Emirates NBA Cup West Quarterfinals: Key Moments and Highlights Live

The Emirates NBA Cup continues to deliver intense matchups as the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Phoenix Suns in the West quarterfinals. This highly anticipated game promises excitement, with both teams vying for a place in the semifinals.

Emirates NBA Cup West Quarterfinals: Key Highlights

The Thunder, currently enjoying a remarkable 15-game winning streak, are looking to tie the NBA record for the best 25-game start at 24-1. This feat was originally achieved by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. Oklahoma City finished the group stage undefeated, posting a notable point differential of +75.

On the other hand, the Suns enter this matchup without star player Devin Booker. Victor Wembanyama is also ruled out for the Spurs in the simultaneous matchup against the Lakers.

Game Progression

• First Quarter: The Thunder quickly established dominance with an early 11-2 lead, ultimately finishing the quarter at 38-23.
• Second Quarter: A strong performance allowed OKC to extend their lead to 74-48 at halftime. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 17 points by this point, seeking to stretch his 20-point streak to 96 games.
• Third Quarter: Leading 110-72 after three quarters, Oklahoma City showcased their prowess with notable performances from stars like Gilgeous-Alexander (28 points) and Chet Holmgren (24 points).

Individual Performances

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has continued to impress, currently ranked second in the Kia NBA MVP ladder, with an average of 32.8 points per game this season. He is shooting an impressive 55.8% from the field and is on the brink of breaking long-standing scoring records.

Chet Holmgren also contributed significantly to the Thunder’s offense with 24 points. Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 16 points but faced challenges against the strong Thunder defense.

Next Steps

As the game reached its climax, the Thunder’s cohesion and execution on the court seemed unstoppable. They were determined to secure a place in Las Vegas for the semifinals, with the series of matchups promising even more high-stakes basketball.

With both teams demonstrating their capabilities, all eyes are now on the Thunder as they aim to tie the NBA’s historical 25-game start while the Suns look to rally against the odds. The stunning developments in this quarterfinal matchup will surely leave fans eager for the next round of the Emirates NBA Cup.