Now that the trading deadline has passed, the final third of the season is pretty much practice for next year for the Thunder. Time to get the future of the team more play time and more experience. The best opportunities for true experience will come in games against potential playoffs teams. Oklahoma City has very few wins against those caliber teams so far this season and desperately needs more if they wish to be a contender next year.
Tonight's game against the Suns is opportunity #1 for the Thunder. The West is down to 9 legitimate playoff contenders, and Phoenix is currently the team on the outside looking in. The Suns will be hampered in their efforts by the loss of Amare Stoudemire for the rest of the regular season. The Thunder can further frustrate the Suns by handing them a loss tonight and giving Phoenix something to think about during the post-season if they do indeed miss the playoffs.
The two teams have clashed twice this season: both times at the Ford Center. The first was a heartbreaking loss for the Thunder as we lost 99-98 after leading for much of the game. The second game was a close game throughout with the Suns leading most of the way with the final score ending 110-102.
The Suns are averaging an astounding 141 points per game following the All-Star break, but both of those games have been against the Clippers. Amare averaged 32.5 points in those games and without him; it's unlikely the Suns would have put up as many. Regardless, OKC had better shown up ready to put points on the board tonight as we're likely going to need more than 115 if we want to win this one.
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