Thunder Torch Suns in Friday Night Showdown

The Oklahoma City Thunder made light work of the Phoenix Suns.

Mar 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) moves the ball as / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns dropped to 43-31 on the year with a 128-103 Friday night loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It was a night where the Thunder seemingly couldn't miss despite being down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quad). OKC led by as much as 29 in the victory.

The Thunder snagged a 34-32 lead after one quarter thanks to all but one starter (defensive spark plug Lu Dort) scoring in the opening period of play. Phoenix's desire to shoot from the perimeter was evident out of the gate, making 6-of-12 attempts.

OKC eventually expanded their lead to double digits in the second frame thanks to strong team shooting from the field (62.2%) and three-point land (72.7%) and just two turnovers. The Suns trailed 70-59 heading into the locker room despite leading the rebound battle 20-11. Every Phoenix starter but Jusuf Nurkic (3 points) tallied 11 points or more at the break.

Things got out of hand quickly in the third quarter after a string of misses from Phoenix pushed OKC's lead to as much as 26. Devin Booker picked up his fifth foul of the night up just over halfway through the quarter, prompting a visit to the bench. The Suns - in his absence - managed to go on a short run near the end of the third before trailing 101-80 heading into the fourth.

Phoenix - not able to gather any further momentum - waved the white flag and emptied their bench with 7:34 remaining in action to concede the loss.

Kevin Durant led all Suns scorers with 26 points. Josh Giddey paced OKC with 23.

The Suns are back in action on Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans.