OKC Thunder bounce back and eclipse the Suns

OKC Thunder starters shored up many of their issues from losing to the Kings and put on an impressive showing to beat the Suns.

In a game in which the OKC Thunder were out rebounded 51 to 33, it didn’t matter. The Thunder hit more threes than the Suns (ten to nine), had more fast break points (fourteen to six), led in points in the paint (50 to 38), AND won the turnover battle (nine to seventeen).

3 Takeaways from the OKC Thunder knocking off the Suns on the road for their first Western Conference win.

Kevin Durant had a solid showing against his former team: 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks, but he struggled with his efficiency, shooting just seven of 18 from the field.

The OKC Thunder did a great job of defending him and his running mate, Brad Beal. Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, etc., all had their shot of making life difficult for Phoenix’s stars, bothering them with their combination of length and physicality.

The OKC Thunder, as a whole, responded to their lack of effort against Sacramento. Dort, who cooled down considerably on offense, played masterfully on defense and kept possessions alive on the glass, tying for second in rebounds.

Josh Giddey returned to his ways, dropping dimes all over the floor. He finished with ten assists and looked much more comfortable spreading the ball around and working within the offense flow instead of calling his number.