Phoenix Suns Face Elimination as Oklahoma City Thunder Seek Sweep
The Phoenix Suns are one loss away from being swept in the Western Conference first round by the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. After dropping Game 3 on Saturday, April 25, the Suns trail the series 3-0, with Game 4 set for Monday, April 27 in Phoenix.
Thunder Dominate Series So Far
Oklahoma City has won each of the first three games by double digits, showcasing their status as the most dominant team in the early playoffs. In Game 1, the Thunder routed the Suns 119-84. They followed up with a 120-107 victory in Game 2, improving their young core to 10-0 in first-round playoff games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points in that contest, marking his 23rd career playoff game with at least 30 points.
Game 3 saw Gilgeous-Alexander elevate his performance with a game-high 42 points as the Thunder secured a 121-109 win. Oklahoma City was without injured guard Jalen Williams, who suffered a left hamstring strain in Game 2, and Isaiah Joe, who was absent for personal reasons. Ajay Mitchell started in Williams’ place and contributed 15 points.
Suns Struggle Without Key Contributors
Phoenix has been hampered by injuries and absences throughout the series. Dillon Brooks led the Suns in Game 3 with 33 points, while Jalen Green added 26. Devin Booker briefly left the game in the third quarter with a left ankle injury but returned to finish with 16 points on 16 shot attempts and seven assists. The Suns were similarly without Jordan Goodwin (left calf soreness) and Mark Williams (left foot soreness), the latter of whom has not played in the series.
Booker’s ankle issue occurred when he tripped over Lu Dort’s extended leg while attempting a cut behind him. He exited at 9:16 left in the third quarter but returned after a timeout with 6:56 remaining in the period.
Series Outlook
With a 3-0 series lead, the Thunder are on the verge of completing a sweep and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals. A win in Game 4 would mark the third time this postseason that Oklahoma City has taken a 2-0 or better series lead in the first five days of the playoffs. The Suns, meanwhile, face the prospect of ending their playoff run on their home floor for the fourth consecutive year.