In a recent trending post on r/nba, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker expressed his admiration for Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after the Suns were eliminated from the playoffs. The Thunder completed a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Suns, winning Game 4 with a score of 131-122.
Why it matters: Booker’s comments highlight the respect elite players have for each other, especially in high-stakes situations. His acknowledgment of Gilgeous-Alexander’s contributions reflects the competitive nature of the NBA.
Booker finished Game 4 with a team-high 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting and added six assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, shooting 10-of-17 from the field.
The Suns’ elimination marks a disappointing end to their season, having been swept in the first round.
Driving the news: The Suns' loss came after a hard-fought series where they struggled to match the Thunder's intensity and depth.
Booker credited Gilgeous-Alexander as the driving force behind Oklahoma City’s success, calling him the "MVP of the league" and noting his exceptional performance over the past two years.
Booker praised the Thunder's roster, stating that their bench often improves the team’s performance, saying, "When the bench comes in, they get stronger, not weaker."
The Thunder’s victory was marked by strong performances from twin towers Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, who combined for 42 points and 24 rebounds.
State of play: The Thunder are now set to face the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets series in the Western Conference semifinals.
Oklahoma City finished the regular season with the best record in the league at 64-18.
They have shown resilience, winning 19 of their last 20 games leading into the playoffs.
Booker’s performance in the playoffs has been examined, with questions about his aggressiveness compared to previous seasons.
The big picture: This playoff series showcased the evolution of both teams and highlighted the challenges faced by the Suns.
Booker has been compared to his former self, where he was more aggressive and willing to take over games.
His current style has led to discussions about his role and how it fits within the Suns’ system.
Many observers noted that the Suns lacked depth compared to the Thunder, which played a key role in their elimination.
What they're saying: Reactions from players and analysts reveal a mix of admiration for Gilgeous-Alexander and concern for Booker’s performance.
Booker stated, "You can’t say anything without bringing up Shai. He’s been playing the best basketball in the league."
Analysts have pointed out that Booker’s scoring average in the series was lower than expected, at around 20.3 points per game.
Coach Jordan Ott emphasized the need for the team to support Booker in future games, stating, "He deserves our full effort to put him in a place to succeed."
By the numbers: The statistics from the playoff series highlight the disparity between the two teams.
In Game 4, the Suns committed 21 turnovers, which significantly hindered their chances of winning.
Oklahoma City controlled the boards, with Holmgren and Hartenstein combining for 24 rebounds.
Booker’s shooting percentage in the series was 44.7%, with struggles from beyond the arc, hitting only 4 of 14 from three-point range.
What's next: The Suns will need to regroup and reassess their strategy heading into the offseason.
Booker’s ability to adapt his play style will be key for the Suns moving forward.
The organization must evaluate its roster depth to compete with elite teams like the Thunder.
As for the Thunder, they will aim to build on their playoff momentum against their next opponent.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflext independently verified reporting.