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Can the Suns Blaze Past Thunder's Lightning Strike at Footprint Center?

In a closely contested battle at the Footprint Center, the Oklahoma City Thunder edged out a victory over the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 118-110. The Thunder improved their season record to 42-18, while the Suns now stand at 35-26.


PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 3: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 3, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

The game was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with lead changes occurring three times and the score tied twice. Despite trailing behind in points for most of the game, the Suns showed resilience and managed to take a significant lead at one point, leading by as much as 13 points. However, it was not enough to secure victory against an Oklahoma City team that led for over half an hour and boasted their largest advantage of 24 points during play.


The Phoenix Suns demonstrated strong offensive capabilities throughout the match. They were particularly effective from beyond the arc, sinking 14 three-pointers on a solid shooting percentage of 36 percent from downtown. Additionally, they capitalized on second-chance opportunities by scoring 18 points following offensive rebounds.


PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 3:  Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game  on March 3, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

On defense though, Phoenix struggled to contain Oklahoma City's fast-paced attack which resulted in them conceding 18 fast break points. The home team also had difficulty maintaining possession of the ball; they turned it over a total of 22 times leading to Oklahoma City scoring an impressive tally of 31 points off those turnovers.


Despite these challenges, there were notable performances from Phoenix players who contributed significantly across various statistical categories. They outrebounded their opponents with a total rebound count of 61 compared to Oklahoma City's haul of just under half that number at only forty-nine rebounds. Moreover, they displayed excellent free throw accuracy by making nearly nine out ten attempts from the charity stripe for an impressive free throw percentage rounded up to eighty-nine percent.


PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 3: Eric Gordon #23 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 3, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking ahead after this tough loss on home court against formidable opposition like Oklahoma City Thunder who showcased their defensive strength with sixteen steals and eight blocks while maintaining high efficiency throughout four quarters – fans can catch The Phoenix Suns next facing off against Denver Nuggets away at Ball Arena on March fifth twenty-four twenty-four scheduled for eight PM Mountain Time broadcasted live on TNT.

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