Oklahoma City Thunder set for NBA Cup showdown with Suns
The Oklahoma City Thunder demonstrated their mettle on Friday night, securing a hard-fought 123-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Paycom Center. This win not only marked their fourth consecutive victory in pool play but also solidified their position at the top of the standings with a remarkable +75 point differential, earning them the coveted top seed in the NBA Cup Knockout stage.
Suns sneak into the rematch
Despite the loss, the Phoenix Suns managed to clinch the final wild card spot, setting the stage for a rematch with the Thunder on December 10. As the fourth seed, the Suns will return to Oklahoma City, where they will seek redemption and a chance to advance to the final four in Las Vegas. The stakes are high; the winner will face off against the victor of the Los Angeles Lakers versus San Antonio Spurs match-up, vying for a coveted spot in the NBA Cup Finals against an Eastern Conference representative.
Eastern Conference matchups unfold
Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference is heating up, with the Orlando Magic set to clash with the Miami Heat, while the Toronto Raptors will take on the New York Knicks. All NBA Cup tournament games will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime TV moving forward, providing fans with a front-row seat to the action.
Thunder eyeing redemption after last year’s defeat
Currently boasting an impressive 19-1 record, the Oklahoma City Thunder have already faced two of the three potential Western Conference opponents this season, with a pair of anticipated games against the Spurs scheduled for December 23 and 25. Last season, the Thunder reached the NBA Cup Final, only to fall to the Milwaukee Bucks, who captured their first championship. This year, the Thunder have a renewed sense of purpose as they look to add a championship banner to the rafters of the Paycom Center.
Suns pose a formidable challenge
The Suns pose an intriguing challenge in this rematch. Their defensive prowess has been a hallmark of their game this season, allowing them to remain competitive in close contests, as evidenced by their performance against the Thunder. Key contributions from players like Devin Booker and Collin Gillespie have kept them in the mix, making them a team to watch as the playoffs approach.
Upcoming schedule for the Thunder
Before the highly anticipated clash with the Suns, the Thunder will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, part of a two-game road trip that concludes with a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Following that, they return home for a Friday night showdown with the Dallas Mavericks, before hitting the road again to challenge the Utah Jazz. The excitement culminates on December 10, when the Thunder will once again face off against the Suns at 6:30 PM CT, exclusively on Amazon Prime.
