Suns vs. Thunder: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

25/02/2022

Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Thursday February 24, 2022

Phoenix Suns 0, Oklahoma City Thunder 0 (8:00 pm ET)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin

Much warmer inside than outside here in OKC for #Suns vs. #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/wqrhXIPkgU – 8:01 PM

GIDD3Y 🏆🏆🏆

Your Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January! pic.twitter.com/SGvB7L2x2X – 7:59 PM

Andre Drummond has some JaVale McGee in him. – 7:54 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto

Josh Giddey presented the West Rookie of the Month award for January.

I think he’s going to get another one of these for February. pic.twitter.com/mSqWRwfwNY – 7:53 PM

Headband Shai pic.twitter.com/UQH16AZw1b – 7:50 PM

Back to work.

@beatsbydre | #BeatsOnTheRoad pic.twitter.com/RnBouaaQcE – 7:50 PM

I wrote about the possibility of Point Book lineups a few days ago, especially with Cam Payne still on the sidelines next to Chris Paul: bit.ly/3h4AgQV – 7:41 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns

Cam Payne 🤝 Valley Threads

Buy yours tomorrow 10 AM at the team shop: https://t.co/GsJ6ldc98o pic.twitter.com/hBiLGR9SFW – 7:35 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin

#Suns starting lineup in first game this season minus Chris Paul (thumb) tonight at OKC:

Devin Booker

Mikal Bridges

Cam Johnson

Jae Crowder

Deandre Ayton – 7:34 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns

The starters vs. OKC pic.twitter.com/1EmqSb0hAG – 7:30 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet

The @PHNX_Suns pregame show starts in 2 minutes! Let’s talk Suns-Thunder in our first game without Chris Paul:

https://t.co/rHpsjjmjUF pic.twitter.com/P9hOHkz7jW – 7:28 PM

Getting us started after the break ⚡️

Presented by @EnergyTransfer pic.twitter.com/MfbDig8NaD – 7:20 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers

ICYMI, Thursday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! We talked with author @MikeSielski about his new book documenting Kobe Bryant’s childhood, and how it set the foundation for his career in basketball and beyond. Fantastic details and stories. @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork – 7:11 PM Oklahoma City Thunder @okcthunder

handles 🔒

@Aleksej Pokusevski | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/PCI3LQ7vRN – 7:10 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns

Tonight’s @BannerHealth Health update: pic.twitter.com/RBeO0NgkKh – 7:00 PM

Injury Report for tomorrow’s game vs. OKC (1/2):

Malcolm Brogdon – Probable (right Achilles)

Goga Bitadze – Probable (right foot)

Isaiah Jackson – Probable (right ankle)

Chris Duarte – Questionable (left big toe) pic.twitter.com/nwZSMvISie – 6:48 PM

“I think our guys are looking forward to the challenge because they hear what everybody is saying. As soon as the news got out, everybody forecasted fear and that’s not who we are.” Monty Williams as #Suns (48-10) start 2nd half of season w/o Chris Paul (thumb) tonight at OKC. pic.twitter.com/7Nc2wGoXHs – 6:48 PM

I asked Monty what he takes away from his first year in Phoenix when Booker was more of a facilitator and averaged nearly 7 APG that can apply to this stretch.

Williams said it’s different now but Booker is further along in the program so he should be better and that helps. – 6:45 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet

Monty was asked about Mikal Bridges being an iron man, not missing games and producing on both ends in high-volume minutes.

“Yeah, I’m not sure about the iron man part, he weighs like 75 pounds,” he joked. – 6:40 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin

Monty Williams drove from Houston to Oklahoma City last night as he was in Texas fishing after All-Star break. #Suns pic.twitter.com/0sN7Ogfmqu – 6:37 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson

Monty Williams said Devin Booker will be a “huge facilitator” for the team while they play without Chris Paul. – 6:33 PM Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet

Monty Williams said the Suns don’t want to overwhelm Aaron Holiday and that Elfrid Payton is there, but that Devin Booker “will be a huge facilitator for us.” Said they’ll need to adapt to playing without Chris Paul, but he’s confident they have enough initiators on offense – 6:33 PM Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar

Mark Daigneault on Tre Mann: “Tre’s done some stuff that has us excited about Tre. And has us asking some good questions about Tre.” – 6:33 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin

#ThunderUp coach Mark Daigneault will have Aaron Wiggins and Darius Bazley guarding Devin Booker. #Suns pic.twitter.com/twMBeFint6 – 6:32 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet

Monty Williams said he got to go back to Texas for a few days, get some fishing in and decompress after the All-Star break. He missed practice today due to a cancelled flight and drove up to OKC from Houston last night – 6:31 PM Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles

Thunder will starter

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Josh Giddey

Aaron Wiggins

Darius Bazley

Derrick Favors – 6:26 PM Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto

Thunder starters vs. Suns:

– SGA

– Giddey

– Wiggins

– Bazley

– Favors – 6:26 PM Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin

“Their arena was crazy. It was really loud.” #ThunderUp rookie Tre Mann on facing #Suns first time.

