NBA Playoffs: Thunder Take Commanding Lead Over Suns Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Masterpiece

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave Phoenix’s defense fits in Game 3. Scoring 42 points — a new personal playoff record — SGA led Oklahoma City to a convincing 121-109 win on Phoenix’s home floor, bringing the Thunder one step closer to a sweep (3-0).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Game 3 win vs. Suns:

42 points
3 missed shots

Thunder take a 3-0 lead.pic.twitter.com/Dkmcs46z5d

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 25, 2026

Literally on fire with a stunning 15-of-18 shooting performance, the reigning MVP was simply unstoppable at the Mortgage Matchup Center, adding 4 rebounds and 8 assists to his 42 points. “I tried to let the game come to me, using my teammates as weapons. I knew they were going to make it tough on me, throw bodies at me, but the guys did a great job working around that tonight,” said the Thunder’s leader after the game.

No Jalen Williams, No Problem

Without Jalen Williams, sidelined with a hamstring injury, Oklahoma City showed no signs of weakness. Ajay Mitchell made his first playoff start and contributed 15 points, while the Thunder’s bench crushed the Suns‘ reserves 36-12, led by an inspired Alex Caruso (13 points).

On the other side, Dillon Brooks stepped up offensively again (30 points in Game 2) with 33 points, well supported by Jalen Green (26 points). Devin Booker, hampered by an ankle injury during the game, managed only 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting, well below his regular season average (26.1).

PLAYER PROFILE

Dillon BROOKS

Position(s): Guard

Height: 198 cm

Age: 30 (01/22/1996)

Nationality:

2025-2026 Stats / NBA

PTS

20.5

#37

REB

3.8

#217

AST

1.8

#261

Competitive for most of the game, the Suns collapsed late. Dominated in the paint (50 points to 30 for OKC), struggling from three-point range (31%), and outplayed on defense (4 steals/blocks), Oso Ighodaro’s teammates (15 points) once again looked overmatched.

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