But Phoenix star Devin Booker missed his third straight game with a strained right groin. He scored 21 points in the previous matchup and said in the postgame that the “secret is out” about the Thunder’s league-leading defense.
It appears the Suns have more to learn. They shot 39.3% from the field and scored a season-low point total. Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 16 points, but he made just 4 of 16 shots. It was the fewest points Oklahoma City has allowed this season.
Jalen Williams hit a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to give the Thunder a 74-48 lead. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points in the first half despite just eight shot attempts.
It was Gilgeous-Alexander’s 96th straight game with at least 20 points. The Canadian guard reached the total on a breakaway dunk that put the Thunder up 84-50 with 9:15 left in the third quarter.
Phoenix guard Grayson Allen was ejected after he shoved Holmgren and knocked him to the floor. The Thunder led 94-58 with 5:18 left in the third quarter when the two collided while Holmgren appeared to be setting a screen. Allen extended both arms, knocking Holmgren to the floor, and was called for a Flagrant 2.
Up next:
Suns: Host the Golden State Warriors next Thursday.
Thunder: Advanced to the semifinal on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers or San Antonio.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
Cliff Brunt, The Associated Press