OKC lost 113-101 in Phoenix.

Rematch tonight in Oklahoma City. pic.twitter.com/oNHikUZOvz – 6:22 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns

From All-Star to OKC. 📍 pic.twitter.com/mCDdVVmGWu – 6:19 PM

back in @PaycomCenter 🤗 pic.twitter.com/OqYMzhAUDN – 5:44 PM

When @Malika Andrews asked Devin Booker on ESPN’s NBA Today what he learned in the two games without Chris Paul in the WCF, Booker joked “I like playing with him.” Said everyone is going to have to give more and he has to be a louder leader.

Full video: youtu.be/WPjkeT6b_rg – 5:03 PM New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA

Injury Report for Friday’s game at the Suns

#Pelicans | @MorrisBartLLC

nba.com/pelicans/news/… – 4:39 PM Kellan Olson @KellanOlson

Wednesday’s Suns game against the Blazers will be Al McCoy night to celebrate McCoy’s 50th season. The first 10,000 fans in will get this cool Shazam! placard. pic.twitter.com/quLs1IZpVP – 3:27 PM

Goran Dragic would have stayed overseas 15 years ago had it not been for the opportunity to play under Steve Nash in Phoenix.

For @NYDNSports: The Nash-Dragic pairing has come full circle in Brooklyn.

“To finish my career with him would be awesome.”

trib.al/Jn5WXx6 – 3:01 PM Phoenix Suns @Suns

Win BIG each game. Win BIGGER each month!

Download the Suns app and play @efirstbank Bingo every game!

📱: https://t.co/SUbtJJWMeZ pic.twitter.com/rcTRbQY6O9 – 2:53 PM

5 things to watch early w/o Chris Paul (thumb):

1. Who will start at point until Cameron Payne (wrist) returns.

2. Rotations.

3. Closing lineup.

4. Going small/three-guard look.

5. Deandre Ayton’s time to eat?

One last thing: Defense w/o Paul. #Suns https://t.co/XKbpbxSGKq pic.twitter.com/IhOn6Xd5aa – 2:50 PM

“I’m telling you, Ja Morant, this team is 18-10 versus teams that are .500 or better. I think the Memphis Grizzlies are going to be there when it counts down the stretch. Mark it down.”

Jay Williams says #Suns, #Warriors won’t reach finals (w/video) #ESPN https://t.co/ju0PlPzgHK pic.twitter.com/0Md0Ai6rFg – 2:41 PM

The experts are talking – hear what they have to say about our Suns.

@PayPal SixthMan Members – don’t lose your seat to the hottest ticket in town. Renew your membership today at: https://t.co/NIqiO7XvRn pic.twitter.com/gEPLbEDvTU – 2:04 PM

MORE:

Victor Oladipo, Markieff Morris returns not imminent

Dillon Brooks on track to return in early March

News Related

Penguins' Sidney Crosby ruled out of Game 6 against Rangers

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will not play in Game 6 Friday night against the New York Rangers. Coach Mike Sullivan ruled out Crosby following the team’s morning skate. Sullivan said Crosby was on the ice earlier with skating and skills development coach Ty Hennes. Crosby departed ...
See Details: Penguins' Sidney Crosby ruled out of Game 6 against Rangers
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP '22: A hole-by-hole look at Southern Hills

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A hole-by-hole look at Southern Hills Country Club, site of the 104th PGA Championship to be played May 19-22: NO. 1, 468 YARDS, PAR 4: The tee shot is from an elevated tee with a view of the Tulsa skyline and a slight dogleg to the ...
See Details: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP '22: A hole-by-hole look at Southern Hills
Indianapolis signs 4 draft picks, add 22 undrafted rookies

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts signed four players from this year’s draft class Friday and added 22 undrafted rookies to the roster for this weekend’s rookie minicamp. Defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, tight end Drew Ogletree, defensive tackle Curtis Brooks and defensive back Rodney Thomas II, the last four ...
See Details: Indianapolis signs 4 draft picks, add 22 undrafted rookies
With College Football Playoff compromise rejected, SEC will crush the meek | Opinion

