Thunder-Suns takeaways: Phoenix is proving to be no match for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Oklahoma City
The key elements of OKC's Game 3 victory that gave it a 3-0 first-round series lead.
If there was ever any doubt, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably one of the calmest dudes to ever wear an NBA jersey. The defending regular-season and Finals MVP had his way with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, getting to whichever spot he wanted, and converted at such a high rate, he hit his first nine shots, all coming off relaxed, patient plays as he entered the paint. Gilgeous-Alexander had 42 points on 15-of-18 shooting from the field and powered the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 3-0 first-round series lead against the Suns with 121-109 victory.
Let's get into some thoughts. Where is Devin Booker, the superstar? While he briefly left the game in the third quarter with a short-term ankle injury, Booker returned and maintained a pattern that's beginning to become concerning.
Booker is widely viewed as an elite scorer and one of the best in the league, but has been only modestly active this series, scoring a grand total of 61 points over three games. It seems pointless to fight and claw for a playoff spot, only to not assert himself as the scorer he can be. He's not totally ineffective.
He's been playmaking, making good reads and initiating actions off the bounce. That's objectively positive, but the Suns need Booker to be, well, Devin Booker, elite scorer and constant threat. OKC is playing with its food Even without a large scoring disparity, you never really get the sense Oklahoma City is in danger.