Can OKC clinch the sweep? Mitchell's playmaking, Brooks' hot streak, and crucial three-point shooting will decide if the Thunder close out the Suns.
Oklahoma City has a chance to sweep its first-round series for the third straight year, but Phoenix will not go down without a fight. Can the Thunder close it out and bank some rest before the next round? Jalen Williams, Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin remain sidelined.
Check out three key matchups for Game 4 between the Thunder and Suns.
Ajay Mitchell’s Impact
With Jalen Williams injured, Ajay Mitchell is the Thunder’s main ball handler, scorer and playmaker during the minutes when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rests. It’s a heavy burden for a sophomore, but Mitchell plays like a veteran and has All-Star potential.
His shot refused to fall in Game 3, as he went 5-of-20 from the field. And yet, Mitchell wormed his way into 14 shots inside the paint and racked up 16 drives, which would have ranked 5th-best in the NBA during the regular season. It was a great sign that Mitchell’s ability to generate paint touches scaled up to his new usage rate.
If Mitchell once again thrives at attacking the basket, then the non-Gilgeous-Alexander minutes should be relatively fine in Game 4.
Slowing Down Dillon Brooks
Devin Booker is struggling mightily to score against Luguentz Dort and the Thunder’s defense. Neutralizing Booker remains the top priority, but the champs may need to focus more resources towards limiting Dillon Brooks.
Over the last two games, Brooks has averaged 31.5 points per game on 52/50/100 shooting splits. Now, he’s scorching hot on jump shots and struggling inside the paint. Regression will come for him eventually, but it may not happen in Game 4.
Jalen Williams was the best defensive option to throw at Brooks because of Williams’ quickness, length and strength. Chet Holmgren had been somewhat successful against Brooks, yet maybe Kenrich Williams should get some playing time to defend Brooks. Kenny Hustle has enough size to handle Brooks’ physicality, and he would also help on the defensive glass.
Thunder’s 3-Point Shooting
Oklahoma City’s efficiency from beyond the arc is more important than usual because the offense will generate good shots inside the paint at a lower rate due to Jalen Williams’ injury. Phoenix is also loading up its defense on Gilgeous-Alexander by sagging off of spot-up shooters.
If the Thunder shoot a respectable percentage from deep in Game 4, then the champs have an excellent chance of sweeping. Isaiah Joe returns after missing Game 3 due to personal reasons, so his presence is huge in this department.