SHAI Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a dominant performance as Oklahoma City Thunder defeated Phoenix Suns, 121-109, in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference first round series on Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines) in Phoenix, Arizona.
The reigning MVP erupted for 42 points, on an efficient 15-of-18 shooting and 11-of-12 free throw shooting, as the defending champions seize a commanding 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven series.
Ajay Mitchell stepped into the starting lineup in place of the injured Jalen Williams and contributed 15 points, while Alex Caruso chipped in 13 off the bench. Chet Holmgren added 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in support.
Phoenix kept the contest within reach through three quarters, trailing just 87-79 entering the final period, but,l the Thunder took full control in the fourth and never relinquished the lead.
Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted the closing stretch with a tough 19-foot fallaway jumper that pushed the advantage to 102-87 with about five minutes remaining, effectively silencing the home crowd.
Dillon Brooks paced the Suns with 33 points on 11-of-21 shooting, Filipino-American guard Jalen Green provided 26 markers, while Devin Booker and Oso Ighodaro tallied 16 and 15, respectively.
At Orlando, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane each scored 25 points, and the Magic blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead before rallying to beat the Detroit Pistons, 113-105, for a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference series.
Banchero added 12 rebounds and nine assists, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs contributed 17 and 15 points, respectively, while Wendell Carter Jr. added a double-double of 14 points and 17 rebounds.
Cade Cunningham scored 27 points to lead the Eastern Conference top-seed Pistons, Tobias Harris chipped in 23 markers, while Ausar Thompson and Duncan Robinson had 17 and 10, respectively.
Minnesota Timberwolves surged to a 3-1 lead in their West series after a 112-96 Game 4 triumph against Denver Nuggets, while New York Knicks evened their East series with Atlanta Hawks at 2-2 after a 114-98 Game 4 win.
Los Angeles Lakers also moved closer to West semis after a 112-108 win against Houston Rockets in Game 3, San Antonio Spurs edged Portland Trail Blazers, 120-108, for a 2-1 series lead, and Boston Celtics turned back Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3, 108-100, for a 2-1 lead./PN
