The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their position in the NBA Cup semifinals following an impressive victory against the Phoenix Suns. With this win, the Thunder’s season record improved to 24-1, matching the best start in NBA history after 25 games.
Dominant Performance at Paycom Center
The match showcased the Thunder’s offensive prowess, highlighted by an explosive 38-point first quarter. They maintained momentum, scoring 36 points in the second quarter to head into halftime with a commanding 74-48 lead.
Oklahoma City continued their dominance in the second half, extending their lead to as much as 53 points, demonstrating a relentless offensive strategy throughout the game.
Star Players Shine
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the offensive charge with significant contributions, extending his streak of scoring 20 points or more to 96 consecutive games. He emphasized the team’s commitment to improvement and collective play, stating, “We just moved the ball really well.”
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 22 points
- Chet Holmgren: 24 points (4-of-4 from three-point range), 8 rebounds, 3 blocks
Upcoming Challenge
The Thunder will now face either the Los Angeles Lakers or the San Antonio Spurs in the semifinal round on Saturday. This matchup is critical for Oklahoma City as they aspire to build upon last year’s journey to the NBA Cup final, where they were narrowly defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Reflecting on their progress, Gilgeous-Alexander added, “We should be in a good position — we’ve got a lot better since last year.” The Thunder are poised for a strong postseason as they aim to achieve an NBA Finals-NBA Cup double.
Historic Start Comparison
Oklahoma City’s formidable start also draws comparison to the Golden State Warriors, who recorded a 24-1 record during the 2015-2016 season. That season concluded with the Warriors achieving a remarkable 73-9 record overall.
The Thunder’s continuous rise in performance sets an exciting tone for the upcoming NBA Cup semifinals as they chase their championship aspirations.
