Teams that look strong on paper can often perform much less impressively if even one or two key players are removed from the mix, and even the very best teams can look vulnerable with a long enough string of tough-luck injuries.
Travel fatigue refers to the cumulative physical and mental drain that comes from crossing time zones, sleeping in unfamiliar environments, and competing on compressed schedules. It is not just about being tired from a long flight.
The Thunder have played 66 games this season with over 212.5 points scored, while the Suns have had 64 games exceeding that total. The two teams average a combined 231.5 points per game, which is 19.0 points more than the game's total of 212.5.