OKC Thunder: 3 takeaways from the win against the Phoenix Suns

The OKC Thunder came out of the gates slowly, missing too many open looks from deep. In a game where he needed only 10 points to become only the seventh player to have 12,000 points and 1,000 blocks, Al Horford hit two 3-point shots for the quarter.

The Thunder needed him as they were struggling from deep early on. The Suns, on the other hand, came out on fire, especially from deep. Things evened out in the second period with the Thunder going on a 24-4 run to lead it at the half 45-42.

Horford paced the Thunder with 11 points, which gave him the milestone before the break.

The defense also stepped up in the second period and allowed only ten points in the quarter which, considering the Suns have Chris Paul, is highly unusual.

The OKC Thunder also started looking after the ball.

The Thunder had a single turnover in the second quarter after seven in the first. This is a massive difference and was one of the reasons they got back into it.

They would continue their high-intensity play into the second half. Horford continued to pace the Thunder with a double-double.

It was fitting that Chris Paul threw the last pass in for the game, straight to Horford for a steal. He ended the game with the ball in his hands under the basket. His 21 points and 11 rebounds were crucial to the Thunder.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also had 21 points to go along with eight assists and seven rebounds, hitting some clutch free-throws to ice the game.

Now, let’s take a look at the three takeaways from the game: