Phoenix SunsOpen full analysis
Oklahoma City ThunderOpen full analysis
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns 120–107 on April 22 at Paycom Center, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 37 points leading a balanced offensive attack that shot 47.3 percent from the field and made 14 three-pointers. J. Williams added 19 points for OKC, while the Thunder's defense held Phoenix to 45.9 percent shooting and forced 21 turnovers, generating 14 steals in the process. The game fell well short of the 216.5-point Vegas total, with the Thunder's third-quarter efficiency proving decisive—they outscored the Suns 35–20 in that frame to build separation. Phoenix's Devin Brooks scored 30 points and Devin Booker added 22, but the visitors' 44 rebounds and 23 assists could not overcome their turnover burden and a defensive rating of 120.0. Oklahoma City's 120.0 offensive rating and 106.3 defensive rating underscored their control throughout, with their bench depth and perimeter shooting offsetting any rebounding disadvantage. The Thunder's defensive intensity and turnover creation could prove crucial as playoff positioning intensifies.
