
As an OKC Thunder fan, watching the team go toe-to-toe with some of the best in the league has been an emotional rollercoaster this season. So when the Thunder lost to the Phoenix Suns 113-109 in a game that felt winnable, it definitely stung, but I’m not losing sleep over it. One loss, no matter how tough, isn’t going to define this young team. There’s still a ton of potential, and this is just one more opportunity for the team to learn and grow.
Yes, the Thunder had their chances to pull out the win, but they came up short in the final minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to shine as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, led the team with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was brilliant once again, showing his versatility and ability to carry the offense. But there were lapses in execution down the stretch, and Phoenix was just a little bit sharper when it mattered most.
In truth, the game was a microcosm of what this season has been for the Thunder. A mix of brilliance, growth, and frustration. The foundation of the team is solid—Shai is an elite talent, Josh Giddey is an incredibly gifted playmaker, and Jalen Williams is turning into a key two-way contributor. The chemistry is there, and they’re all learning how to win these tight games. But they still need to tighten up some things, particularly in late-game situations.
Now, as frustrating as the loss was, I’m not too worried. The Thunder are clearly trending in the right direction. They’re right in the playoff mix, fighting for positioning, and they’re doing it with one of the youngest rosters in the league. What’s more impressive is that they’ve shown the ability to compete against the top teams, even when things don’t always go their way. And remember—this is a team that didn’t have Chet Holmgren on the floor for the season. When he returns next year, they’re only going to get stronger.
But here’s the key: The real test will come on Tuesday. The rematch against the Suns will be a massive opportunity for the Thunder to redeem themselves and prove they’ve learned from the mistakes in this first matchup. If they lose again, I’ll start to feel a bit more concerned, but for now, I’m hopeful that they can come back and make the necessary adjustments.

The Suns will certainly be ready, and they’re a team that has shown they can get the best of the Thunder, especially with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant leading the charge. But this is a chance for OKC to prove they can close out games and execute when it counts. They’ll have to play smarter, avoid unnecessary turnovers, and keep the defensive pressure up, especially on Booker and Durant. The effort and intensity were there in the first game, but the execution in clutch moments was lacking.
One thing I’m not worried about is Shai’s leadership. The guy is a natural leader, and even when the team doesn’t get the win, you can see how much he’s growing in terms of maturity and control on the floor. His poise and composure in tight moments are already at an elite level, and that’s only going to improve with more experience. Plus, Josh Giddey continues to impress with his playmaking and high basketball IQ. He’s not afraid to take big shots and make big plays when the team needs him most. He’s becoming more of a go-to guy, and his development has been one of the most encouraging signs for the Thunder this season.
But what they need now is consistency. They can’t afford to let a loss like this carry over into their rematch with Phoenix. A loss could shake their confidence, but a win would show that they can bounce back and handle adversity. The Thunder have the tools and the talent to beat any team in the league, but they need to prove it when the lights are brightest.
If the same issues crop up again on Tuesday—if they can’t close, if they can’t execute in the clutch—then I’ll be worried. But for now, I’m not hitting the panic button. This team has shown growth all season, and I’m confident they’ll come out with a renewed focus in the rematch. This isn’t the end of the road for OKC—it’s just one more step in a season full of learning, growth, and excitement for what’s to come.
So, Tuesday’s game? I’m all in. Bring it on. 👀