Thunder Destroy Suns, Respect the Cup| 24-1

·1 hr 9 min·5 clips

The Thunder just handed the Suns their worst loss ever, winning by 49 points.

The episode opens with Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears in the Thunder media room after a rare Wednesday night game. They immediately highlight the Thunder's 138-89 win over the Phoenix Suns, a 49-point victory that is the largest margin of defeat in Suns history and in NBA Cup knockout history. The hosts note that even if the Thunder scored zero points in the fourth quarter, they would have still won. They discuss the Suns' struggles, particularly Colin Gillespie being shut down and Dylan Brooks' inefficient play. The conversation shifts to the Thunder's overall dominance, with a 24-1 record tying the 2016 Warriors' best 25-game start. They examine Chet Holmgren's improved stats since Jalen Williams' return, including shooting around 55% from three in his last six games. Alex Spears delves into the Thunder's defensive philosophy, explaining that coach Mark Daigneault gives players like Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace significant leeway, creating an unpredictable defense. He contrasts this with offensive-heavy teams like the Nuggets, noting that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's defensive commitment elevates the team's ceiling. The hosts debate whether the Thunder can win 72 games, comparing their depth to the 2016 Warriors and noting their ability to withstand injuries, as almost every player has missed time except AJ Mitchell. They analyze Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's evolution into an 'all-time player,' drawing parallels to Steph Curry and Michael Jordan. The episode also covers the Thunder's future assets, including a 2027 Clippers swap acquired because LA refused to trade Terrence Mann. They conclude by promoting a Down to Dunk night event and encouraging listeners to engage with the show on YouTube.

As heard by us

A timely Thunder conversation about Cup stakes, matchup timing, and how much respect the tournament deserves.

Down to Dunk frames the NBA Cup as a question of attention: how much weight the Thunder should give it, and what kind of run would make a trip to Vegas feel worthwhile.

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Why you'd press play

You get NBA Cup stakes and a very specific debate over whether Wemby and Chet should wait for Christmas.

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