As an OKC Thunder fan, there’s no denying that last night’s loss to the Phoenix Suns stung. The game was close, competitive, and came down to the wire, but in the end, the Thunder fell short 113-109. It wasn’t a blowout or an embarrassing performance. The effort was there. The energy was high. But when it came to the crunch time, the Suns executed better, and the Thunder didn’t have the answers.
Still, as disappointing as it was, I’m not that worried. The truth is, this season has been a massive win for OKC no matter how things shake out. We’re in the mix for the playoffs, and that’s something I definitely didn’t expect a few months ago. The young core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams is playing lights out, and they’re growing in confidence with every game.
Yes, the Suns got the better of us this time, but here’s the thing—it’s one game. One game out of a season full of ups and downs. The Thunder are still figuring out how to close games, how to put teams away in clutch moments, and how to deal with that type of pressure. For a team so young, these types of losses can be invaluable learning experiences.
Shai’s performance was one of the bright spots in the game. He finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, playing like the star he’s becoming right before our eyes. The guy’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it’s driving to the hoop, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or hitting threes—is impressive. His poise under pressure, even in the face of an intense Suns defense, shows just how much he’s developed over the past year.
Then there’s Josh Giddey, who continues to impress with his vision and basketball IQ. He may not have had the flashy stat line in the loss, but his passing ability and leadership on the floor continue to shine. Giddey’s feel for the game is something that can’t be overstated, and he’s only going to get better with more experience.
But the real concern for the Thunder in this game came down to late-game execution. Phoenix went on a key run in the fourth quarter, and OKC couldn’t quite find the answers. The defense broke down a few times, and the Thunder missed a couple of crucial shots. That’s where the youth factor comes into play. But here’s the thing—I’m not worried about it, at least not in the long run.
Why? Because the next game is already on Tuesday. OKC will have a chance to redeem themselves and take on the Suns in a rematch. And if they bring the same energy, improve their execution, and use this loss as a stepping stone, I believe they’ll come out on top.
If the Thunder lose again on Tuesday, then I’ll start feeling a little more uneasy. But for now, I’m confident they’ll learn from their mistakes. The Suns will be ready to bring it again, and the Thunder will be looking to bounce back with a vengeance. If OKC can execute better in the clutch, they’ve got the talent to give any team in the West a run for their money.
We’ve seen flashes of greatness from this team, and despite the loss, there were plenty of things to feel good about. The young core continues to grow, and with players like Chet Holmgren still waiting in the wings, this team has a bright future ahead of them. Losing to a playoff-caliber team like the Suns isn’t the end of the world—it’s just another step in the journey.
So, as an OKC fan, I’m not overly worried about this one loss. We’ve got a rematch on Tuesday, and if the same thing happens again, maybe I’ll feel differently. But for now, I’m just focused on the potential and the growth of this young team, and I’m still excited about what the future holds.
Let’s see how they respond. I’m ready.
