PHOENIX — A crushing 125-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder officially eliminated the Phoenix Suns from contention for the Western Conference play-in — putting an end to what was a truly disappointing season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Getting help from the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the 10th seeded Dallas Mavericks ahead of the game, Phoenix opened up with aggression and desperation. That was until a familiar third quarter collapse struck the Suns and their lead for the rest of the game.
Bradley Beal and Devin Booker each scored over 20 points but were outmatched by Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who scored 33 and 22 points respectively. Although they are playing for nothing, Phoenix takes on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
Tide turns OKC’s way in 3rd quarter
The Thunder started the third quarter off on a 14-2 run and took a 12 point lead into the final quarter behind Jalen Williams’ 13 third quarter points.
Devin Booker couldn’t quite seem to find the pace he’s been playing his last few games with, finishing the third quarter with just 17 points after starting the game with 11 in the opening period. Bradley Beal added to one of his better nights in recent memory. he had 22 points in 28 minutes.
Jalen Williams led the game with 29 points, four rebounds and three assists on 11-of-18 shooting. Four other Thunder players were in double figures, including Chet Holmgren who had 18 points and eight rebounds through three quarters.
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Grayson Allen (8) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Thunder cut into lead in 2nd quarter
After going up by as much as 15 points in the second quarter, the Thunder were able to bring it to within three points at one point before Phoenix took a 67-62 lead into halftime.
Bradley Beal maintained his aggressive mindset and seven more points to add to his 14-point total, leading Phoenix in scoring. The Suns had three players reach double figures in the first half, which is something that seemed impossible the last few games. Devin Booker had 11 points and and eight assists and Ryan Dunn added 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting.
Jalen Williams led the game in scoring with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, 11 of which came in the second quarter. Aaron Wiggins also got it going in the period, scoring seven of his 11 total points ahead of halftime.
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns open 1st quarter with desperation
With the Dallas Mavericks losing to the Los Angeles Lakers before tip off, Phoenix is still alive to make the play-in and their start indicated that they aren’t ready to give up, opening with energy and taking an early lead on the Thunder, 39-29.
Devin Booker led with another double-digit first quarter, scoring 11 points and dishing out six assists on 5-of-8 shooting. Bradley Beal’s aggressiveness was questioned after their blowout loss to Golden State where he only shot the ball eight times and scored seven points. He made it a point to find his shot in the first quarter and matched his point total from the night prior on just five attempts.
Without its MVP candidate, Oklahoma City struggled to find much consistency offensively. Alex Caruso led the Thunder in scoring with nine points; followed by Jalen Williams with five and Chet Holmgren with four.
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Injury report
Nick Richards joined Kevin Durant on the injury report and was listed out with right elbow inflammation. Durant remains out with a left ankle sprain and will officially miss the 65-game minimum requirement to make All-NBA honors. Mike Budenholzer noted pregame that there was not necessarily a contingent plan for him to return regardless of the results of their game.
Oklahoma City rested most of their roster coming off a win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (left shin contusion), Isaiah Hartenstein (left Achilles tendinitis), Luguentz Dort (right patellofemoral injury management) and Cason Wallace (right shoulder strain) were all out.
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Reporter Connor Moreno covers the Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @cmorenoNBA, and on Bluesky, @cloading.bsky.social
