Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC Thunder past Suns to move atop Western Conference
PHOENIX — What team do you know capable of weathering a 30-point avalanche?
Probably the only team that’s done it twice.
After surviving a 30-0 run against the Mavericks earlier this season, the Thunder withstood a 39-8 Phoenix run down the stretch to survive in a 118-110 win Sunday at Footprint Center.
After a swirling defensive quarter and some shotmaking, Oklahoma City led by as much as 24 points. That lead dissipated when Phoenix rushed actions, keeping OKC from doubling the way it hoped to, and drilling 3 after 3.
Then the Thunder found a win with the same methods it used to take its lead. It forced six Suns turnovers in the final quarter (and 21 total) to clear Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (35 points, eight boards, nine assists) some room to cook.
The Thunder moved to 42-18 on the season and reclaimed sole possession of first place in the Western Conference, taking a half-game lead on the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
OKC will head to Los Angeles to face the Lakers at 9:30 p.m. Monday night.
Jusuf Nurkic grabbed a franchise-record 31 rebounds for the Suns. Bradley Beal added 31 points for Phoenix.
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Thunder vs. Suns live score updates
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Thunder vs. Suns highlights
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Final: Thunder 118, Suns 110
What team do you know that can fight off a 30-point run? Probably the team that’s now done it done. OKC played things a bit close down the stretch, but behind some pivotal defensive sequences, a brainy challenge and an MVP candidate, it survived.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
End of 3Q: Thunder 89, Suns 85
OKC with a loose grip on what was once a 24-point lead. KD ends the quarter with a good defensive possession 1-on-1 with JDub. Thunder missing pretty good looks. Suns are not.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Half: Thunder 66, Suns 52
Probably not a secret, but felt like one of the better halves of OKC’s season. The adjustments from the first quarter were massive. Defense turned up, PHX shot 40%FG and 31.6% from 3. OKC with five guys who’ve scored at least 7. Shai w 18-4-4.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
End of 1Q: Thunder 28, Suns 24
OKC leads now after rattling off a few 3s late. Thunder killed the zone Suns came out in after the TO from outside. Doubled KD, roamed off Saben Lee to close that quarter on a 24-7 run. Suns go 3 for 12 from deep. SGA w 10 points (surprise!).
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Thunder vs. Suns pregame updates
Mark Daigneault, asked about how the team has handled any MVP buzz, says "we have not played like a distracted team. If we started to do that I would address it."
Frank Vogel is asked if Eric Gordon is starting. He replies no, then is asked if Royce O’Neale instead will start. He concedes. Reporter says “appreciate you.” “So does Mark (Daigneault),” Vogel says.
Frank Vogel on Jalen Williams: “Can’t stop that dude. He’s a hell of a player. Jalen has become, just really a guy that can do it all.”
Frank Vogel says both Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic are both available.
Jaylin Williams (knee) is OUT tonight with the injury he suffered in San Antonio. Daigneault didn’t provide any timeline the other day.
—Joel Lorenzi, Staff writer
Thunder vs. Suns start time today
Matchup: Thunder (41-18) vs. Suns (35-25)
Date: Sunday, March 3
Time: 8:30 p.m. CT
Where: Footprint Center in Phoenix
Betting line: Thunder by 5
Box score: Click HERE
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Thunder vs. Suns TV channel today
TV: Bally Sports Oklahoma, ESPN
Radio: 98.1 FM, 640 AM
Streaming: Fubo (free trial).
If you don't have Bally Sports Oklahoma, you can sign up for Fubo with a free trial to watch the Thunder all season long.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC Thunder past Suns to move atop West
