Oklahoma City Thunder dazzles with historic three-point display in rout of Suns
The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday night, overwhelming the Phoenix Suns with a commanding 138-89 victory that secured their advancement to the next round of the NBA Cup. From the opening tip, the Thunder showcased their prowess, establishing a lead they would never relinquish.
Defensive Dominance
As is customary for the Thunder, defensive intensity was a hallmark of their game. They forced the Suns into a staggering 21 turnovers, while racking up 14 steals, stifling any attempts the Phoenix squad made to find rhythm. The result was a dismal outing for the Suns, who managed to score just 89 points—their lowest of the season.
Three-Point Explosion
However, the most remarkable aspect of the night came from beyond the arc. The Thunder shot an eye-popping 55% from three-point range, a significant leap from their season average of 37.4%. This explosion from deep was not a one-man effort; it was a collective display of shooting prowess, with 13 of the 14 players that took to the court contributing from three-point territory.
Leading the charge was big man Chet Holmgren, who was flawless from three, sinking all four of his attempts. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort each added three triples, while Ousmane Dieng made an impressive impact off the bench, also hitting three shots from deep in just 11 minutes. In total, the Thunder drilled 22 three-pointers, and had they needed to push further, the number could have easily exceeded that.
Emerging Potential
The Thunder’s dominance was so pronounced that their starters were resting well before the conclusion of the third quarter. This performance comes even with one of their most potent three-point threats, Isaiah Joe, sidelined due to a knee contusion. Joe, currently shooting 41.9% from beyond the arc this season, is poised to bolster the lineup upon his return.
Despite having struggled with three-point shooting in earlier games, the Thunder have turned what was once perceived as a weakness into a newfound strength. With a stellar record of 24-1, they are now tied for the best start in NBA history through 25 games.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder’s recent hot streak from three-point range has become a cause for concern for the rest of the league. In a previous matchup during the NBA Cup, they showcased their shooting talent by hitting 62% from deep and sinking 23 three-pointers against the Utah Jazz. If this trend continues, the Thunder could be a formidable force, not just in the NBA Cup, but throughout the entire season. The rest of the league will need to take notice as Oklahoma City fires on all cylinders, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
