Devin Booker ruled out last minute as Suns face daunting Thunder defense in NBA Cup clash
The anticipation for Wednesday’s NBA Cup tournament clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns took an unexpected turn just before tip-off. Both teams had been trending in a positive direction, with the Thunder welcoming back their star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with defensive stalwarts Alex Caruso and Lu Dort, who were all cleared from the injury report. Meanwhile, the Suns were cautiously optimistic as Devin Booker was upgraded to questionable status, hinting at a potential return from a nagging groin injury that had sidelined him recently.
Last-Minute Setback for the Suns
Just 80 minutes prior to the game, however, hope turned to disappointment when it was announced that Booker would indeed be out for the matchup. The absence of the Suns’ leading scorer is a significant blow, especially as they also miss Jalen Green, leaving Collin Gillespie and veteran Dillon Brooks to shoulder the offensive burden against a formidable Thunder defense.
In their previous encounter, the Suns came agonizingly close to overcoming the Thunder, ultimately falling 123-119 in a matchup that showcased both teams’ competitive spirit. In that game, Booker contributed 21 points, his scoring ability pivotal in creating opportunities for his teammates, who responded with solid performances—Gillespie scoring 24 points and Brooks adding 19. Without Booker’s presence, both players now face increased defensive pressure, and the Suns’ ability to limit turnovers becomes even more crucial. In their last outing against Oklahoma City, the Suns committed 18 turnovers, a number that will need to decrease to stand any chance of victory.
Rebounding and Defensive Strategies
In that close contest, the Suns capitalized on the Thunder’s absence of Isaiah Hartenstein, dominating the boards with a 51-37 rebounding advantage. As they prepare for this rematch, the Suns will need to replicate that success, especially with Mark Williams now manning the middle for Oklahoma City. For the Suns to advance in the tournament, controlling the glass will be paramount.
Despite the Suns’ struggles on the injury front, they managed to secure the lone wild card spot with their narrow defeat, earning the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. This sets up a rematch with the top-seeded Thunder, who completed pool play undefeated with a remarkable point differential that outshone even the Los Angeles Lakers, securing their status as the No. 1 seed.
Thunder’s Injury Report
On the other side, the Thunder, for the first time this season, find themselves in a healthier position, missing only two rotational players: Hartenstein and Isaiah Joe. This relative health gives Oklahoma City a distinct advantage as they aim for their second consecutive trip to the Vegas final four, continuing their pursuit of back-to-back NBA Championships.
As the stage is set for this high-stakes encounter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Suns adapt to the challenge without Booker while the Thunder look to maintain their dominance on both ends of the court. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage as the NBA Cup tournament unfolds, highlighting the resilience and strategy of both teams in their quest for glory.
