OKC Thunder Game Grades: A fourth-quarter outburst in Phoenix

The OKC Thunder used a massive fourth-quarter performance to finish a quick road trip with a win.

The OKC Thunder finished a two-game road trip with a 111-99 win against the Phoenix Suns. In the Thunder’s first win against a Western Conference team this season, they used a 31-13 fourth quarter to finish the job.

The OKC Thunder used a big fourth quarter to get a win in Phoenix, grading the roster after an impressive win.

Oklahoma City got stellar performances from two stars to lead it to the win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams combined for 66 points against Phoenix.

Those two also combined to score 22 in the final frame. But the Thunder’s path to victory was not always smooth beyond those two.

The Suns exploited the rebounding troubles of the OKC Thunder and grabbed nearly 20 more rebounds, including 17 on the offensive glass. The Suns also had a distinct advantage off the bench, outscoring the Thunder’s second-unit 38-8.

Despite those issues, the Thunder’s defense held strong. The Suns shot only 38% against the Thunder, including a 9-of-29 night from 3-point range.

The OKC Thunder also forced 17 Phoenix turnovers in a performance reminiscent of last season. It marked Oklahoma City’s third straight game with at least 17 turnovers forced.

Turnovers were also a bright spot offensively, as the Thunder had a season-low of seven.