OKC Thunder host the sliding Phoenix Suns – preview

After two major comebacks were required hopefully the OKC Thunder learned an energetic start is essential versus the Phoenix Suns. Gameday breaks down the match.

The OKC Thunder have won consecutive home games. Unfortunately both games the Thunder fell behind by over 20 points before coming back to pull out the wins. Against the Chicago Bulls, the Thunder trailed by 26 points, and thanks to Chris Paul they won by three, the largest comeback of the season.

Versus the Memphis Grizzlies, the Thunder fell behind by 24 points before Dennis Schroder went beast mode and pulled the Thunder back, taking the game by four points. Hopefully, if the team repeats this trend against the Suns, they follow the pattern only fall behind by 22 points. On a serious note, the Thunder are the second team in 25 years to overcome 24 point deficits in back-to-back games.

But in all seriousness, I quote Steven Adams after he was asked how it felt when they matched the biggest comeback in OKC Thunder history. “It is good but it is not you know.” Watching the comeback is awesome, the fact they are in such a big hole to begin with is not.

On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns are in the middle of a four-game losing streak. They have a 5-12 record in the last 17 games. This is after going 6-4 in their first ten games. The Suns have been hampered by injuries and the 25 game suspension handed to DeAndre Ayton.

As a result, the Suns have found themselves knocked off the playoff ladder for the first time this season. Their culture has improved since last season with the addition of NBA champion Aron Baynes and Ricky Rubio who is their first true point guard since the Goran Dragic days.

Things were looking up as Deandre Ayton returned from his suspension and posted a double-double in his return. But, he suffered an ankle sprain which will keep him out of the lineup tonight.