OKC Thunder snaps two game losing streak with 118-102 win over the Phoenix Suns

OKC Thunder get back in the win column with a 118-102 road win over the Phoenix Suns.

The OKC Thunder snapped a two-game losing streak on Friday Night.

The OKC Thunder, coming off a pair of games that got away from them, regrouped nicely in Phoenix. It did not come easy however, the Thunder were down Alex Abrines (illness) and Paul George (Leg) before the game even started. Shortly after, Terrance Ferguson left the game with an illness of his own and would not return.

This prompted Abdel Nader to have a break out performance of sorts. Sadly, this also gave more minutes to Raymond Felton who was fine but not someone who can be relied upon. Billy Donovan‘s two guard line-ups featuring Felton were cause for headaches. Luckily, OKC managed just fine.

This game was shades of 2017. Russell Westbrook had an unreal start to this contest, starting 7-of-8 from the field in the first quarter, and have a 4-of-12 stretch after that. Westbrook was forced to do a lot by himself in this contest and it showed. Russell finished the third quarter with 25 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists but six turnovers.

Russell regrouped and poured in a season-high 40 points tonight.

The bench was surprisingly good, even Nerlens Noel, who did not score tonight, had a great outing as he pulled down three rebounds, got two assists, four steals and a block in just 12 minutes.

Nader stole the show off the bench, but per usual Hamidou Diallo turned in quality minutes leaving fans wanting more than just 13 minutes out of their rookie.

The Suns rookie, Mikal Bridges really impressed tonight with 13 points, five rebounds, a pair of assists, steals, and blocks. Oh yeah, the number one pick, Deandre Ayton wasn’t bad either almost getting to a double-double while earning three steals.