Sunday afternoon, Paycom Center was packed with eager fans awaiting to see a prime-time performance. The opposing Phoenix Suns boasted a 38-32 record and the fourth seed in the Western Conference Having one of the best rosters in the league, Phoenix posed a serious challenge to Oklahoma City in a must-win game for the Thunder for their playoff chances. The Thunder came into the game as the 9th seed but only two games behind the six seed, meaning every game is critical to make it to the postseason. I personally attended the game with some of my friends and I could feel the energy from the stadium as soon as I arrived at my seat. The game began on the wrong foot as the Suns opened the game with a quick double-digit lead and star guard, Devin Booker, was hot from the mid-range. He stayed hot throughout the whole game, finishing with 46 points in a stellar performance. This was enough to carry the Suns to a six-point advantage heading into the fourth and final quarter. It was then when the Thunder went on an 18-2 run that gave them a 10-point advantage and got the home crowd loud. The Thunder survived a final comeback attempt to win the game 124-120 and move up to number 8 in the western conference. The Thunder’s playoff chances increased even more as well as they have the second easiest schedule left. The Thunder return Tuesday night as they travel to Los Angeles for two straight games against the Clippers.
