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00:00Дородаш, Дородаш, в your bag, all playoffs long.
00:05Alright, we are counting you down for the first round of the doubleheader here on NBC.
00:09SGA, the Thunder, they've won 10 straight first-round games dating back to 2024.
00:14They're going for a 3-0 lead against Phoenix.
00:16Then, the big one we're all paying attention to in Atlanta, the Hawks, they're up 2-1 after back-to
00:21-back one-point wins.
00:22Can the Knicks respond?
00:24We actually have a game in action already happening on Peacock.
00:27We've got the Detroit Pistons, the 1-C, taking on the Orlando Magic.
00:31Guys, take a look. Magic up 99-88. Six minutes left to play in this one.
00:37I'll say this. This six minutes will tell me a lot about the Magic.
00:41You're up 11. This is a chance to figure out who you are as a team, how to close out
00:46a very good team in the Detroit Pistons.
00:48They've been hanging around this 10-11 point mark.
00:51And you just committed a silly foul right there on the offensive end.
00:54Each possession at this moment really counts.
00:56So you've got to be smart and make a good decision.
01:00I'm looking at 88 points with five minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
01:04That's what I'm looking at.
01:06That's a low score right there.
01:08It's hard to win like that.
01:11They're struggling from three points.
01:1233% are the Pistons.
01:14He gets it to go.
01:15You were talking a little bit too early.
01:16Right.
01:17That's a star player, all-star, taking over the game, understanding his need for his team.
01:24Yeah, just 15 points for K's, five for 15 so far in this game.
01:29And we still got a little bit of time left.
01:30It's so beautiful in Phoenix.
01:32It is so beautiful.
01:33Would you do that?
01:34I would do that.
01:34I would not.
01:35Check out your Peacock scorecard.
01:36Go ahead and fill one out.
01:37It's like Fantasy Sports meets Bingo just on the Peacock app.
01:41Can you do that?
01:41I'm good.
01:42No, no reason.
01:43I'm good.
01:44Phoenix right now, that's what it looks like when you're playing OKC.
01:46I'm a black man from the hood.
01:47You know I ain't about to do that, boy.
01:48You crazy.
01:49But how long you been out the hood?
01:51It don't matter.
01:51I go back every-
01:53Every-
01:53Since 18.
01:53Since he was 19.
01:54Since 18.
01:56What do you mean?
01:57You still there?
01:58Boy, he never leaves.
01:59Are you kidding me?
02:00I'm just kidding.
02:01I'm just messing with you.
02:02Guys, let's get into this OKC Thunder and Phoenix game.
02:06If the Suns are to pull off an upset at home, what has happened, T-Mac?
02:11That's 40 minutes, 48 minutes of just perfect basketball.
02:16Yeah.
02:16And just executing with that.
02:18That's, I told you about those big three.
02:20That's Devin Booker.
02:22You got Bay, I mean, Brooks and Jalen Green.
02:26Those guys have to have 25-plus points, but it's got to be efficient.
02:30And then defensively, like, they're going to have to slow, find a way to slow Shea down.
02:35The other guys are going to get involved if you slow Shea down, and hopefully those guys
02:40are off.
02:40But if you got Shea going and the other guys are going, nah, you don't have a chance.
02:45And so slow that pace down, and those other three guys have to be efficient and effective.
02:52One last thing.
02:52If Brooks and Green has it going, we don't need, well, not we, but Brooks.
02:59Take yourself out of that.
03:00Quick, come.
03:01So, Booker, last game, those two guys had it going, and he was, you know, he deferred
03:06to those guys.
03:06He needs to stay aggressive.
03:07I got you.
03:08V, you was just, we were just talking about something over there.
03:10Go ahead.
03:11Tell the people.
03:11What were we talking about?
03:12Hey, yes.
03:13Beck took most of the time.
03:14So, no, the big three has to play.
03:16And I feel like, on top of that, they need four or five guys.
03:19They need at least seven guys, in my opinion, in double figures.
03:21That means, yeah, like, would you agree?
03:25That's playing perfect basketball, because you need most of the guys, because OKC is
03:29so good defensively, they're going to try to take away Devin Booker.
03:32Yeah, so that's five starters and two guys on the bench, because you're going to need
03:35bench scoring as well.
03:36So, that means everybody's kind of chiming in.
03:39Otherwise, you know, it's a long night.
03:42It's a long night.
03:43Listen, SGA averaging 30 points per game so far in this first round matchup.
03:48Chet has 19 points.
03:49I want everyone out there to know that we got here at, like, 9 a.m., so they're already
03:53a little loosey-goosey.
03:55But we're going to be with you a little bit.
03:58But we're going to be with you for the rest of the way, OK?
04:01Doubleheader on NBC.
04:02We get to start it out with the one seed in the West, Oklahoma City Thunder, taking on
04:06the Phoenix Suns.
04:07Should be a good one here in Game 3.
04:10We'll see if the Suns can steal one.
04:13Pizza party!
04:13Check in with you at halftime.
04:15It is a pizza party.
04:15Keep the party going.
04:16Pizza party!
04:19Huge.
04:20Global.
04:21It's good.
04:22There's only one team I'll work with.
04:23We always must remember.
04:25Remember what?
04:27Uh, uh, Papoy!
04:29Papoy!
04:31We always must remember.
04:34Papoy!
04:48Dominance is not often consistent.
04:52All-time great teams can be even harder to come by.
04:57OKC D!
04:59But the defending champs are once again the team to beat.
05:06And the reigning MVP is playing as if one title is not enough.
05:11SGA again.
05:13Perfect defense doesn't matter.
05:14That is absurd.
05:16An unrelenting offensive attack has put the league on notice.
05:20There's no defense for that.
05:22Thunder has struck.
05:23Thropped it down.
05:25Oh!
05:25And taken a commanding two-game series lead.
05:31Now, we move to Phoenix.
05:34Where playoff dreams are alive.
05:36But the sun is starting to fade.
05:40A storm's brewing in the desert.
05:43Thunder.
05:44Suns.
05:44Game 3.
05:45Next.
05:46On NBC.
05:49NBC.
05:51NBC.
05:52NBC.
05:53NBC.
06:01This is the NBA on NBC.
06:04These are the 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google.
06:10Today, it's game free as the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Phoenix Suns.
06:15Brought to you by Kia.
