Suns All-Star Devin Booker used the defending champion Thunder as a measuring stick to guage just how far his team has grown throughout the first month of the regular season. When the Suns traded Kevin Durant to the Rockets, many assumed 2025-26 would be the beginning of another rebuilding season.

According to KFOR, anticipation is surging among Thunder enthusiasts who have been eagerly waiting for Williams's return to the hardwood. His impact on the game is not lost on the fans, with one, Jacob Carr,

The Thunder extend their win streak to 11 and secure a spot in the NBA Cup knockouts behind SGA’s clutch fourth quarter and Williams’ steady playmaking

The Phoenix Suns will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who have an 18-1 record. Both teams are undefeated in the NBA Cup tournament, and the winner will advance to the quarterfinals.

Jalen Williams is set to make his season debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Phoenix Suns after recovering from wrist surgery.

Three NBA Cup group winners will be determined directly by head-to-head results on Friday night. The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons square off for the East Group B crown, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns do battle in West Group A and the Denver Nuggets face off with the San Antonio Spurs in West Group C.