The Oklahoma City Thunder lost for the first time in eight games as they were edged out in overtime by the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center.
The hosts made a dominant start, with Markieff Morris and Eric Bledsoe hitting their stride early on to leave Phoenix 10 points clear after 12 minutes.
Russell Westbrook put his slow start behind him though, recovering from missing his eight first shots of the night to get the Thunder back into the game.
Morris put the Suns back in front late in the fourth quarter, but Westbrook was fouled, allowing him to tie the scores from a free throw to force overtime.
Bledsoe gave the hosts the advantage in the additional spell, before Serge Ibaka stopped him doubling the lead, but Westbrook missed a chance to tie the scores down the other end, allowing Phoenix to hold on for the win.
Despite the defeat, Oklahoma City remain just ahead of Phoenix in the Western Conference standings, holding the eighth and final playoff spot.
Sian Cowper