06:19We visit the desert for the first time and welcome you inside Mortgage Matchup Center for game
06:25three between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns.
06:29Given the evidence so far, no real reason to believe a repeat is impossible.
06:34Terry Gannon, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cornett with you.
06:37We get the DoorDash starting lineup starting with the Thunder.
06:58And the head coach of the Thunder, Mark Dagnall, who as a head coach has not lost a first-round
07:04series in the playoffs, Jamal, though, today he's going to have to win without Jalen Williams
07:09in that starting lineup out with the hamstring.
07:11You're missing one of the very best players in the NBA.
07:14We know what he brings to this OKC Thunder team.
07:17But other guys are going to have to step up.
07:19We know we're going to see SGA and do what he does.
07:21But the depth.
07:22You can see a guy like A.J. Mitchell, you know, with his ball handling and the way he is
07:26a creator, be somebody who is, they can lean on in this early going of the game.
07:312-0 lead in the series for the Thunder.
07:34If you're a fan of the Phoenix Suns, you're looking for a reason to believe, you might
07:39have found that late in game two.
07:42You might have.
07:42You have to bottle that up.
07:44That energy, that positive stretch is one of the most positive stretches in the first
07:47two games.
07:48That's the tape you're showing.
07:49That's what you're showing the guys.
07:50We have to be closer to that to have a chance to win this game.
07:54Jordan Knott talking about that in his first year as a head coach and first trip, obviously,
07:59to the playoffs.
08:00They made the play-in, lost to Portland, then beat Golden State to make it this far.
08:05The eighth seed against the one seed.
08:07Get the DoorDash starting lineups for the home team.
08:13It's go time on your feet to meet and greet today's starting five for your Phoenix Suns.
08:23A 6'1 guard from Villanova, number 12, Colin Gillespie.
08:33A 6'11 center from Chandler, Arizona, number 11, Oso Iguodoro.
08:43On the wing from Fresno, California.
08:46Six foot four, wearing number four, Jalen Greene.
08:53The 6'6 guard from the University of Oregon, number three, Dillon Krook.
09:02And in the back corner, 6'5 guard from the University of Kentucky, number one, Devin Booker.
09:15So first-year head coach Jordan, not without Jordan Goodwin today, out with that calf strain.
09:21Mark Williams is still out, but Grayson Allen is available for them.
09:26That could be big in terms of spacing on the floor.
09:28Thunder, Suns, tip next from Phoenix.
09:32Game three about to get underway here in Phoenix as we check out the DraftKings player tracker.
09:38Clutch player of the year, reigning MVP.
09:40Shea Gilgis-Alexander has been terrific.
09:43Devin Booker as well with the numbers we'll see overall today.
09:47He's got to carry this team.
09:48DraftKings, the number one sportsbook for live betting.
09:51To get in on the action, download the app and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
09:56So Terry again and Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cornett is with us as well, getting set for this one.
10:02If game three is going to be different for the Suns, how does it happen?
10:05They have to play with more force.
10:07They have to bring this crowd into the game, play with more energy, and I want to see a heavy
10:11dose of Devin Booker.
10:12Heavy dose of Devin Booker.
10:13Heavy dose, heavy dose.
10:14We've gotten doses of Devin Booker, but even more as a superstar in game three.
10:18I'm okay with him taking bad shots at times just to set the tone.
10:22Right now, he's playing the right way, and we want that, but we want Devin to go for it.
10:27James Capers, Tyler Ford, Kevin Cutler, your officiating crew here in Phoenix today for the early start.
10:36Also, Iguodaro, Chet Holmgren, his heart this time, and Brooks already fighting.
10:43It's gotten physical.
10:44The game didn't even start.
10:45From the start, set the tone.
10:46Set the tone.
10:47So here we go.
10:48A.J. Mitchell with the start today for Jalen Williams.
10:51You're losing a lot of production, no doubt, and leadership with Williams out, but the long range way to start
10:58from Lou Dort.
10:59He's always going to apply the defensive pressure, but they're on the offensive end.
11:04And that's what you don't want to see if you're the Suns.
11:06You're in the gaps.
11:07You're helping, trying to see if Dort can make a shot and he makes one early.
11:12So, adjustment game one to game two, Jordan Oss talked about ball movement, spacing, no isolation.
11:18Brooks, like to work on Holmgren, going to pick up his first foul.
11:24And they did more of that in game two, but got down bigger early.
11:29They did, and as you see Coach Odd smiling right there, to get Holmgren with his first foul 36 seconds
11:35into the game.
11:36You like that if you're a Suns fan.
11:38So, Dylan Brooks coming off game two in which he scored 30, including 23 in the second half.
11:44He's been very aggressive, and he is their toughness.
11:47He brings that grit to the floor every single time he plays, was trying to set the tone even before
11:52the game where he was standing.
11:53So, those guys could get clean shots and live.
11:56That's his ritual.
11:57You saw that, right?
11:58Oh, yeah.
11:59No doubt about it.
12:00The stair.
12:01Full court pressure from Gillespie, who gets a start again here, as he did in game two.
12:08Mitchell around the screen.
12:11Dort operates, book around him.
12:13And as Gillespie matched up with SGA.
12:23And you saw him right there, Shea Gilgis-Alexander ran a pick-and-roll with Devin Booker, and Booker did
12:30not want to switch.
12:31He tried to stay on his matchup.
12:33So, keep an eye on that to see if Booker does eventually switch over to SGA.
12:38Best record in the NBA for the second straight season, the defending champs.
12:42And also, they've won ten straight first-round series in the playoffs.
12:48Dort had the shot initially and now leaves it inside.
12:51Hunter Stein hit the dunk.
12:53Good drop-off by Dort getting baseline.
12:55That's where you want to influence an offensive player that's less space but still made a great decision.
13:00That matchup and now the switch.
13:02SGA.
13:04Ligodaro out to green.
13:06Jalen misfires.
13:08Gillespie had it and was fouled.
13:13Hardenstein picks up his first.
13:18Good pass right there by Hardenstein.
13:20Lou Dort could have settled.
13:21Got baseline.
13:22Drops it off.
13:23And that's where the Thunder continue to grow.
13:25They make the right play every single time.
13:27Their trust after going through that championship run.
13:30It is a close team, and I know that's an obvious statement as Booker fought.
13:36He was fouled on that one.
13:38Setting the screen.
13:39Hardenstein right here at midcourt, and that's his second.
