SGA's historic scoring spree and crucial contributions from Caruso fuel OKC's commanding 3-0 series lead, even without key players.
After losing Game 3 to Denver, Minnesota and Indiana last playoffs, the champs entered the matchup against Phoenix with a chip on their shoulders. It worked, as the Thunder pulled off the road win by a score of 121-109 despite missing Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe.
Oklahoma City now holds a crushing 3-0 series lead, which no team in NBA history has ever blown. The team is in an excellent position to advance against either the Lakers or Rockets.
Check out key takeaways from the Thunder’s Game 3 victory over the Suns.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dominates
The Thunder have seen special performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander throughout the years, but Game 3 could be the best of them all. He scored 42 points on 15-of-18 shooting from the field and chipped in eight assists, four rebounds and a steal. According to OptaStats, Gilgeous-Alexander is the “first player to make 15+ field goals with that high of a field goal percentage in a playoff game since Michael Jordan in Game 2 of the 1991 NBA Finals.”
Gilgeous-Alexander accomplished this feat despite Phoenix tilting its entire defense towards him and sending double teams and traps. The reigning MVP is simply unguardable and at the peak of his powers, which bodes well for the Thunder’s title chances.
Lineup Choices Without Jalen Williams
Williams typically leads the minutes when Gilgeous-Alexander rests, but he was unavailable in Game 3 due to a hamstring strain. Mark Daigneault pivoted by trotting out the following lineup at the beginning of the second and fourth quarter: Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Daigneault going with the double-big lineup indicates he prioritized defense, size and rebounding in order to win on the margins during the non-Gilgeous-Alexander minutes. Wallace is a logical choice as the main point-of-attack defender, while Mitchell and McCain provide ball handling, playmaking and self-created scoring.
The lineup held its own, although results could be different against stiffer competition. It’s worth noting that Isaiah Joe missed Game 3 due to personal reasons, so he may replace McCain in the future.
Alex Caruso Shines
Caruso racked up 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and two stocks across 22 minutes, and his plus-minus was a game-high +16. The veteran swung stretches with key buckets and had a fourth quarter steal that iced Phoenix’s momentum. Overall, Caruso was once again an impact monster who showed up in the playoffs when Oklahoma City needed him.