Phoenix hit an all-time low in a 49-point NBA Cup loss to the Thunder

The The Phoenix Suns were humiliated on Wednesday, losing 138-89 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Cup quarter-finals at the Payko Center. The 49-point loss set a new record for the Largest margin of defeat for Phoenixaccording to ESPN Insights.

The Suns were without star guard Devin Booker (right groin strain)Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and two-way player Isaiah Livers (right hip strain), reducing the options available to head coach Jordan Ott. Still, Phoenix fought hard early, opening with Mark Williams’ dunk off a pass from Grayson Allen. However, it didn’t take long for Oklahoma City to completely take over. By the end of the first quarter, the Thunder led 38-23, thanks to the interior dominance of Chet Holmgren and the sharp shooting of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Suns managed a small rally in the first half, with Jordan Goodwin and Jamari Boujea putting the team up 11 at 45-34. But Oklahoma City closed the half with a 20-6 run, behind Lugence Dort’s 3-pointer, to take a 74-48 halftime lead. The Thunder shot 22 of 40 from beyond the arc overall and went 13 of 19 from three in the first half. Phoenix’s offense struggled mightily, especially inside the arc, shooting just 9-of-31 in the first half.

Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting and added eight assists. Holmgren finished with 24 points, 4 of 4 from three and three blocks, while Jalen Williams contributed 15 points. From the starters to the bench, the Thunder made the most of the Suns’ mistakes, hitting 12-of-13 3-pointers and cashing in 34 points off turnovers. Oklahoma City’s 59.1% field goal performance was his second best performance of the season.

Phoenix’s frustrations boiled over in the second half. Grayson Allen, who scored 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting with four assists and a steal, was ejected in the third quarter for a flagrant foul 2 on Holmgrenhis first career ejection in a Suns jersey. Dillon Brooks paced the Suns with 16 points on 25% shooting, while Goodwin had 15 and Buja 14. Rookie Rasheer Fleming impressed in limited action, scoring seven points with a steal, while Khaman Maluach had two points, three rebounds and an assist in 10 minutes.

The Thunder, now 24-1 and on a 16-game winning streak, will play the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Phoenix, now 14-11, must quickly regroup as it prepares to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.