13:44Excuse me.
13:45That's his first.
13:47Switched their previous foul.
13:49We talked to players, and you know personally, you talk about the playoffs being different.
13:55Jordan Ott says, look, I'm really still learning in terms of that playoff experience.
14:00As a head coach.
14:01And there's nothing that can prepare you for it.
14:03You can be around it.
14:03You can see it.
14:04But actually going through it, to have to make adjustments and decisions in real time is a totally different situation.
14:10Brooks steps back beyond the line.
14:13Off the heel.
14:14Another chance, though.
14:16Booker fades at the free throw line.
14:18Overgoing.
14:18In those shots that Booker gets off offensive rebound, he's not going to get a lot of space.
14:23So whenever he gets space in those situations, he has to take full advantage.
14:27Five-time all-star who had 22 in game one, and then 23 in the other.
14:32And the bucket quickly at this end.
14:36And that's why you start a guy like A.J. Mitchell.
14:38He can be a primary ball handler, a primary creator, where S.G.A. can play behind the defense at
14:44times.
14:53That was a great pass by Gillespie.
14:55He just strung out that pick and roll and had the Thunder defense caught in no man's land to drop
15:00off the dunk.
15:02Okay, see, three for three so far to start at this end.
15:05Tipped out of bounds, stays here.
15:08Watch this pass by Gillespie.
15:10He kind of fans out, stops, pauses, and drops it off.
15:14Hardenstein was stuck between helping him and not guarding his own men.
15:18Gillespie, a player who's really come into his own and purge this season.
15:22He had to grind for it.
15:23He had to work for it.
15:25His confidence and belief in him has picked up.
15:28Matched up with S.G.A.
15:29That mid-range floater fade away along the baseline.
15:33And they have not missed a shot.
15:34No, it's four for four by the Thunder.
15:36But they're getting the shots they get every single night, so they're comfortable taking those shots.
15:40Quick swing.
15:41Green.
15:42Mitchell trying to stay with him, get some help from Hardenstein.
15:47Trying to create along the baseline.
15:50Big step for Brooks.
15:52Floats, nope.
15:53Home grid clears.
16:00Change of direction and pace.
16:03And will create the foul on the reach.
16:09Let's be, he's holding his hand, picked up his first.
16:12Watch S.G.A., the way he manipulates his pick and roll.
16:15Gets it, pauses, pushes out, gets to balance, and knocks down the fade away.
16:23As an offensive player, he just has such patience as well.
16:28Dorn.
16:31Cleared, Iguodara, the only son to play all 82 this year.
16:35Look around the run.
16:41Skip Gillespie.
16:43In and out.
16:46Sons could really use some of the early ones to go down.
16:49They're going to have to.
16:50Two of seven, Jamal.
16:50Yeah, they're going to have to.
16:51And you see their defense trying to pick up, but they're going to have to make shots.
16:56Especially a three-point shot to give space to their offensive players.
17:00Mitchell.
17:01That Brooks in the air, strong move off the glass and in.
17:07Mitchell just is an attacker.
17:08And it's one thing to be able to do it off the bench.
17:10When you can do the same thing with the starters, that's a different mindset, a different confidence.
17:16Brooks way off.
17:18Head the other way.
17:19Mitchell getting a start.
17:20The second-year player out of UC Santa Barbara.
17:24And talking to Mark Dagnall, saying, look, maybe one of our least experienced players in terms of the playoffs.
17:30But he's ready.
17:30He's proven that.
17:32He absolutely is.
17:33He has no problem throwing them in the fire.
17:34And the door gets a clean-looking three.
17:36Just wasn't able to knock it down.
17:42Booker.
17:43Got it.
17:43First three of the game for the Suns.
17:46One of six now.
17:48And those are opportunities Booker does not get often.
17:52Great pass right there from Jalen Crean to get their best player a nice look.
17:56Mitchell.
17:57And it's taken away.
17:58Head of the pack.
17:59Here comes Booker.
18:00The easy lay-in.
18:02Eventually.
18:04With a smile on his face.
18:34I don't know if he put on his clown suit or if he was trying to trick all of us.
18:36The Thunder sets up that half-court defense.
18:38Well, they're going to have to.
18:38That's the only way they can generate stuff.
18:40It's SBA just called with the offensive foul by James Capers.
18:47Third turnover for the Thunder.
18:50So, some life here.
18:51Early on, Ford the Suns.
18:53Phoenix, tied up.
18:5613.
18:58Are you shocked at what the Magic's been able to do against Detroit?
19:01I'm not shocked, actually, because I thought Paulo's game would really rise and shine in the playoffs.
19:06Other guys are stepping up.
19:08They're having their moments.
19:08Suggs is playing well.
19:10It's going to be a series.
19:11If you're Orlando, you have to feel good about what you see.
19:14You've got the Knicks and the Hawks coming up after us.
19:17And 2-1 lead for Atlanta in that series.
19:21Shot clock down to three.
19:23Godara.
19:24Got it over home great.
19:25And those are the plays right there that, Coach, I talked about.
19:29Devin Booker making the right read.
19:30He got two people on him.
19:32He's done his job.
19:32Now he has to make a teammate better.
19:34He does that right there.
19:35Godara getting his starts because Mark Williams out of the lineup here.
19:38It's a 9-2 Phoenix run.
19:42Jordan Cornett, you have more?
19:43I was able to peek into the Suns huddle,
19:46and a lot of the conversation geared towards Iguodaro and his ability
19:50coming from both the players and Coach Ott saying,
19:52identify the short roll.
19:54Be aggressive as a receiver there.
19:56Opportunities will present themselves.
19:57We just saw one, fellas.
19:59Yep, sure did.
20:01Alex Caruso just checked in.
20:04Defensively, you know what he gives them.
20:05Had three steals in 23 minutes in game two.
20:10Mitchell, tough shot, gets it back.
20:13Lesby tipped it out of bounds, 12 on the shot clock.
20:16It was amazing just to watch Shea just walk his defender down.
20:20He literally walked into a spot.
20:22The help defense came.
20:23He made the pass.
20:24But like you said, he is so calm with his game no matter what.
20:29He takes what's there and then creates an average 31-plus during the regular season.
20:3525 in game one, 37 in game two for the two victories.
20:40Timeout Phoenix.
20:42Take a late look as they challenge.
20:46Yep, they will.
