The Oklahoma City Thunder (66-15) took down the Phoenix Suns (35-45) 125-112 on Wednesday, April 9, behind Jalen Williams’ 33-point performance that officially eliminated Phoenix from playoff contention.
Williams, who starred in high school just outside Phoenix, shot 13-of-23 from the field and led a Thunder squad missing key players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Chet Holmgren added 22 points as Oklahoma City locked in its 21st win in 23 games and continued cruising as the top seed in the Western Conference.
Once considered title contenders with their All-Star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns saw their postseason hopes dashed after an eighth straight loss. Durant did not play due to a sprained ankle. Beal led Phoenix with 25 points, while Booker tallied 20 points and 14 assists.
Phoenix led for much of the first half, but Oklahoma City seized momentum in the third quarter and ended the period on a 12-2 run to take a 105-93 lead entering the fourth.
With the win, the Thunder added to their historic season despite missing multiple starters. For Phoenix, the loss caps a disappointing campaign, as the Durant-Booker-Beal experiment failed to produce a playoff berth. First-year head coach Mike Budenholzer’s future now appears uncertain heading into a pivotal offseason.
The Suns host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, April 11, while the Thunder continue their road trip in Utah to face the Jazz.
