© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
OKLAHOMA CITY – It was a blowout on Wednesday night as the Phoenix Suns were defeated in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup, and lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder by a score of 138-89.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Dec 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns didn’t just lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup quarterfinals; they were dismantled. The kind of defeat that doesn’t vanish when the next box score rolls in. What made the blowout jarring wasn’t the margin but the message that Phoenix’s star-heavy model is struggling against teams built for modern tempo, continuity, and defensive versatility.
Dec 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) moves the ball past Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) during the third quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder ran at will, producing a transition efficiency spike that widened the gap every time Phoenix gambled on half-court isolation. The breakdowns were all game for Phoenix, of slow rotations, mismatched coverages, and a reliance on tough shot-making to mask tactical gaps.
Dec 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix forward Royce O’Neale (00) goes to the basket against Oklahoma City during the third quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Suns fans have seen enough flashes to believe in a title push, but blowouts like this erode confidence in the team’s construction. Nationally, the game represents a broader view of teams like the Thunder. The deep, young, and analytically sharp rosters are setting the blueprint for the NBA’s next era.
Suns’ Devin Booker and Jalen Green spotted in pregame workouts on Wednesday
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
