Playing the Thunder is typically not the ideal remedy for struggling shooters, but Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns will attempt to defy the odds on Friday when they visit Oklahoma City in NBA Cup action.
Booker enters the game shooting just 43.4 percent overall and 34 percent from 3-point range. Over his last seven games, his shooting has dipped to 40.3 percent overall and 25.9 percent from deep. This is a notable decline from his previous two seasons, where the four-time All-Star shot 49.3 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from beyond the arc.
With the Suns missing Kevin Durant, who suffered a left calf strain last Friday against Dallas, Booker has drawn more defensive attention. In Wednesday’s 127-104 loss to Sacramento, he finished with 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting and five assists. After the game, Booker emphasized the need to trust his teammates to make plays rather than trying to force the action himself.
Phoenix has lost two of their last three games—both to Sacramento—after starting the season 8-1. Durant isn’t the only significant injury; Bradley Beal missed Wednesday’s game with left calf tightness, and Grayson Allen was out with right hamstring soreness. While Allen may return against Oklahoma City, Beal is ruled out. The Suns know they need to improve regardless of who is available.
Phoenix will face an Oklahoma City defense that is holding opponents to just 42.3 percent shooting—the lowest mark in the NBA—and forcing a league-high 19.5 turnovers per game.
The Thunder have had to adjust their strategy following the loss of 7-footer Chet Holmgren for at least 10 weeks due to a pelvic fracture sustained in Sunday’s loss to Golden State. Center Isaiah Hartenstein (left hand), forward Jaylin Williams (hamstring), and guard Alex Caruso (hip) are also out.
Since Holmgren’s injury, Oklahoma City has won back-to-back games, primarily using the 6-foot-5 Jalen Williams at center. Williams has delivered his two best scoring games of the season, averaging 29.5 points while shooting 61.8 percent from the floor.
Friday’s game is the fifth in a season-long six-game homestand for the Thunder, who are 3-1 during this stretch. Phoenix continues a four-game road trip, currently standing at 1-1.
This contest is part of the NBA Cup. The Suns won their first game in group play, while Friday’s game marks the Thunder’s first of the tournament.
