Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized discipline, spacing, and composure after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 121-109 Game 3 win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The reigning MVP finished with 42 points on 15-of-18 shooting, adding eight assists in a performance that pushed Oklahoma City to a 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference first round.
“I think we did a really good job tonight of playing to our identity offensively,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Everyone was aggressive, everyone was playing within themselves, and everyone was moving around the ball.”
He described the Thunder’s offensive structure as the key factor behind his efficient scoring output.
“When I drove, if I seen a gap, guys were moving into space, guys were ready to attack, ready to shoot, ready to make the next play,” he said. “We found that balance offensively tonight.”
Oklahoma City shot 49% from the field and controlled large stretches of the game despite Phoenix’s defensive adjustments.
“We didn’t have our best shooting night, but we played the right way for the whole game it felt like,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We looked pretty good out there offensively.”
The Thunder have struggled in Game 3 road settings in previous postseason runs, something Gilgeous-Alexander addressed directly.
“We typically struggle with these games,” he said. “Last year, we go down big in Memphis Game 3. We lose Game 3 in the Denver series. We lose Game 3 in the Minnesota series by 40, and we lose Game 3 in Indiana.”
He pointed to execution and consistency as the difference this time.
“Tonight I think we did a really good job of just staying present,” he said. “Being in the moment, and doing what we can on each possession and see where it took us.”
Gilgeous-Alexander also explained his approach to his 15-of-18 shooting night, which came against multiple defensive coverages.
“I just try to be aggressive in those moments and let the game tell me what to do,” he said. “I trust my work and trust my teammates.”
He finished with a direct reflection on how offensive rhythm forms within Oklahoma City’s system.
“If I have a crack, if I have something that I feel like I can exploit or attack in the moment, I go and do it with almost confidence because of my work,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “If they try to take that away, I trust my teammates because of their work ultimately.”
He also highlighted the Thunder bench, which outscored Phoenix’s reserves and helped stabilize key stretches in the second quarter.
“Those guys across the board just being ready is something that coach emphasizes heavily throughout the year and it showed up big tonight,” he said.
Oklahoma City now holds a 3-0 series advantage and will attempt to complete the sweep in Game 4 on Monday in Phoenix.
