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Suns’ Comeback Falls Short in Heartbreaking Loss to Oklahoma City Thunder

Mar 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale (00) reacts during the third quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In a rollercoaster of a game, the Phoenix Suns’ remarkable comeback ultimately fell short in a 118-110 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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The game began with the Suns quickly establishing a 13-point lead in the first quarter. However, the Thunder responded swiftly, overturning the deficit to take the lead by the second quarter.

By halftime, Phoenix found themselves trailing by 14, and the situation worsened midway through the third quarter as their deficit ballooned to 24 points.

Refusing to go down without a fight, the Suns ignited in the latter half of the third quarter with a blistering 23-2 run. Bradley Beal was at the forefront of this resurgence, finishing the night with 31 points from an efficient 10-for-13 shooting effort. This standout performance came just a day after his ejection in the Suns’ loss to the Rockets.

Jusuf Nurkic also played a pivotal role, dominating the rebounding battle. Nurkic set a new franchise record with 28 rebounds, 14 of which came in the first quarter alone.

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At one stage, the Suns turned their 24-point deficit into a 6-point lead with approximately nine minutes remaining.

But, the tide turned once again.

 

With Phoenix unable to find their shooting touch, the Thunder went on a 9-2 run to reclaim the lead, which they did not look back from.

The Suns’ undoing was largely due to their turnover issues, losing possession 21 times, which led to 30 points for Oklahoma City.

Phoenix’s woes from beyond the arc persisted, mirroring their struggles in the previous game against the Rockets. Royce O’Neale and Eric Gordon each went 3-for-8 from three-point range, contributing to the team’s total of just nine threes.

Looking ahead, the Suns are set to face the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday at 8 PM. Following tonight’s defeat, Phoenix is now tied for seventh place with the Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference standings.

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