Josh Giddey leads short-handed Thunder past Suns

Field Level Media|published: Fri 29th March, 22:49 2024

Mar 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) and forward Jaylin Williams (6) during the first half at Paycom Center. credits: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Giddey scored 23 points to lift the host Oklahoma City Thunder to a 128-103 win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

It was the Thunder's first win in three games this season without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed his second consecutive game with a right quad contusion.

Oklahoma City (51-22) has won six of its past eight games and kept pace near the top of the Western Conference.

It was just the second loss in six games for the Suns (43-31). Kevin Durant led Phoenix with 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Bradley Beal chipped in with 15 points and Devin Booker added 14.

Over the past four games, Giddey is averaging 24.5 points and shooting 63.9 percent from the floor. He was 10-of-15 with nine assists and seven rebounds against the Suns.

Giddey scored 13 of his points in the third, when Oklahoma City stretched its lead to as many as 26 points.

A game after scoring a season-low two points and fouling out, rookie Chet Holmgren scored 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the floor.

The Thunder led 34-32 after a fast-paced first quarter. Oklahoma City shot 53.8 percent from the floor while Phoenix shot 54.5, including a 6-of-12 mark from beyond the arc.

The Thunder started the second quarter with a 14-6 run to take a 10-point lead. Oklahoma City was 14-of-19 from the floor in the quarter, hitting all four of its 3-pointers — three from Isaiah Joe.

Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace each scored 16, while Aaron Wiggins added 15 in his first start of the season.

The Thunder made all 14 of their free throws, equalling their season high for most free throws without a miss.

—Field Level Media