OKLAHOMA CITY -- The start of the 2016-17 season for Russell Westbrook almost couldnt have gone any better and hell try to keep it going when the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.Not only did the point guard lead his team to a comeback 103-97 victory over host Philadelphia on Wednesday, but he narrowly missed a triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.As he enters his ninth year, Westbrook continues to transform from an aggressive scoring guard to an all-around point guard who can take over games in a variety of ways.Its just taking my time, being patient, poised and managing the game, Westbrook said. Its part of my job, to be able to manage the game at a high level and thats a huge thing for me moving forward with this team.But it was the defense the Thunder displayed in final minutes against the 76ers that really stood out. They had to come up with three consecutive stops, including a blocked shot by guard Andre Roberson and guard Victor Oladipo taking a charge to secure the win.I think that was the key, Thunder forward Enes Kanter said. When you try to finish the game, when you try to finish the fourth quarter, I think the most important thing is the defense. Everybody was focused, everybody did a good job.Opening night was not as kind for the Phoenix Suns. They were at home Wednesday taking on fellow Pacific Division rival Sacramento and fell 113-94.The Suns got off to start shooting the ball, but trailed 57-38 at half. Using their reserves, however, Phoenix was able to go on a run in the third quarter and cut the lead to 10. But that would be as close as they would get.Guard Eric Bledsoe was back on the court for the first time since a season ending knee injury in December. He scored 16 points in his return. Guard Devin Booker led the team with 18.However, having the second unit play as well as it did was a positive note Phoenix coach Earl Watson can carry into the Suns game with the Thunder.The momentum changed everything, Watson told The Arizona Republic. Our second unit, we just played young guys, let them play aggressive, let them have fun, be creative. They played with a lot of passion. It was fun to watch.It was also a way for Watson to send a message to his veterans who under-performed and played with lackluster effort at the start.The way I addressed the team was, you cant use, Were young, Watson told Arizonasports.com. Our young guys got us in the game. Our veterans have to come and have to play with the same passion.Even though the Suns are coming off a contest in which their offense inconsistent, the Thunder are wary of the explosive squad.They are a very, very fast team, an explosive team, Thunder coach Billy Donovan said of the Suns. Their backcourt with Book and Brevin Knight has speed. Along with Bledsoe, they can shoot the ball. (Tyson) Chandler is one of the great rollers to the rim and a great post defender. They have the ability to play small. They are a different team than Philadelphia, but it will be a challenge. Lions Jerseys Free Shipping . Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC failed to make the postseason while Montreal Impact fell at the first hurdle losing heavily to Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference Knockout Round. Marvin Jones Jr. Jersey . -- The Missouri Tigers might not have a roster full of superstars. http://www.cheaplionsjerseyselite.com/?tag=cheap-miles-killebrew-jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Brandon Thomas Jersey . The Canadian squad, skipped by Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg, got on the board first with two in the second end, and followed that with two more apiece in the fourth and sixth ends. Eric Ebron Jersey . Thousands of Southern California fans enveloped the Trojans to celebrate an improbable win secured by an interim coach, an inconsistent kicker and a thin defence that wouldnt break.Mehedi Hasan took his second six-wicket haul of the series as Bangladesh moved into a strong position after day two of the second Test against England in Dhaka. Click on the video above to see how the second day unfolded on a pitch offering spinners considerable turn.The 18-year-old off-spinner, playing in just his second Test, took 6-82 as Bangladesh bowled England out for 244 late in the afternoon session. That gave the tourists a lead of 24 but for much of the innings they looked set to give up a sizeable first innings deficit and after Joe Root was trapped lbw by Taijul Islam for a well-made 56, England found themselves 144-8.However, Chris Woakes (46) and Adil Rashid (44no) dug in and eventually took England up to and beyond the 220 made by the hosts on day one. Bangladesh vs England October 30, 2016, 3:45am Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass It took Mehedi with the new ball to break the 99-run partnership, having Woakes caught at leg slip, before Taijul (3-65) got Steven Finn (0) lbw to wrap up the innings.ddddddddddddBangladesh soon wiped out Englands lead as Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes moved the score on apace.Alastair Cooks side hit back with two wickets in two overs; Zafar Ansari picking up his first Test scalp having Tamim (40) caught at leg slip before Mominul Haque (1) nicked Ben Stokes (1-20) to first slip.Imrul (59no) and Mahmudullah were unfazed though and after regrouping briefly, powered on and looked set to take Bangladesh through to stumps.However, a moment of madness saw Mahmudullah (47) bowled by Ansari (2-33) as he attempted a big sweep in the final over. The home side closing on 152-3, a lead of 128.Watch live coverage of day three of the second Test on Sky Sports 2 from 3.45am on Sunday. 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