20:48Look at today's DraftKings player tracker.
20:51SGA right now with four in the game.
20:53Devin Booker with seven in the early going.
20:55DraftKings number one sportsbook for live betting.
20:58Get in on the action.
20:59Download the app and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
21:03So the coach's challenge was successful.
21:06It did eventually go off of A.J. Mitchell and its son's basketball.
21:12Aaron Wiggins now in off the bench for the Thunder.
21:15Caught a piece right there.
21:17Who nailed it?
21:18Knocked it down.
21:20And you've got to give credit to Coach Ott and his staff.
21:22That was an after-timeout play.
21:25They knew Devin Booker running pick and roll was going to attract two people.
21:28But a great screen by Brooks to get Jalen Green a four-point play opportunity.
21:36Green who averaged almost 18 a game during the regular season as you look again.
21:4321 in game two but just one of eight from three-point range.
21:46They could really use him to get going.
21:48And remember, Grayson Allen is supposed to be available for this game three.
21:52And he will be big time for them coming in.
21:54And even if he's not making shots, the space he will provide to Booker, Brooks, and Green on offense.
22:0013-2.
22:02Phoenix run.
22:05Shea Gilgis-Alexander looking out the door.
22:10Home grip.
22:11Booker trying to stay with him.
22:13One-footed fadeaway.
22:15Got it.
22:15Pretty work.
22:16I've seen that shot before.
22:17It was a guy by the name of Dirk Nowiski.
22:19Different place on the court with the same movements and rhythms.
22:22Kind of invented it.
22:24And we see a lot of guys try to copy it.
22:26Gillespie fades along the baseline.
22:29That was nice footwork right there by Gillespie.
22:33Could have tried his luck and said, let me just fan out.
22:37Didn't quite get there.
22:38Blocking five.
22:45Watched head home.
22:46Good defense by Devin Booker.
22:49And just messes with Booker's rhythm by fading off one leg.
22:53Booker thought he was getting in right there.
22:56That was a good call on the block.
22:59But reached just a little bit to let Shea get by.
23:02So the first on Booker, the third team foul.
23:05Case and Wallace has checked in along with J. Will.
23:09Jalen Williams off the bench for the Thunder.
23:11And Royce O'Neal in for the Suns.
23:15Who is now defending SGA.
23:18They get the switch.
23:23Five on the shot clock.
23:25Williams in and out.
23:26Didn't take long to get that first shot up.
23:30The Suns have made their last five from the floor.
23:35Screen and roll.
23:36Corner O'Neal who can shoot the three, obviously.
23:41Brooks over Wallace.
23:43Just elevated with that jumper.
23:45He knew exactly where he wanted to go in the area of the floor he needed to be at.
23:49Big time shot by Brooks.
23:52Six in the game for Dylan.
23:58Wallace, who at times has started for Jalen Williams when he hasn't been able to go throughout the regular season.
24:04Caruso rolled in and out.
24:09Suns looking aggressive at the offensive end.
24:11Whistle and a foul.
24:12He's going to go against the Thunder.
24:13And Coach Ott talked about Booker's leadership.
24:16Book was open two plays ago.
24:19Right now he's still teaching Jalen Green.
24:24And Book gives it up.
24:25Quick, quick decision.
24:27Sees Jalen Green has a matchup he should take advantage of.
24:29Gets to the free throw line.
24:31But he absolutely set Jalen Green up for that.
24:34And is teaching while he's playing.
24:36First foul on Caruso and the fourth team foul on Oklahoma City in and out for Green.
24:45Go back to that.
24:46Teaching while he's playing.
24:47With the players, the younger players here, constantly learning from not only what he's saying but what he's doing.
24:53Yes, because there was a situation that happened where Booker was open.
24:57Green said, I missed you.
24:59The very next possession, Booker gets the ball.
25:01Throws it right back to Green.
25:03Then goes and teaches him like, hey, that's what we're trying to do.
25:05And look up the court, quick decision.
25:06And you talk to the Suns organization to say he makes the right play all the time.
25:10In the playoffs, though, are there times when you've got to be more aggressive than something?
25:14There is.
25:15But you also have to take what's there and then in between that still take over games.
25:20And Booker looks like he's doing that right now.
25:22So Grayson Allen on the floor.
25:24You hear it from the crowd.
25:26Missed the first two games.
25:27Had a tough time with that left hamstring.
25:30And through the season, missed games with a knee as well.
25:36So his first action here in the playoffs in this first round.
25:43Tipped out with 12 on the shot clock.
25:48159 threes on the year for Allen.
25:56Wallace.
25:57Yep.
25:58Got it.
25:59They're a little bit late defensively getting out there.
26:02Case and Wallace makes him pay.
26:03And that was a great possession by the Thunder.
26:05They went side to side to one of their guys knocking down.
26:09Yes.
26:10The hands of the defensive pressure.
26:11They took him right away from Brooks.
26:14But the first turnover for the Suns.
26:20Swing it.
26:21Jay Will.
26:23Purely all my life.
26:24And he said, let's go.
26:26Come on.
26:26He is shooting it with confidence.
26:28And you can see his team saying, let it fly.
26:30Scoreless in game two for Jalen Williams.
26:33Not here.
26:34Booker got his own rebound off of SGA.
26:41Watch the Thunder defense.
26:42This is who they are.
26:43This is who they've been.
26:44Watch the defense by Wallace.
26:47He said, give me that.
26:48And then watch the extra pass.
26:51Caruso.
26:52Williams.
26:54Free ball.
26:54I don't care who you are.
26:56By the end of the game, you've got to be saying, just get away from me for a second.
27:02Allen's first try.
27:03Straight down the short.
27:05Here come the Thunder.
27:09SGA on the run.
27:10Again, that patience.
27:11That hesitation.
27:13He's just so at peace when he's coming downhill at the basket.
27:17You're at his mercy.
27:18You don't know what he's going to do.
27:19But he's always under control.
27:22OKC on a 6-8-0 run.
27:24Shooting 63% from the floor.
27:28He's kind of measured it.
27:30The first three nails this one.
27:32And he's someone who can help change different things.
27:36I've seen that move before SGA.
27:38That was nice.
27:40Wallace Strong.
27:42Come on, Malawanch.
27:44In the game.
27:44Almost ran that down.
27:45Just fell to Caruso for an easy lane.
27:47Hey, Caruso's living right.
