Thunder Cruise Past Suns Again Despite Loss of Jalen Williams

Oklahoma City Beats Phoenix Suns 120-107 in Western Conference Playoff Series

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points and dished out nine assists, leading Oklahoma City to a 120-107 home win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. The Thunder took a 2-0 lead in the series.

The game was played on Wednesday at the Thunder’s home arena. Jalen Williams, a key player for the Thunder, left the game midway through the third quarter due to a left hamstring injury. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault stated that the team would assess Williams’ status over the next couple of days.

Oklahoma City took control in the third quarter, with contributions from Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Holmgren had 11 points and three blocks in the quarter, while Gilgeous-Alexander had 12 points and four assists. The Thunder extended their lead to 23 with a 13-2 run at the end of the third quarter.

The Suns cut the deficit to 10 with nearly four minutes remaining, but Oklahoma City responded with a 3-pointer by Ajay Mitchell, increasing the gap to 113-100. Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks scored 30 points in the game, including 13 in the fourth quarter.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game 13 of 25 from the field after struggling early, hitting seven of his first ten shots in the second half. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance, saying he made the right play all night and had an outstanding floor game.

The series continues with Game 3 scheduled for Saturday in Phoenix.

Source: Al Jazeera