ALEKSEJ Pokusevski had 17 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists for his first career triple-double as the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder sent the NBA-best Phoenix Suns to one of their worst losses of the season, 117-96 on Sunday night (Monday in Manila).
The win tied for the largest margin of victory this season for the host Thunder and was just the Suns’ fourth loss of 20 or more points. Phoenix’s worst loss of the season came by 29 against Portland in October.
The Suns have lost back-to-back games for just the fourth time this season. Playing without Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton — both of whom were rested — the Suns didn’t have enough firepower to beat the team that has the fourth-worst record in the NBA.
Suns star Chris Paul played in his first game in Oklahoma City with fans present since the Thunder traded him to Phoenix before last season, and he was greeted by a loud ovation during introductions. He finished with 11 points and nine assists.
In other games, it was the Nuggets 129, Lakers 118; Warriors 109, Kings 90; Wolves 139, Rockets 132; Mavs 118, Bucks 112; Celtics 144, Wizards 102; Pistons 121, Pacers 117; Sixers 112, Cavs 108; Knicks 118, Magic 88; Heat 114, Raptors 109; Spurs 113, Blazers 92; and Clippers 119, Pelicans 100.
Nuggets 129, Lakers 118
Nikola Jokic had 38 points and 18 rebounds, Will Barton scored 25 points, and visiting Denver beat Los Angeles, which was without LeBron James due to a sore ankle. The Lakers have lost six straight games.
