Devin Booker reflected on the Phoenix Suns’ 121-109 Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, pointing to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency and key stretches that swung the game.
“Make some adjustments on Shai. He had it going. Super efficient tonight and was just a tough coverage,” Booker said when asked about sustaining competitiveness into Game 4
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 42 points on 15-of-18 shooting, consistently breaking down Phoenix’s defensive coverages. The Thunder star helped Oklahoma City take a 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference first round.
Booker credited opposing production on both ends, including supporting scorers. “Taking what the defense gives them. Going at their matchup and making the most of it,” he said, referencing Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green’s scoring bursts.
Brooks finished with 33 points while Green added 26, giving Oklahoma City enough balance to control long stretches of the game.
Phoenix struggled during key momentum swings, especially late in quarters. “We were right there for 44, 45 minutes,” Booker said. “Those are the five, six, seven minutes we’re going to want back.”
Booker acknowledged the Thunder’s structure and execution. “Overall they’re a well-oiled machine,” he said. “They’re the champs for a reason. They know what they want to get every time down court and they definitely know what they’re doing on the defensive end.”
The Suns guard also pointed to learning points as the series progresses. “We have some growing to do and learning to do in those departments,” he said.
Phoenix was outscored in critical late stretches, including runs at the end of the first and second quarters that shifted control toward Oklahoma City. Booker noted those sequences as decisive without overanalyzing specifics. “I’d have to look back on that honestly,” he said.
Booker also addressed his left ankle injury suffered during the third quarter after contact on a drive. “It’s fine,” he said. He later added, “I don’t know if it’s intentional or not. I’ve seen he stuck his leg out a little bit. He threw his hand up to say that it was a foul and it just wasn’t granted.”
Despite the setback, Booker returned to the game and finished with 16 points and seven assists. He emphasized the physical toll of playoff basketball as part of the Suns’ identity this season.
“That’s what the playoffs is about,” Booker said. “That’s what we have hung our hat on all season, even being down guys right now, probably our best defender and our best rim protector. You just have to keep going.”
Phoenix also leaned on scoring runs from Brooks and Green to stay competitive. “He’s been doing a great job of it,” Booker said of Brooks’ fourth-quarter scoring impact.
With the Suns now facing a 3-0 deficit, Booker said the focus shifts quickly. “We’ll take a look at it tomorrow,” he said. “All effort is to win Monday night.”