27:49You know, when you do the right things, it usually works out in your favor.
27:51And he is the ultimate professional, always doing the right thing.
27:54You create your luck.
27:55You do.
27:56You do.
27:56You do.
27:56When preparation meets opportunity.
27:59Malawanch sets the screen.
28:01Allen even deeper three this time.
28:04Hey, Allen's my type of guy.
28:05He hasn't played in a while.
28:06Three threes gets him up in less than three minutes.
28:08I love it.
28:09Less than three minutes is like a minute.
28:13Oh.
28:14Yep, just motioned to the crowd.
28:17That is a three.
28:18And the reigning MVP.
28:2113-three run for OKC to take the lead.
28:25And look at them play defense.
28:26Look at Caruso.
28:29I mean, just face guarding him right now.
28:33Look at Wallace.
28:33Wallace, these guys are just so tied in, the communication.
28:38Malawanch could gather, but couldn't make it.
28:42Here comes SGA.
28:43They're just relentless at that end.
28:48Wiggins.
28:49Inside out, they go deep corner.
28:51Yep, Wallace has got another one.
28:53You can just tell OKC plays agenda-free basketball.
28:56Whoever gets it, shoot it, shoot it with confidence.
29:00You're just playing for the team.
29:02Shooting 65% from the floor and 56% from three-point range.
29:08Allen went down hard.
29:12Dylan Williams, the foul.
29:14Watch this Thunder defense.
29:16It starts with the ball pressure by Caruso.
29:19And look at Williams communicate.
29:22Caruso still not letting Allen touch it.
29:25Wallace making it difficult for Booker to receive a catch.
29:29And look how two blue jerseys swarmed the paint.
29:32That is textbook great defense right there by the OKC Thunder.
29:35I mean, where is the space?
29:37It doesn't exist.
29:37There is none.
29:38No.
29:39So OKC over the limit.
29:41Allen to the line.
29:42Well short.
29:43And even that possession, you have to give Phoenix credit.
29:46They went side to side.
29:47They got to a pick and roll.
29:48They made all the right reads.
29:49But it just shows how connected this OKC defense is.
29:53AJ Mitchell back on for Caruso.
29:56So, Aino came here and gave him championship pedigree.
30:03And now looking for two in a row.
30:07And look at the depth of this team.
30:09They're missing their second best player in J.
30:11Dove, Jalen Williams.
30:13You know, guys may get in foul trouble.
30:15Home grid hasn't been out there in a while.
30:16And they just find guys Mitchell attacking.
30:23Malawatch got him with the body.
30:25A rookie out of due.
30:27His first.
30:28That's what they did all year.
30:29They're all OKC.
30:30It was just that next man up mentality.
30:33That's what they've done.
30:35And he's still down.
30:37A.J. Mitchell attacking the basket.
30:40Gets fouled.
30:41Takes a shot.
30:44And gets up.
30:46Yeah, hit the deck hard.
30:51He is up.
30:52And at the line.
30:55OKC, give them credit.
30:56You knew.
30:57They knew that Phoenix was going to come out and throw their best question to start.
31:00They would do it then still have a lead.
31:02Got the first for an 87% free throw shooter.
31:05Reminder tonight on Peacock.
31:06Check out Peacock performance view.
31:08Whole new way to watch with real time stats, live shot data, and player tracking.
31:13Dive deeper into the action of Peacock so you can watch this and the next one that way.
31:18Remember, you've got the Knicks and the Hawks still to come.
31:28Brooks has got the stare on the sideline.
31:31There's no off switch with him.
31:33That's just how it goes.
31:34And that's what keeps him wired and keeps his teams with that certain grip.
31:39That pregame ritual today, you've gotten used to it.
31:42How would you have handled that?
31:43But Lou Dort was right there.
31:45He wouldn't move.
31:45He got two in threes right in his space.
31:53O'Neal.
31:55Long three.
31:56Rims in and out.
32:02That will do it here in the first.
32:04So Phoenix got hot for a while, but OKC, the defending champs, back on top.
32:09NBA playoffs presented by Google.
32:12Our coverage brought to you by Kia.
32:18Second quarter about to get underway here in Phoenix.
32:21Obviously, the Thunder, they forced turnovers.
32:23Look at what they've done game one and game two.
32:26The Suns pretty good at doing the same, but the numbers 5.5 first two days.
32:31They forced six today.
32:32They forced six today, and you just know they're going to figure it out.
32:36The Thunder always have the answers to the test, and now if they won a championship, they know what they're
32:42doing is working.
32:43Thunder ended that first quarter on an 18-4 run.
32:49So Green works it around to O'Neal.
32:53Allen not shot.
32:54He gets up another shot.
32:55That was a great.
32:56He's out here like tear again.
32:57He is firing it up every single time.
33:00I love it.
33:01I mean, he just free that that play was for him to get going.
33:05They know what he brings to the table.
33:07I mean, why not?
33:08That's what you're out here to do.
33:10Hartenstein just picked up his second.
33:18Malawaj, he the Suns organization loves.
33:20He is as hard a worker as they have on their roster and think that he's going to be really
33:25good.
33:27Brooks back in here to start the second.
33:29Tough shot over home game.
33:31Malawaj works really, really hard just watching him right now, even communicating on defense.
33:38Those little things have a big impact.
33:40Uh-oh.
33:42Mitchell, you got to know.
33:43Uh-oh.
33:45I thought it was going somewhere else with it.
33:48Tipped out, still the Suns basketball.
33:51And now you're going to see Jalen Green at point with Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neal being off the
33:56ball.
33:56He's going to be a lead decision maker.
33:58We're going to stay in pick and roll or he'll just beat you one-on-one.
34:01Green.
34:02Elegan's the lay-in.
34:04He is so fast getting downhill.
34:07He beat the help defense.
34:37He beat the initial defender, but then he beat the help defense as well.
34:39He's not even saw him attacking the basket.
34:42Then McCain, showing some of those moves he does on TikTok with the dancers.
34:45He's just going to dance him on the baseline.
34:485.3 million.
34:49How do you know his number?
34:51You know what he has?
34:52Yeah, I know it.
34:53All right.
34:54Second-year player out at Duke, who they picked up in the trade deadline.
34:57Don't let him find out you're doing dances on TikTok.
35:00No, no, no, no.
35:00You'll never.
35:01If I could dance, I would.
35:04Green.
