Thunder take 87-79 lead into fourth, seek 3-0 stranglehold on Suns
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Phoenix, Ariz., Apr 25, 2026 — The Oklahoma City Thunder sit eight minutes away from a commanding 3-0 advantage in their Western Conference first-round series after finishing the third quarter of Game 3 ahead of the Phoenix Suns, 87-79, at Footprint Center.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 30 points, hitting 12 of his 15 attempts from the floor and 5 of 6 at the foul line. The All-NBA guard also handed out four assists while committing three turnovers in 30 minutes.
Phoenix relied on Josh Green, who posted 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting and 3-for-4 free-throw accuracy. Backup guard Collin Gillespie chipped in seven points and seven rebounds for the Suns, who are 45-37 at home this season.
Team numbers through three quarters
• Field goals: Oklahoma City 51 % (35-68); Phoenix 44 % (29-66)
• Three-pointers: Thunder 8-25 (32 %); Suns 9-31 (29 %)
• Free throws: Thunder 9-11 (82 %); Suns 12-14 (86 %)
• Rebounds: Thunder 32; Suns 27
• Turnovers: Seven each
Oklahoma City, the West’s top seed after a 64-18 regular season, has led for 82 % of the contest and built a margin as large as 15. According to ESPN’s win-probability model, the Thunder entered the final period with an 89.9 % chance to win.
The Suns, seeded eighth, are trying to avoid their first 0-3 hole since relocating to Phoenix in 1968. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night, also in Phoenix.
Source: ESPN
