The Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns squared off on Saturday afternoon at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, for a pivotal Game 3 in their first-round NBA playoff series. With the Thunder holding a commanding 2-0 lead after a convincing 120-107 victory in Game 2, all eyes were on the Suns to see if they could claw their way back into the series and protect their home court. The matchup, broadcast nationally on NBC and streamed on Peacock, drew attention from basketball fans across the country eager to see if the Thunder could continue their dominant postseason run or if the Suns would mount a comeback.
Heading into Game 3, the Thunder were riding high as the top seed in the Western Conference, boasting a 64-18 regular season record and an impressive 30-10 mark on the road. The team, fresh off their first NBA championship last season, has set their sights on a second consecutive title. The Thunder’s regular season dominance extended to their playoff performance, as they won both opening games against the Suns in Oklahoma City, putting Phoenix in a precarious position as the series shifted to Arizona.
However, Oklahoma City faced a key absence for Game 3. Isaiah Joe, a crucial role player and sharpshooter for the Thunder, was ruled out due to personal reasons. Joe, who averaged 11.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game during the regular season while shooting an impressive 45.5% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range in 71 games, has been a reliable presence off the bench. As reported by Underdog NBA, "Isaiah Joe (personal) listed doubtful for Saturday." The Thunder later confirmed he would not play. Joe’s absence was felt, as he holds the franchise record for most career three-pointers made off the bench, a testament to his development since being selected 49th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Joe’s journey to this point has been remarkable. After two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played a limited role, Joe joined the Thunder and quickly established himself as a key contributor. According to Real App, "Isaiah Joe now has the most career threes made off the bench in OKC history." In his four years with Oklahoma City, he has consistently shot over 40.9% from beyond the arc, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most efficient shooters. NBA observers have taken notice, with @SleeperThunder noting, "Isaiah Joe was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 14th pick in BR’s 2020 Re-Draft. A true testament to how well he has developed as a shooter over the last several years."
The Thunder’s depth has been tested even further by an injury to Jalen Williams, another key player. With both Joe and Williams unavailable, the Thunder needed their remaining stars to step up in the hostile environment of Phoenix. Despite these setbacks, the team’s resilience and cohesion, forged during last season’s championship run, remained evident as they looked to extend their series lead.
The Suns, meanwhile, entered Game 3 with plenty to prove. After finishing the regular season 45-37 and securing the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed through the Play-In Tournament, Phoenix faced an uphill battle. The Suns had lost the first two games of the series in Oklahoma City and were eager to capitalize on their home crowd’s energy. Notably, the Suns had split the regular season series with the Thunder, 3-2, and both teams had notched blowout wins against each other. Phoenix’s 135-103 victory over the Thunder on April 12 stood as a reminder that the Suns were capable of explosive performances.
Star guard Devin Booker has been at the heart of Phoenix’s success and drama this season. Booker’s penchant for clutch moments was on full display earlier this year when he drained a 35-foot game-winner with just 0.7 seconds left against the Thunder on January 4, marking his 10th career field goal to win or force overtime in the final three seconds—a feat that ranks third in the NBA since 2015. Booker also reached the 18,000 career point milestone this season, becoming the third-youngest shooting guard to do so, behind only Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. His shooting prowess was further underscored by hitting his 1,500th career three-pointer, joining an elite group with Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard.
In Game 2, the Suns’ offensive leaders tried to keep pace with the Thunder. Dillon Brooks poured in 30 points on 12-of-23 shooting (including 5-of-9 from deep), while Booker contributed 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jalen Green added 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals, and Collin Gillespie, making his first career playoff start, chipped in 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Royce O’Neale provided a spark off the bench with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Despite these efforts, the Suns were undone by 22 turnovers, which the Thunder turned into 22 points, highlighting the importance of ball security in playoff basketball.
The Suns’ roster has seen significant growth this season, with seven players (not including rookies) averaging career-highs in scoring. The team set franchise records for three-pointers in a season and ranked sixth in the NBA in opponent points per game (111.1), their best defensive mark since the 2021-22 campaign. Collin Gillespie and Royce O’Neale became the first Suns duo to each make over 200 three-pointers in a single season, demonstrating Phoenix’s commitment to perimeter shooting. Oso Ighodaro, who played in all 82 regular season games, also provided consistency and hustle, finishing Game 2 with 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
On the injury front, the Suns entered Game 3 with several concerns. Jordan Goodwin (left calf soreness) and Grayson Allen (left hamstring strain) were both listed as questionable, while Mark Williams remained out with a left foot issue. These injuries further complicated coach Frank Vogel’s rotation decisions as the Suns searched for the right combination to slow down the Thunder’s high-octane attack.
For fans eager to follow the action, Game 3 tipped off at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. MST), with coverage on NBC, Peacock, and local radio stations. The remainder of the series is set, with Game 4 scheduled for April 27 and, if necessary, Games 5 through 7 stretching into early May. The Thunder’s quest for back-to-back championships and the Suns’ fight to extend their season remain among the most compelling storylines of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
With the Thunder leading the series 2-0 and both teams battling adversity, the intensity at the Mortgage Matchup Center was palpable. As Game 3 unfolded, the basketball world watched to see if Oklahoma City would tighten their grip or if Phoenix would ignite a comeback. With stars on both sides and the stakes sky-high, this series continues to deliver drama, grit, and unforgettable moments.