35:04Tough defense from Mitchell.
35:06Made that a difficult shot.
35:08Holmgren clears another one.
35:12If you know in the half court, at least, you're not going to get many easy shots.
35:21Hardenstein got bumped.
35:22Holds on to it.
35:23Looking for help.
35:25Defense in the corner.
35:27Brooks all over him.
35:29Backdoor Mitchell read it perfectly.
35:31That was a fall asleep moment by Jalen Green.
35:35A great timing right there by Mitchell.
35:37He saw his teammate was stuck.
35:38He said this is an easy free run to the basket.
35:41Mitchell with eight here in the first half.
35:43Pump fake.
35:43Allen gets clear to the baseline.
35:45Oh.
35:46Knocks down a deep corner.
35:48You like that one.
35:49You like that one.
35:50That's not easy.
35:51That was nice.
35:52That was nice.
35:52Grayson Allen.
35:53You would never know he missed the beat.
35:55Seven points already.
35:56Just to get the balance in the corner.
36:01He's taken away for a moment.
36:02Scramble.
36:03And the double with contact.
36:07Whistle and a foul.
36:09Going to go against Royce O'Neal.
36:11First personal.
36:11Second team foul.
36:14Watch A.J. Mitchell and the timing.
36:17Free run to the basket.
36:20Scores know how to score.
36:21And it's not always off the dribble.
36:23It's not always catch and shoot.
36:24But Grayson Allen says, you know what?
36:26I can do off the dribble.
36:27Step back right in front of your bench.
36:28But it was depressing because he lost the handle.
36:30He did lose it.
36:31He lost his foot in suit.
36:33Mitchell.
36:34Nope.
36:35Malawash with the rebound.
36:41Change of direction a couple of times for Green.
36:44Here's the help.
36:47Brooks.
36:48Spins.
36:49Fades.
36:50Files it.
36:52He is getting where he wants to go.
36:56He knows he has to get into Chet's body to take away the lift that Chet presents with contesting the
37:02shots.
37:03He's got eight in the game so far.
37:04He has to play.
37:05He has to play.
37:06He has to play.
37:07Mccain.
37:07Mccain.
37:08It was fitted nicely with this crew.
37:11Little stepback 15-footer.
37:13And that's big with the Thunder being part of this crew.
37:16Бесы и здесь есть, но это тоже
37:17Омазки, где в этой сезоне
37:19Мы говорим об этом, что не ездить в центре
37:21Исчет, но мы с вами
37:23Субтитры
37:24Потому что они в субтитры
37:25Они не были
37:26И они не будут
37:27Они будут
37:27Они не так
37:28Маккей nuevos
37:28Лучке
37:28Бходит
37:31Шат
37:32Тяжело
37:32Субтитры
37:33У вас
37:34И
37:41И
37:42И
37:43Пытая
37:43Причем физicality, whatever it takes.
37:45It was a paint touch, per se,
37:47but he definitely shot the mid-range.
37:49And then McCain
37:50sees him in the drop coverage,
37:52gets to his spot, knocks it down.
37:54And they're doing this with SGA on the bench,
37:57which provides good
37:59a foul by Grayson Alley.
38:01I think he held him a little bit.
38:03He can shoot threes and he can foul.
38:04He can do both, whenever he's needed.
38:06Teams third, his second.
38:09Mitchell trying to answer.
38:10Nope.
38:12Mitchell, nifty little behind the back for Brooks.
38:17Oh, he wants his matchup.
38:24Booker, oh yeah.
38:25Forcing the issue.
38:27On the kick, they got a hand.
38:29Swing, O'Neal, three on the shot clock.
38:32And Booker was trading kicked out.
38:34They missed him.
38:35There were 415 beyond the arc so far.
38:38McCain misses badly, out of bounds.
38:42It'll be Thunder basketball.
38:46And watch Booker.
38:48He attacks the basket.
38:51Makes the play.
38:51Look how open he is.
38:52That's not gonna fly
38:55when your best player is that open
38:57after he created the play.
38:58Calling for the ball.
38:59Yes, calling for it.
39:00Yep.
39:02You talk about him being more aggressive offensively,
39:04but it's the team.
39:06It's both.
39:06They weren't handing him.
39:07I mean, he can't miss those kind of opportunities
39:09when you're trying to fight.
39:10It's AJ Mitchell just attacks and attacks.
39:13And he's usually going left when he attacks,
39:15but he has 10 points.
39:16All right.
39:16Double figures.
39:17I'm not sure how he got that one off the glass and in.
39:23And that's what else the mid-range shot does.
39:29It lets you find the target
39:30so you're feeling good about your shot
39:32would then allow the three-point shot to go easier.
39:35Double figures with 11.
39:36Nifty move from McCain this time, creating inside.
39:39This is Eminem.
39:40McCain and Mitchell show us the second quarter.
39:45Green trying to join it.
39:48Mitchell picks up the foul.
39:49For 25, AJ Mitchell.
39:52First personal, second team foul.
39:54Mitchell just really crafty.
39:56Right-to-left crossover.
39:57Colin Gillespie.
39:58Goes through the physicality,
40:00gets the left-hand spin to finish.
40:02And then Dylan Brooks knocking down the three-point shot.
40:09Giving this team some life.
40:11So Mitchell's first, second team foul.
40:14Gillespie is back in now.
40:16Green takes a seat.
40:18Brooks, contact foul on Chet Holmgren.
40:21And then he slid like he was going down the super slide.
40:26Right now attacking the basket.
40:28Dylan Brooks, free throws.
40:29Racing where high fashion meets high stakes.
40:32It begins next weekend with the Kentucky Oaks
40:34leading up to, of course, the Kentucky Derby.
40:37Comes your way on NBC and Peacock.
40:41So what you were saying about Eminem?
40:43I mean, they're putting on a show right now,
40:45and they're doing without SGA on the court.
40:48And they're carrying this Thunder team.
40:50It's amazing to see that Phoenix has brought a punch.
40:53They've brought fight to the game.
40:55But OKC is still up six.
40:57It's almost like they're just putting ice on their fire.
40:59Right?
40:59They're just kind of walking them down.
41:01Systematically saying, you know what?
41:03We'll hang around.
41:03We'll hang around.
41:04And we get guys off the bench that can provide a lift.
41:06It can be debilitating, right?
41:07Because you feel like the Suns that you played pretty well.
