PHOENIX (AP) — Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 35 factors and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 118-110 on Sunday night time to take the Western Convention lead, rebounding after blowing a 24-point lead.
Jusuf Nurkic broke the Suns’ franchise document with 31 rebounds, probably the most in an NBA recreation in 14 years. He additionally had 14 factors — and 5 of Phoenix’s 21 turnovers. The Suns performed with out star guard Devin Booker after he sprained his proper ankle late in a loss to Houston on Saturday night time.
It was the ninth consecutive 30-point recreation for Gilgeous-Alexander.
Oklahoma Metropolis improved to 42-18 to take a half-game lead over Northwest Division rivals Denver and Minnesota within the Western Convention. The Thunder had gained six in a row earlier than shedding Thursday night time at San Antonio, and this one practically obtained away.
“We had been capable of get the beginning underneath management fairly shortly,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault stated. “After which that was an avalanche within the third and fourth quarter, they actually obtained right into a groove there. However I assumed we confirmed nice resilience within the fourth to climb again into it in spite of everything that.”
All 5 Oklahoma Metropolis starters had been in double figures. Jalen Williams had 22 factors, Chet Holmgren 14, Luguentz Dort (a Montreal native) 13 and Josh Giddey 10. Gilgeous-Alexander, from Hamilton, additionally had eight rebounds and 9 assists.
Nurkic broke the Phoenix rebound document of 27 set by Tyson Chandler in opposition to Atlanta in January 2016. Nurkic’s earlier profession excessive was 23 for Portland in opposition to Sacramento in January 2019. The 7-footer had 22 this season in opposition to each the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn.
“It doesn’t actually matter,” Nurkic stated. “It’s nice, however we misplaced the sport.”
Bradley Beal scored 31 factors for Phoenix. Ejected Saturday night time for a scuffle with Houston’s Jalen Inexperienced, Beal performed 33 minutes in his second recreation again from a strained hamstring. He had seven turnovers.
“The 12 months I’ve had I’m simply joyful to be on the ground,” stated Beal, who has missed 28 video games this season with varied accidents.
Kevin Durant added 20 factors, however had 5 turnovers., Eric Gordon had 15 factors after lacking three video games due to a groin harm.
Phoenix coach Frank Vogel stated earlier than the sport that Booker’s ankle was nonetheless being evaluated and the group would have extra info on Tuesday.
Initially Phoenix shook off Booker’s absence, racing to a 17-4 lead. However the Thunder scored the following 10 factors and completed the primary quarter on a 24-7 run to guide 28-22. Gilgeous-Alexander had 10 factors within the interval.
Nurkic performed seven minutes within the first quarter and had 12 rebounds — however the Suns solely had one rebound for the remainder of the quarter after he went to the bench for a breather.
Gilgeous-Alexander, second to Luka Doncic of Dallas in scoring common at 31.4 getting into Sunday, had 18 factors within the first half Sunday because the Thunder led 66-52 at intermission. Beal had 17 to guide the Suns.
Oklahoma Metropolis led by 24 earlier than the Suns stormed again to chop it to 86-83 late within the third quarter. Gordon’s 3-pointer early within the fourth quarter made it 91-89, the Suns’ first lead because the first quarter.
“We stopped fouling,” Vogel stated about what ended up being a 39-8 Phoenix run. “I used to be attempting so exhausting to get Kevin concerned as an alternative of letting the sport come to us.”
However the Thunder’s stars stored their poise and got here away with the victory.
“I simply play the sport level-headed, at all times attempt to play the following possession in entrance of me,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated. “Basketball is a recreation of runs, so it’s ups and downs, you simply obtained to attempt to flip the tide and also you solely do this by taking possession by possession. “I attempt to preserve the identical mentality it doesn’t matter what’s happening.”
UP NEXT
Thunder: At Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night time.
Suns: At Denver on Tuesday night time.
