Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a playoff career-high 42 points, leading the Thunder to a 121-109 victory over the Suns in Game 3. His performance is pivotal as the Thunder approaches a playoff sweep.
Key points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points in Game 3
Thunder won 121-109 against the Suns
Gilgeous-Alexander shot 83% while teammates shot 41%
He didnāt need Jalen Williams, who was sidelined with a strained hamstring. He didnāt need a ton of help from his teammates, who shot a combined 41% to his 83%. He didnāt need to score 42 points, a playoff career-high, but he did anyway.
Thatās the inevitability of SGA. He does, because he can.
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Q&A
What was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance in Game 3 against the Suns?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points, marking a playoff career-high in the Thunder's 121-109 win.
How did the Thunder perform in Game 3 of the playoffs against the Suns?
The Thunder won 121-109 in Game 3, putting them close to a playoff sweep of the Suns.
What was the shooting percentage of the Thunder's teammates in Game 3?
The Thunder's teammates shot a combined 41% while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shot 83%.
What injury affected the Thunder's lineup in Game 3?
Jalen Williams was sidelined with a strained hamstring during the game.
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Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives past Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) shields the ball from Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) gets fouled by Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) shields the ball from Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reacts to a play against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) talks to referee Kevin Cutler (34) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
1 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
2 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
3 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
4 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives past Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
5 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
6 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
7 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
8 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) shields the ball from Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
9 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
10 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
11 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
12 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) shoots over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
13 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
14 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) gets fouled by Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
15 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
16 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
17 / 20
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) shields the ball from Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reacts to a play against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA Playoffs Game 3
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) talks to referee Kevin Cutler (34) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Heās going to get to his spots. Heās going to hit that stepback 3-pointer and swish that baseline jumper āĀ the most bankable shot in basketball. Heās going to draw fouls. Heās going to score. Heās going to beat you, no matter whoās in and whoās out. And then heās going to do it again, and again and again without wavering.
Thereās a metronomic quality to Gilgeous-Alexanderās game. Heās never off rhythm. Never off beat. Never off.
The Thunder is 11-0 in first-round games in the last three years in part because SGA wonāt allow a slip-up. OKC will go for its third consecutive first-round sweep at 8:30 p.m. Monday in Phoenix.
Only three players in NBA history have gone 15-of-18 in a playoff game like Gilgeous-Alexander did Saturday. Sam Jones in 1967, Michael Jordan in 1991 and SGA on Saturday. Hall of famer, hall of famer and hall of famer.
Gilgeous-Alexanderās 42 points passed Kevin Durantās Thunder playoff high of 41. Only Russell Westbrook has scored more points in a Thunder playoff game (Westbrook had five games of 43-plus).
Gilgeous-Alexander didnāt miss a shot until midway through the third quarter. And even then it seemed like the basketball regretted not going in. SGAās first brick bounced right to him. He dribbled in for the 12-foot jumper, making up for his miss from two seconds before.
The Thunder, in its first playoff game without Jalen Williams (hamstring) broke even with the Suns when SGA was off the court āĀ a win for OKC.
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Ajay Mitchell started in J-Dubās place. Mitchell scored 27 fewer points than SGA despite taking two more shots than SGA.
Led by Alex Caruso, who had 13 points and 130 hustle plays, the Thunderās bench outscored the Sunsā bench 36-12. Dillon Brooks (33) and Jalen Green (26) did the bulk of the scoring for Phoenix as Suns star Devin Booker scored just 16 points on 16 shots, thoroughly outplayed by his Kentucky counterpart.
Gilgeous-Alexander hit a trick shot from behind the backboard, but his last bucket was the silliest of all. With Brooks at his back, Gilgeous-Alexander faked left and then turned to his right, knocking down a 19-footer just as the shot clock expired.
It put the Thunder ahead by 15 points with a little more than five minutes to play.
Gilgeous-Alexander was truly perfect in the fourth quarter. He scored 12 points, going 3-of-3 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the foul line. He had four assists and zero turnovers.
Gilgeous-Alexander didnāt need to justify why he was named Clutch Player of the Year, or why heās about to win his second MVP award, but he did anyway.
