OKLAHOMA CITY — The Phoenix Suns face a defining moment in their NBA Emirates Cup pursuit, as Friday’s result against the Oklahoma City Thunder will determine where they finish in the group stage.
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Nov 26, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) celebrates after getting fouled during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
The Suns are 3-0 in group play, with wins over the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings. Despite its undefeated record, Phoenix still needs help from results around the league to determine its final standing.
According to The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin, there are two scenarios in which the team can stay alive in the tournament.
Nov 26, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) takes a shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
With a win over the Thunder, the Suns would clinch West Group A and host a quarterfinal at home. If they lose, Phoenix would remain eligible for a wild-card spot, which would be determined by point differential against the winner of the Memphis Grizzlies-Los Angeles Clippers matchup.
Currently, Phoenix holds a plus-35 point differential, followed by Memphis at plus-9 and Los Angeles at minus-15.
Friday’s game is expected to be a difficult test for Phoenix. They will face the defending champions and Jalen Williams is making his season debut, adding a vital defensive presence.
Nov 26, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jamaree Bouyea (17) brings the ball up the court against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
The simplest path forward for Phoenix in the NBA Cup? Defeat Oklahoma City and avoid relying on outside results.
Phoenix and Oklahoma City tip off on Friday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
MARK. OLUWAFEMI. WILLIAMS. pic.twitter.com/P0CEnOFsU6
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 27, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
