The Phoenix Suns showed a great performance in the first three quarters of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they failed to maintain the lead in the fourth quarter. The loss came on the day when Landry Shamet made his return after missing 25 games due to a heel injury.
Shamet Returns to the Court
The Suns’ guard, Landry Shamet, made his return to the court after being forced to sit out for two months due to his heel injury. Shamet scored 10 points, hit 3 of the 4 threes he attempted, and added a free throw in the 124-120 loss. After the game, Shamet expressed his happiness about being back on the court after such a long time.
Despite Shamet’s return being a good news for the team, it did not result in a win for the Suns. The team showed an excellent performance in the first three quarters but eventually collapsed in the fourth quarter, which provided the Thunder with an opportunity to take the lead and win the game.
Thunder Outscore Suns in Fourth Quarter
The Phoenix Suns were leading by six points heading into the final quarter, but they were eventually outscored by 34-24 by Oklahoma City Thunder. The Suns had a well-distributed attack, assisting on 30 of the 44 buckets. Devin Booker led the Suns with 46 points on 16-of-25 shooting, while Chris Paul added 14 points and 13 assists.
Suns’ Defense and Blocks
The Suns’ defense was active in the passing lanes and forced 16 turnovers in the game. However, the team was outscored by 16 points in the second half, leading to their eventual loss. Bismack Biyombo and Torrey Craig combined for seven blocks in the contest. Biyombo filled in impressively for the injured Deandre Ayton, adding seven points and six rebounds in limited minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Stars for the Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was the star of the night. The guard exploded for 40 points, five rebounds, and four assists, leading the Thunder to their victory. The Thunder also outscored the Suns in the paint with a tally of 56-40.
In conclusion, the Phoenix Suns played an impressive game, but their late fourth-quarter collapse led to their loss. Despite the defeat, the Suns can take away many positives from the game, including the return of Shamet and the excellent performance of Booker and Paul. On the other hand, the Thunder can be satisfied with their victory, especially with Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding performance.
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