PHOENIX — Almost a month after they met in the NBA Cup, the Phoenix Suns are looking for a different outcome as they face the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, on Sunday night.
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Nov 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Phoenix has dropped its last two encounters against Oklahoma City, including a 138-89 defeat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Dec. 10 that eliminated the Suns from the tournament. The loss was one of the worst in franchise history, but the team now has an opportunity to put its core to the test once again.
It won’t be an easy matchup. The Thunder own the best record, not only in the Western Conference, but in the entire NBA at 30-5.
Dec 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) drives between Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) and Mark Williams (15) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Suns have struggled against the Thunder’s star power, even with their renowned identity built around defense and transition play. This time, Phoenix will need more offensive production. No player scored more than 20 points in the last meeting with Oklahoma City, a game in which Devin Booker was out due to injury.
As they have all season, the Suns will need to rely on their depth, not just their starters, to keep pace with the Thunder’s elite two-way play.
Dec 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) drives between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) and guard Cason Wallace (22) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City’s offense has been among the most efficient in the league. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points in the previous meeting, with five other Thunder players reaching double figures. If the Suns want to avoid another blowout, they will need their strongest defensive effort of the season.
Sunday presents another test for Phoenix, one of resilience and skill, as it looks to upset the best team in basketball.
Suns-Day hoops featuring Mascot Madness presented by @Ticketmaster!
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🕕 6PM
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🎟️ https://t.co/hipr0gxqwO pic.twitter.com/iPzPOXU8mF— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 4, 2026
Phoenix and Oklahoma City tip off Sunday, Jan. 4, at 6 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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