Summarizing this setback to this last missed shot would be a somewhat easy shortcut. The reigning champions had the cards in hand to continue their impressive record. The Thunder led by 18 points (31-48) in the first period and were up to six points ahead in the last quarter (81-87 and 94-100).
Mike Thibault’s players came up against the Suns who were much more eye-catching than in December. Slapped 138-89 (the worst defeat in franchise history) in the NBA Cup, Phoenix did not give up. Thanks in particular to Devin Bookerauthor of the decisive basket a few seconds before the buzzer.
Booker had 24 points and nine assists, while winger Dillon Brooks added 22 points for Phoenix, who was also able to count on 26 points from Jordan Goodwina record for the replacement leader.
Brooks made a three-pointer against fellow Canadian and reigning NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander36 seconds from time.
That gave Phoenix a 105-101 lead, but Oklahoma City tied it at 105-105 with 8.2 seconds left before Booker scored the game-winning basket.
“SGA” led the Thunder with 25 points and guard Jalen Williams added 23, but the Suns, in 7th place in the West, ended Oklahoma City’s four-game winning streak, whose 30-6 record remains the best in the league.
