PHX vs OKC Preview: Suns aim to even series

Oklahoma City crushed Phoenix 119-84 in Game 1, and they're not slowing down. The Thunder are the defending champs with a 64-18 record, best in the whole conference. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, controls every aspect of their offense. He scores when needed and creates chances for teammates. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren provides elite defense and can shoot from anywhere. When Jalen Williams plays healthy, Oklahoma City becomes nearly unstoppable. Phoenix must find a way to slow down this dominant team.

Phoenix has a big problem heading into Game 2: injuries. Mark Williams, their center, is day-to-day with a foot injury. Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin are also questionable. These missing pieces hurt Phoenix's depth. Without them, the Suns struggled defensively in Game 1. Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks need to carry more load offensively. Brooks has had his best season ever, averaging nearly 21 points per game. Booker remains their engine, averaging about 25 points. Phoenix must overcome these absences and find energy quickly.

Phoenix entered this season expecting a rebuild without Kevin Durant, but they've become a pleasant surprise. Sitting at 45-37, they're fighting for playoff position. Devin Booker shifted into primary scorer mode and leads the offense. Mark Williams provides interior defense the team lacked before. Grayson Allen brings three-point shooting. Young Collin Gillespie has stepped up as point guard. However, losing Game 1 was brutal. Phoenix must bounce back Wednesday or fall behind 2-0. This game determines if they can compete with the defending champs.