41:10Yes.
41:10You've had a good start here.
41:11You look up, and you're down now five after the free throw.
41:14Exactly.
41:15And that's the part.
41:16But you just got to stay with it.
41:17You're a young team.
41:18You got a young coach.
41:19But you just got to fight and give yourself a chance.
41:23Got them both.
41:24Mark Dagnall, by the way, talking to him before the game.
41:27And I expected this.
41:28But I said, how is it different being the defending champs in the playoffs?
41:31I know you've talked about the regular season, viewing it as an entirely different thing.
41:36He said, we didn't even talk about last year.
41:37We're not defending anything.
41:38This is brand new.
41:40McCain is brand new.
41:42Mid-season, always.
41:49Holmgren, again, matched up on Brooks.
41:51Took it away.
41:53Hartenstein gives it up to McCain.
41:55Big step in the lane.
41:57Floats.
42:00See if the Suns look to push here.
42:03Pull up, Booker.
42:06But those are the opportunities Booker's going to have to take.
42:09When the defense has been back, transition, they're backpedaling.
42:13You have to make the read and be aggressive in those situations.
42:15They're just five of 17 from three-point range, though.
42:21Tipped out after the Holmgren miss.
42:24Stays at this end.
42:26And then you watch SGA.
42:29You're like, oh, yeah, I forgot.
42:31I forgot about it, right?
42:34Jalen Green returns for the Suns.
42:36Gilgis Alexander with nine in the game so far.
42:39Real-placing Royce.
42:40Jalen Williams also back in.
42:42Hartenstein to the bench.
42:51That depth that Oklahoma City has as well.
42:55Not only as a pretty lead from SGA creating to Holmgren on that, it allows you to play the way
43:02they do, too.
43:03So physical, forcing the issue.
43:05Get in foul trouble, the next guy steps up.
43:07That depth and that trust they play with.
43:10If you watch, SGA plays a lot of iso ball, but it's not iso ball as Devin Booker gets a
43:14shot to go.
43:15It's not iso ball for him.
43:17It's iso ball for the team.
43:18So you're just giving me space.
43:20But if you come over, I have no problem dropping it off or getting a layup.
43:23That's what he does right there.
43:25There was contact, and Gillespie hit the deck.
43:28SGA with 11 in the game now.
43:33Green bumps.
43:34Bucket to the line.
43:35Chance for three.
43:37Well, he had the matchup, and then I heard Ying Yang twins playing and got him going like he was
43:41out in the summer night playing.
43:42I knew he was going to attack.
43:44That's Jalen Green walking to a spot, then turn on the Jets to put Chet Holmgren in foul trouble.
43:53And then SGA used a little bump, gets the two feet, step through.
43:57He used a lot of fundamentals.
43:59For as flashy as people say he is off the court, how he dresses and how loud he is,
44:03Jalen Green was actually quiet and built on fundamentals.
44:06It is the third foul on Holmgren.
44:17You could be flashy and be a fundamental sound player.
44:21Yeah, two things could be true at once.
44:23Absolutely.
44:25Green with 10 in the game.
44:28Gillespie trying to deny SGA.
44:30Can't do it.
44:32A little contact there as well.
44:34The crowd reacts.
44:37Wallace denied by Gillespie.
44:39Makes it a tough shot.
44:41Good defense.
44:45Booker on the move.
44:46Around Dort.
44:47In and out the swing.
44:50Good ball moving from the sun.
44:52Big of Dara on the finish.
45:02Both teams upset.
45:03Suns wanted to foul.
45:04They go right in the face of an official at this end.
45:07And watch the ball move by the suns.
45:09Devin Booker passes it.
45:10Gets around the horn.
45:11Watch it attack.
45:13Drop off.
45:14Layup.
45:20Brooks and Green and double figures.
45:22Booker close so far.
45:23Jamal.
45:24Booker is nine points.
45:26Four for seven.
45:27I love his mentality, though.
45:28He's very aggressive in transition.
45:30And the stat I love most is three assists.
45:33No turnovers.
45:34He's getting a lot of attention.
45:35But he is handling it well today.
45:37Jordan, what do you hear?
45:38Well, Jamal, you mentioned transition.
45:40Listening in on the sun's huddle, Coach Ott was preaching.
45:42Advance the basketball.
45:43Let's play fast.
45:44Don't allow the ball to stick.
45:45They can't guard us if we move it.
45:48J. Will with the miss.
45:49Tipped down.
45:50It'll be Phoenix basketball.
45:5218 bench points already in this one for Oklahoma City.
45:55And that's what's kept them afloat, especially with the sun's run.
45:58The sun's striking in transition.
46:00You want to do that anyway?
46:01You really want to do it against a defensive team like this.
46:04Feel like you have to.
46:05You have to do it.
46:09Big a dollar at the screen.
46:10He's going to get it back.
46:11And the flush.
46:13Straight down the lane.
46:15And right there, SGA was the low man.
46:17He didn't sell out and stop that pocket pass by Jalen Green.
46:21And that's what allowed the dunk.
46:23So Phoenix back on top, 49-48 on the strength of the 7-0 run.
46:29Game has kind of gone that way, back and forth with runs.
46:33SGA, just a little floater, fade away as he does.
46:42SGA just, SGA has a mischief.
46:44Yeah, like he just gets a shot he wants at all times.
46:46But they're going to leave with a whistle and a blocking foul before that.
46:53As a Booker creates, going to draw that foul.
47:03Yeah, he got rid of it.
47:04Yep.
47:06And then watch right here as Jalen Green runs the pick and roll.
47:16Jalen Green runs the pick and roll.
47:18And as he runs the pick and roll, SGA is the low man.
47:21If he's there right there, he beats the pass.
47:24But he couldn't leave Gillespie over there.
47:26And that's what gave the space for that pocket pass.
47:28It matters who's standing in that corner.
47:31Absolutely.
47:32And SGA is 6 for 6, just making it look effortless.
47:35Well, that's what he, every time he scores down here, you just left going,
47:39it's not that easy.
47:41You make it look too easy.
47:43Way too easy.
47:45But the Suns have the lead again.
47:46Devin Booker with 11 in the game.
47:48So you got three Suns and double figures at this point.
47:52Looking for a stop here.
47:55Help defense.
47:56Recovery.
48:00Gilgis Alexander got hit.
48:02I believe it was Booker.
