Devin Booker delivered a clutch three to lift the Suns past the defending champion Thunder and then made it clear why the win mattered. After the game, Booker said OKC are every team's target, as Phoenix backed it up with strong defense and a statement road win.
Devin Booker made sure his point was heard after the Phoenix Suns took down the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.
Phoenix edged the defending champions 108-105, handing OKC just its sixth loss of the season.
Booker sealed the win with a clutch three late in the game, then explained why games against the Thunder carry extra weight around the league.
"Those are the champs," Booker said per ESPN. "They're seasoned, they're a really good team, so that's who you want to match yourself up against, and we all believed in it, and we came out with a big one tonight.
The Suns matched that mindset on the floor. A strong third quarter shifted the momentum, and Phoenix's defense made life tough for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished 8 for 22 from the field. Physical closeouts and packed lanes helped the Suns control the final minutes.
The win also served as payback for Phoenix. The Suns narrowly lost to OKC in late November, and this time they closed the game with poise and toughness.
Oklahoma City started the season on a historic 24 and 1 run, but they have gone 6 and 5 over their last 11 games. Injuries and a heavy schedule have played a role, but the biggest change has been the level of competition.
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