The difference makers in the game were three guys who didn’t get playing time this season until last week!
Alan Williams got another double-double and Tyler Ulis scored a career high to lead the Suns to an unexpected victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder despite another explosive night from Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook finished with a furious 48 points, 17 rebounds and 9 assists in a desperate attempt to win the game all by himself.
The Suns simply out hustled the Thunder after a sluggish start, taking big leads in all of the last three quarters.
Tyler Ulis worked the Thunder on both ends, with 14 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals for a +17 on the night in only 20 minutes of play.
But it was Derrick Jones Jr. who won the hearts of fans for his spirited defense on Westbrook, however futile.
It was Leandro Barbosa’s three with 56.6 seconds left to put the Suns up 9 that sealed the deal. That was the Suns’ 28th assist of the night on 44 made field goals. Passing fools, I tells ya.
(Well, Russ made it interesting with a score then steal/dunk to make it 5 point game, but Bledsoe made a couple free throws on the next possession to make it 7 with 35.4 left and THAT sealed the deal.)
(Ok then Alexi Abrines got them back to a 5 point deficit with a pair of threes, but then Booker’s free throws REALLY sealed the deal.)
Suns win 118-111.
The Suns got 14-17 points from SIX different players. Old guys Leandro Barbosa (14 points, 2 assists) and Jared Dudley (7/5/5) had great nights as well in reserve.