PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are now facing a win-or-go-home scenario after their Game 3 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and may need to lean on more than just their top scorers to get to a Game 5.
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Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The first two games of the series centered around turnovers, with the Suns struggling to maintain possession and keep up with the Thunder’s defensive pressure. With 38 total turnovers and 56 points off them, Phoenix needed find an answer to that pressure.
The Suns eventually did, but with that answer came even more questions — the bench.
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) shoots against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
In three quarters, Grayson Allen was the only bench player who added seven points, while Royce O’Neale added three in the fourth quarter. Allen was just coming back from a left hamstring strain injury. The Thunder bench, on the other hand, had 36 points total, with Alex Caruso adding 13 points.
The Suns have leaned on their starters to carry much of the offensive load, but with OKC also leaning on its bench for a more even approach, it could be the difference in this series. Head coach Jordan Ott acknowledged how deep the Thunder’s bench was but also praised his own for the valuable minutes they had in the loss. He didn’t specify if there would be changes coming for Game 4.
“They’ve learned their depth over the course of the season.”
Phoenix Suns HC Jordan Ott reflects on bench production by both teams. The Suns had 12 points while the Thunder had 36.#PhoenixSuns #ThunderUp #NBA pic.twitter.com/dYKD7DETwp
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) April 25, 2026
The playoffs are about adjustments. The Suns have already made the adjustments on turnovers, but now comes how they’ll collectively make a difference in the game and not just count on their starting five.
With one more game to keep their season alive, Phoenix may need to lean on more than just its high-use scorers — it may come down to which bench can help elevate its starters better.
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) blocks out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Suns and the Thunder tip off for Game 4 on Monday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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