With a 12-7 record, the Phoenix Suns have surprised many fans with their start to the 2025-26 NBA season. This includes a 3-0 showing in the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, defeating the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings over the past few weeks.
With all three of those teams eliminated, Jordan Ott’s side must take down the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night to top the West Group A. Even without a win, a close loss could put them in good position to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Inside The Suns’ NBA Cup Knockout Stage Chances
Keeping Up With Oklahoma City
With their first trip to the Sooner State this season, Phoenix looks to win their first NBA Cup game against the reigning league champs. Both teams have an unbeaten record. But the Thunder hold the top spot with a +71 point differential, which is 36 points more than the Suns.
However, one second-place team from each conference will advance to the quarterfinals. The Purple and Orange currently hold that spot in the West, over the Memphis Grizzlies (2-1, +9 point differential) and the San Antonio Spurs (2-1, +23 point differential). So, losing by a large margin to Oklahoma City could jeopardize their NBA Cup hopes.
The Grizzlies will face the dilapidated LA Clippers, who have lost 10 of their past 12 games. Meanwhile, the Spurs visit West Group C leaders Denver Nuggets (2-1, +26 point differential).
Qualifying for the knockout stage would be massive for the Suns, as each player would receive a $51,497 bonus for making the quarterfinals. But a couple of those players must perform well on Friday night to advance.
Devin Booker Needs a Big Game
Similar to the rest of the season, the Suns’ NBA Cup aspirations run through their star player, Devin Booker. Averaging 26.0 points, 6.9 assists and 4.3 rebounds, he has shown signs of receiving an All-Star selection for the first time in two seasons.
However, the guard has struggled recently. He has scored less than 20 points in four of his past five appearances. This included a 16-point and 10-assist performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 21st. Marred by Booker fouling out late in the fourth quarter, de facto sixth man Collin Gillespie took over point guard duties, making the game-winning shot with 6.4 seconds remaining in regulation.
While the Suns’ offense has become more balanced, Booker still needs to show up and be the team’s anchor in big games.
Mark Williams Must Conquer the Paint
The Suns have meticulously managed Mark Williams’ availability this season. After missing all of preseason with a right knee injury, he started as a bench player. Additionally, he has not played both games of a back-to-back this season, spending time on the bench against the Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.
Despite the setbacks, Williams has started almost every game since an October 29th loss to Memphis. He has scored at least 14 points in his past four appearances, and logged double-doubles in victories against Spurs and the Sacramento Kings. While Ryan Dunn remains sidelined with a right wrist sprain, Williams has set a high standard for himself, and leaned into the Suns’ gritty mentality.
Dunn’s replacement, Jordan Goodwin, has done well. But with Ott starting Gillespie in his place on Wednesday night against the Kings, Williams may be responsible for getting points down low against Chet Holmgren and Oklahoma City’s forwards.
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