Phoenix Suns earn respect in close loss to defending NBA champs

Phoenix Suns Earn Respect in Close Loss to Defending NBA Champs

The Phoenix Suns narrowly missed an upset win against the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, falling 123-119 on November 28. Despite the defeat, the Suns impressed observers with their determination, teamwork, and improved defensive play throughout the matchup.

Battle With the Defending Champions

Phoenix entered the game focused and intense, keeping pace with Oklahoma City in a tightly contested battle. The team’s offense showed strong contributions from star players who managed to match the Thunder’s high-powered lineup for most of the game. Key possessions in the fourth quarter determined the outcome, as the Thunder’s late surge gave them the final edge.

Leadership and Growth

Suns head coach Frank Vogel praised his team’s competitiveness, highlighting how the younger players rose to the challenge and maintained their composure under pressure. The team’s chemistry continues to evolve with each game, suggesting that Phoenix is steadily finding the form needed to become a serious postseason contender.

"We lost the game, but we earned some respect tonight," said a Suns player after the match, acknowledging the effort against the reigning champions.

Looking Ahead

The Suns will aim to build on this strong showing as the season progresses. Their resilience in close games like this signals potential for deeper playoff runs if the momentum continues.

Author’s summary: Phoenix’s strong fight against Oklahoma City showed visible progress, proving the team’s growing confidence and earning league-wide respect despite the narrow loss.

azcentral.com on MSN — 2025-11-29