A strong leader looks out for the meek and less fortunate, and in that vein, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey tried to help the Pac-12. A once mighty conference that fell from relevance, the Pac-12 has produced two qualifiers for the College Football Playoff in the playoff’s eight years. Last season, ...
See Details: With College Football Playoff compromise rejected, SEC will crush the meek | Opinion
USFL 2022 Week 5: Games, schedule, how to watch on live stream and TV

The first half of the USFL regular season comes to an end this week with one team still undefeated and one team still winless. Tampa Bay Bandits and quarterback Jordan Ta’amu kick off Week 5 against the Michigan Panthers on Friday night. Despite ranking second in the league in passing ...
See Details: USFL 2022 Week 5: Games, schedule, how to watch on live stream and TV
Ex-Texas forward Tre Mitchell transfers to West Virginia

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Former Texas forward Tre Mitchell has transferred to Big 12 foe West Virginia. Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins announced Mitchell’s signing Friday. The 6-foot-9 Mitchell averaged 8.7 points and four rebounds per game last season and started 17 games for the Longhorns. He made nearly 48% of ...
See Details: Ex-Texas forward Tre Mitchell transfers to West Virginia
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP '22: Facts & Figures on the 2nd major

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A brief look at the 104th PGA Championship: Dates: May 19-22 Site: Southern Hills CC. Length: 7,556 yards. Par: 70. Field: 156 players (20 PGA professionals). Prize money: TBA ($12 million in 2021). Winner’s share: TBA ($2.16 million in 2021). Defending champion: Phil Mickelson. Last year: ...
See Details: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP '22: Facts & Figures on the 2nd major
NAACP leaders want to know why Delaware State officials waited three weeks to discuss bus search

NAACP leaders in Delaware want to know why Delaware State University remained silent for nearly three weeks after Georgia deputies stopped and searched a charter bus and personal belongings of its women’s lacrosse team on April 20. DSU said nothing publicly until after the student newspaper published a video and ...
See Details: NAACP leaders want to know why Delaware State officials waited three weeks to discuss bus search
Marsch hopeful for Bamford return as Leeds fights relegation

NAACP leaders in Delaware want to know why Delaware State University remained silent for nearly three weeks after Georgia deputies stopped and searched a charter bus and personal belongings of its women’s lacrosse team on April 20. DSU said nothing publicly until after the student newspaper published a video and ...
See Details: Marsch hopeful for Bamford return as Leeds fights relegation
'Deflection': Yankees GM Brian Cashman responds to Astros owner Jim Crane's sign-stealing comments

NAACP leaders in Delaware want to know why Delaware State University remained silent for nearly three weeks after Georgia deputies stopped and searched a charter bus and personal belongings of its women’s lacrosse team on April 20. DSU said nothing publicly until after the student newspaper published a video and ...
See Details: 'Deflection': Yankees GM Brian Cashman responds to Astros owner Jim Crane's sign-stealing comments
There's a message for sports fans in former Bears RB Tarik Cohen's heartbreaking letter

NAACP leaders in Delaware want to know why Delaware State University remained silent for nearly three weeks after Georgia deputies stopped and searched a charter bus and personal belongings of its women’s lacrosse team on April 20. DSU said nothing publicly until after the student newspaper published a video and ...
See Details: There's a message for sports fans in former Bears RB Tarik Cohen's heartbreaking letter
'I am smart, I am beautiful, I am loved': Olympian Natasha Hastings prioritizes mental health

NAACP leaders in Delaware want to know why Delaware State University remained silent for nearly three weeks after Georgia deputies stopped and searched a charter bus and personal belongings of its women’s lacrosse team on April 20. DSU said nothing publicly until after the student newspaper published a video and ...
See Details: 'I am smart, I am beautiful, I am loved': Olympian Natasha Hastings prioritizes mental health
Lawyer: Brittney Griner's detention in Russia extended 30 days following court appearance

NAACP leaders in Delaware want to know why Delaware State University remained silent for nearly three weeks after Georgia deputies stopped and searched a charter bus and personal belongings of its women’s lacrosse team on April 20. DSU said nothing publicly until after the student newspaper published a video and ...
See Details: Lawyer: Brittney Griner's detention in Russia extended 30 days following court appearance
Man City unveils statue honoring record-scorer Aguero

NAACP leaders in Delaware want to know why Delaware State University remained silent for nearly three weeks after Georgia deputies stopped and searched a charter bus and personal belongings of its women’s lacrosse team on April 20. DSU said nothing publicly until after the student newspaper published a video and ...
See Details: Man City unveils statue honoring record-scorer Aguero

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

OTHER NEWS