunder Road Woes

Rotations:

OKC Thunder Starters:

Point Guard:  Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Alex Abrines, (Victor Oladipo*)
Small Forward:  Andre Roberson
Power Forward: Domantas Sabonis
Center:  Steven Adams

*Assuming Oladipo remains out since my OKC Thunder spy Cole Hixon reports he didn’t travel with the team. With one more road game in Dallas he could take a last minute flight to either Phoenix or Dallas. Conversely, Donovan may decide to rest Oladipo until OKC’s next home game on Tuesday March 7th.

 OKC Thunder Bench:

Point Guard: Norris Cole, Semaj Christon
Shooting Guard:  Doug McDermott
Small Forward: Jerami Grant, Kyle Singler,
Power Forward:Taj Gibson,  Nick Collison
Center:  Enes Kanter

Phoenix Suns Starters:

Point Guard: Eric Bledsoe
Shooting Guard: Devin Booker
Small Forward: TJ Warren
Power Forward: *Marquese Chriss
Center: Tyson Chandler

*Marquese Chriss left the Hornets game early after straining his calf, so that may be a factor today either in terms of playing time or whether he suits up at all. He’s not listed as being out on any of the National reports however.

Phoenix Suns Bench:

Point Guard: Brandon Knight, Tyler Ulis, Ronnie Price
Shooting Guard: Leandro Barbosa
Small Forward: Jared Dudley, Derrick Jones Jr.
Power Forward: *(Dragan Bender),  Alan Williams
Center:  Alex Len

*Dragan Bender injured an ankle and is listed as out til mid March per Rotoworld

Keys to Win:

Continue to build chemistry with new players: Look for the OKC Thunder to continue melding Gibson,McDermott and Cole into the mix. There hasn’t been a true dip in the defensive style with the new players. That said, one would hope the addition of these three players would help the squad improve their ability to close out games in the fourth quarter.  In terms of the bench, there is a real opportunity to improve offensively once Kanter, Cole and McDermott learn each others tendencies.

Related: Getting to know Norris Cole

Jump on Suns early: Last time out the Thunder got off to an early lead and never took their foot off Phoenix’s neck. With the road  woes the Thunder have faced, this game would be a good time to translate that ability on the road.

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Emphasize defensive effort on Suns backcourt:  Bledsoe and Booker are both handfuls who have both had big games against the Thunder in spite of two losses. The key will be making sure the game plan focuses on limiting them offensively below their averaged. Abrines may be in tough having to guard Booker, so he’ll need help from his courtmates.

Control Pace: The Suns run the third fastest pace (101.98) in the Association. Transition defense and limiting turnovers will be key to controlling the game. To wit, the Suns rank third in the League on points scored off turnovers  (18.4) and second for points scored off the fast break (19.4).  On the opposite side of the court the Suns give away the points they make offensively where they rank 27th on points scored off turnovers (18.1) and are dead last on opponent points scored in the fast break (16.0).

Game Specifics:

Recent History: OKC Thunder hold the all-time record 21-9 over Suns with an impressive 8-1 record in the past 9 games.
The Venue: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ
The Tip: 8:00 PM CT (9:00 PM ET)
TV: FS Oklahoma HD
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP)