Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 42 as Thunder take 3-0 lead over Suns
Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career playoff-high 42 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 121-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns and a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The defending NBA champions are now just one win away from completing a post-season sweep in Monday’s Game 4.
The Canadian international’s dominant performance arrived just days after being branded “frail” and accused of foul-baiting by Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks.
Answering the critics
Despite the pre-match hostility, the Thunder talisman let his basketball do the talking at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
He connected on an astonishing 15 of his 18 attempts from the floor, joining an elite group of just five players in NBA history to score 40 or more points on 80% shooting in a playoff game.
The dynamic playmaker was particularly lethal off the dribble, making 14 of 16 attempts while completely dismantling the Phoenix defence.
Thunder overcome Williams injury
Oklahoma City’s task was made significantly harder before tip-off following news that star wing Jalen Williams would be sidelined by a left hamstring strain.
However, the absence of their crucial secondary scorer simply prompted the team’s primary offensive weapon to shoulder even more responsibility.
After scoring through heavy contact late in the final quarter without receiving a whistle, the usually reserved superstar animatedly shouted to his bench that he did not need the referee’s help.
“I just think they missed the call, but I scored anyway. It’s OK, don’t worry about it.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Suns search for answers
Phoenix had specifically adjusted their defensive schemes to load up against the Oklahoma City guard, but their efforts proved entirely futile.
Even when double-teamed, the Thunder star remained flawless, converting all three of his attempts against multiple defenders.
Suns head coach Jordan Ott admitted his team had simply run out of ideas against the relentless offensive barrage.
“We tried different matchups, tried to take it out of his hands. Give him credit. He had us spinning tonight.”
Jordan Ott, Phoenix Suns head coach
Thunder power forward Chet Holmgren, meanwhile, was wholly unsurprised by his team-mate’s historic efficiency.
“I don’t think we saw anything different tonight than we normally do, except he was 15-of-18. It seemed like a pretty normal night, I guess.”
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
