© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Phoenix Suns secured a berth in the NBA Emirates Cup despite a 123–119 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a tightly played game Friday night.
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Nov 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) shoots a three point basket as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Phoenix needed either a win over the defending champions or a favorable point-differential outcome in the Western Conference group stage. While the loss removed any chance of advancing by record, the Suns held a stronger point differential than both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Clippers, allowing them to qualify.
Friday’s matchup was far from one-sided.
Nov 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) drives to the basket around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Despite missing several key starters and facing a reinforced Thunder roster, the Suns pushed Oklahoma City throughout. Phoenix trailed by as many as 15 points but rallied to pull within two in the final 14 seconds.
Collin Gillespie scored 24 points and added three rebounds and four assists. Devin Booker finished with 21 points, and Dillon Brooks added 19.
The loss didn’t shake the fanbase. In fact, it strengthened its belief in the team and the way it has played this season.
Win or lose, the Phoenix Suns showed me A LOT this game. They’re literally hanging with OKC while being down 3 starters. I’m so proud of this team man
— Brandon Awadis (@brawadis) November 29, 2025
The phoenix suns are the only team to challenge this okc team this season
New era of suns is bright
— ⛤ (@PlayoffBook_) November 29, 2025
Cant help but be nothing but proud of the Phoenix Suns
— Smauk (@Smauk_) November 29, 2025
Nov 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA;Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Suns are looking towards another rematch against the Thunder in the knockouts stage of the NBA Cup, hoping Phoenix has its own reinforements by the time it faces Oklahoma City.
Phoenix will first turn its attention back to regular-season play when it faces the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 7 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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