Game Preview - Thunder vs Suns

The Oklahoma City Thunder (38-12) take on the Phoenix Suns (17-34) tonight in Phoenix. Oklahoma City leads the season series 3-0 and this will be the last meeting between the two teams this season.

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Thunder's Previous Game & Last Meeting With the Suns: The Suns kept it close through the first half, after a concerted effort by Goran Dragic who had 16 points on 7/10 shooting in the first quarter, a quarter in which Phoenix was struggling with turn overs - turning the ball over five times for eleven points.  

After Dragic cool down in the second quarter, another pair of Suns' were determined not to let the game slip away from them. Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal lead the charge, combining for 16 points on 8-10 shooting. The Thunder had a big man step up in the second quarter themselves, someone who you wouldn't expect too much from, given his history. 

Kendrick Perkins, yes, the one that wears #5 and is always being criticized for his offensive inability, went off for nine points on 4-4 shooting, a game-high in the quarter, and gave the Thunder an offensive spark to allow them to take a 55-50 lead into half time. He would eventually finish with a near double-double, racking up 9 boards to go along with his 17 points. 

Oklahoma City dismantled the Sun's defense in an explosive second half offensive surge, out scoring the Suns 72-46, which was a franchise record for Oklahoma City in points scored in the second half. Holding Phoenix to just 40% shooting in the second half, Oklahoma City went 7-11 from down town - three of which came from Thabo Sefolosha who had a career night, setting a career high with four made threes, to go along with a season high 18 points.

Thunder Essentials:


Fast break Points - The Thunder scored the Suns in the fast break last time these two teams met. OKC scored 30 fast break points, many of which came off turn overs. Getting out in the lane and running against a less athletic and slower Suns squad will be key to extending their lead past defensive stops.


Points in the Paint - The suns have a weak interior defense that gives up 44 points a game in the paint. Last time, Oklahoma City dominated the Sun's Interior defense - scoring 62 points. Pound the ball inside and convert free throws is what I expect the Thunder to do.


Three ball - OKC is second in the league shooting the three, shooting 38.9%. Oklahoma City shot 66% last game against the suns, going for 14-21 from beyond the arc. I don't expect them to shoot that well against the Suns again tonight, but the Suns have weak recovery and perimeter defense and I expect Oklahoma City to take advantage of this weakness.