Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns - Russell Westbrook on Precipice of History

Having secured the sixth seed the OKC Thunder face the Phoenix Suns with a few more items to check off their regular season agenda including one history setting record.

Another huge performance from Russell Westbrook helped the OKC Thunder secure the sixth seed in the post season. Tonight they’ll continue the 4-game road trip tipping off versus one of Westbrook’s favorite opponents – the Phoenix Suns. With the knowledge they can fall no lower than sixth the OKC Thunder will now focus on addressing some other items on their regular season short list.

Notably on that list will be looking to secure a higher seed, improving the chemistry on both ends of the court and helping a certain MVP candidate one more record setting triple-double.

The Westbrook Short List:

Winning is the priority, but let’s be real – everyone watching this game will be hoping to witness history. Entering the match Westbrook has been ticking off his own short list of items in rapid succession. He’s tied Oscar Robertson’s single season triple-double record, ensured a 30-point average and collected enough rebounds for a double digit finish.

Only two items remain to make this season an overwhelming historic success. Six assists are all Westbrook requires to ensure the triple-double seasonal average. Remembering the 22 assists Russ had earlier this season versus the Suns it seems possible he could knock those dimes out in the first quarter. Of course the big item waiting to be checked off is one more triple-double. Should Westbrook accomplish this he’ll become the first player in NBA history to register 42 triple-doubles in a single season.

In the three previous meetings this season Westbrook’s stat line is gaudy:

October 28: 51 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

December 17: 26 points, 11 rebounds and 22 assists.

March 3: 48 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists.

Westbrook failed to register a triple-double in the last outing by a single assist. However, with so many veterans out of the Suns lineup barring the Thunder having an extremely cold shooting night it bodes well for Westbrook. Moreover the Suns rank 28th defensively allowing 109.2 points per 100 possessions.

MUST READ: Russell Westbrook: The Real MVP

Keys to Win:

If It Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It: The Suns are in full on tank mode having shut down Tyson Chandler, Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight. Phoenix are getting their youngsters tons of playing time with an eye to the lottery. Phoenix have the second fewest wins in the Association and won’t be looking to up that mark. Meanwhile the Nets are 6-4 in their last ten games as they seek to win as many as possible down the stretch. Surely the goal in Brooklyn is to thwart the Celtics shot at the overall top pick in the lottery. It’s unlikely, but possible the Suns could lose out while the Nets win out which would tie the teams with fewest wins.

Lock Down Booker: Although Devin Booker will surely be an All-Star one day he’s still a work in progress. Still the recent 70 point effort showcased just how much potential the youngster has. If Roberson doesn’t play, it will be a major task for Oladipo, Grant and likely a group of OKC Thunder players to key in on him.

Utilize Suns Weakness to Improve: With Doug McDermott and Taj Gibson still developing a chemistry with their new squad every minute on court helps the cause. Factor in the Suns have the worst perimeter defense and perhaps McBuckets could unleash his 3-point assault on in the desert.

MUST READ: Russell Westbrook: The People’s Champ

Rotations:

OKC Thunder Starters:

Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Victor Oladipo
Small Forward: * Andre Roberson
Power Forward: Taj Gibson
Center: Steven Adams

*Roberson hurt his knee in the game versus Memphis.he is listed as a game time decision. Should he not dress look for McDermott or Grant to replace him in the starting line-up

OKC Thunder Bench:

Point Guard: Norris Cole, Semaj Christon
Shooting Guard: Doug McDermott
Small Forward: Jerami Grant, Kyle Singler,
Power Forward: Domantas Sabonis, Nick Collis on
Center: Enes Kanter

Notes:

Alex Abrines is expected to miss the game after straining his knee versus the Bucks.
Andre Roberson (see note above)

Phoenix Suns Starters:

Point Guard: Tyler Ulis
Shooting Guard: Devin Booker
Small Forward: TJ Warren
Power Forward: Marquese Chriss
Center: Alex Len

Phoenix Suns Bench:

Point Guard: Ronnie Price
Shooting Guard: *Leandro Barbosa, Jarell Eddie
Small Forward: Jared Dudley, Derrick Jones Jr.
Power Forward: Dragan Bender, Alan Williams
Center: Earl Watson will play one of Bender or Williams at Center

Injury Notes: The Suns have shut down several players for the season including Eric Bledsoe (knee), Tyson Chandler (rest) and Brandon Knight (back). In addition Leandro Barbosa (hamstring) remains a game time decision.

Game Specifics:

More from Thunderous Intentions

Recent History: OKC Thunder hold the all-time record 21-10 over Suns with an impressive 8-2 record in the past 10 games.

The Venue: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Arizona

The Tip: 9:00 p.m. CT (10:00 p.m ET)

TV: FS Oklahoma HD and NBA TV Nationally *Given the fact Westbrook could surpass Robertson tonight NBA TV elected to switch up their game of the night

Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP)

Referee Assignments: Zach Zarba (15), Eric Lewis (42) and JT Orr (72) are the officiating crew tonight

The Line: The odds makers favor the OKC Thunder by 8 points with an over-under of 227.5

In Closing:

If you are someone who follows trends or believes in fate there is ample reason to lean toward tonight being special. Westbrook posted his first ever 50 point triple-double and had a career high 22 assists in two outings versus Phoenix this season. I’m a firm believer in the power of three, so my gut says Westbrook inks April 7, 2017 in the NBA history books.

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Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns – Westbrook on Precipice of History

By Tamberlyn Richardson | Apr 7, 2017