48:03And it was.
48:04That's the second on Devin.
48:08And SGA is so good with his footwork.
48:10If you look when he got the ball, he rejected it, which allowed him to get left.
48:14The defense was set up to his right.
48:18And it allowed him to get to the free throw line.
48:21So the second on Booker, SGA, 88% from the line throughout the regular season.
48:29So we take a look at the upcoming playoff schedule.
48:31NBC Peacock today.
48:32You got the Knicks and the Hawks game four.
48:35And we went up two games.
48:36Well, I know it is.
48:37There's a game right there.
48:38That's a series.
48:39ABC Tonight, Denver and Minnesota.
48:41For more on these games, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
48:47Both series, Terry, has been unbelievable.
48:51The Knicks-Hawks game in Atlanta.
48:54Show them fighting.
48:56And then Minnesota just jumping all over Denver that last game.
49:00Gilgis Alexander with 15 in the game.
49:02And he hasn't really taken over the game.
49:05And it's been his kind of 15.
49:08Allen, way off.
49:10Back to the Thunder.
49:11A bit of quiet 15.
49:12That's just been still.
49:13Doesn't it seem like it?
49:15Nothing's been loud about it.
49:21Clutch player of the year in the NBA.
49:24Going back to work.
49:25Creating for Williams.
49:27I mean, even that.
49:28Making that look easy.
49:29Everything about it is like he's just in a flow.
49:32He's just in a total flow.
49:33And obviously, he has just 30 points a game.
49:3530-plus points.
49:37Green got hit.
49:38Somehow gets it to go.
49:40As he hits the deck.
49:43That was tough.
49:47Jalen Green navigating, hesitating, devastating.
49:52I'm going to walk quiet right now.
49:54She gets an and one opportunity.
49:55Falling down.
49:58Asking for the foul and got it.
49:59That was a tough shot.
50:00I mean, that's a playoff bucket right there.
50:02Second on Caruso.
50:04Fifth team foul on the Thunder.
50:05Up by two.
50:10To hit a coach's challenge.
50:12The Thunder challenging that last call.
50:14The second foul on Alex Caruso.
50:18Upon review, the first individual contact is by number 11 for Phoenix, pushing the defender
50:25into the shooter.
50:27Therefore, we have a approximate offensive foul.
50:29We have a successful challenge.
50:32Oklahoma City has another challenge remaining game.
50:34And they retain their timeout.
50:36And we have Oklahoma City ball out of bounds with 24 on the shot clock for the new possession.
50:42And there's the push.
50:43It was the push.
50:45Great camera work right there.
50:47That was absolutely a push.
50:49Jalen Green doesn't know that.
50:50He's like, that's a foul.
50:52Because initially, we're like, okay, there is contact.
50:54There's no doubt.
50:55Caruso.
50:56Right.
50:56In the body.
50:57But how it started was different.
50:58So, it's overturned.
51:01They keep the challenge.
51:05And the second on Iguodaro.
51:08And Caruso now with just one.
51:11As the Thunder leads by four with possession.
51:16Under three minutes.
51:16And Iguodaro, SGA, I'm not sure.
51:20Good pass.
51:22Good work behind on the baseline from Caruso to just finding that spot.
51:26And you also get the coaching staff with OKC that.
51:30They knew that was going to be open coming out of time now.
51:33So, the Thunder has answered with a 7-0 run.
51:36Allen not able to change that.
51:41Two of seven now.
51:43For Grayson Allen.
51:45Quick.
51:47Rising for the jumper.
51:49SGA.
51:51And it's a 9-0 run.
51:52Yes, he's got 17 here in the first half.
52:00SGA is just.
52:01Look, there's nothing in the rush.
52:04He's almost like he's working backwards.
52:06Like, I'm not in a rush.
52:07I'm going to go slow to go fast.
52:09Because I know exactly where I want to go.
52:10Here we go.
52:13Williams.
52:13He's in the corner.
52:15A little bit long.
52:16You know, you talk about young players.
52:17The game has got to slow down for you.
52:19He plays like that all the time.
52:21Every game.
52:22Every time.
52:24Once you figure out the game.
52:25And you figure out what works for you.
52:27And it works worldwide.
52:28That's a whirlpool game.
52:29It could work anywhere.
52:31Gillespie got his own rebound.
52:33And the follow.
52:34Good finish by Gillespie.
52:35He knew.
52:36Gillespie knew it was short.
52:39And when you shoot it and you know it's short.
52:41Sometimes you're the only one who knows who's going to go.
52:44Good offensive rebound.
52:45He's got four points.
52:45But that's his fifth rebound of the game.
52:49Matched up.
52:50Trying to stay.
52:51That's still just Alexander.
52:53Walks down.
52:54Walks to a spot.
52:56It's like if me and you right now are playing L.A. Fitness.
52:58We're just walking guys down right now.
52:59It's a T.G.
53:00It's a good idea, by the way.
53:03Watch S.G.A.
53:05Going to his left.
53:06They know he's going to get a lot of attention.
53:07And watch Caruso just sneak in that soft spot to get the layup.
53:11And then this jumper gets to a spot and raises up.
53:15Shoots right over the top.
53:16I mean, like, you just imagine how many times he's done that in the gym by himself, working on just
53:23that.
53:24Caruso.
53:25Deep corner three.
53:27Rainbow three.
53:30The Caruso.
53:31He is such a winner.
53:32Knows how to play off the guys and brings so much to a winning coach.
53:36It is their largest lead of the game.
53:39Caruso ahead of the pack.
53:40Going to run it down.
53:45And S.G.A. just going to control things.
53:48Tegadaro, yeah, trying to stay with him.
53:53Help from Brooks, though.
53:54Tipped out.
53:55Dillon got a piece.
53:57With five on the shot clock.
53:59It's a 12-2 thunder run.
54:03And this is the difference between a championship team and a young team going through their journey.
54:08OKC knows how to close quarters.
54:10They understand.
54:11It's like stealing around in boxing.
54:12Still in the last 30 seconds.
54:14OKC is doing a great job of that right now.
54:16Shooting 58% from the floor.
54:19A little less than that now.
54:22Booker.
54:24Charges.
54:26They've gone cold.
54:28Bad time to go cold.
54:30You have to do the Suns.
54:31Those are the opportunities you're going to have to take, though.
54:33Booker has to strike in transition where he gets at least some one-on-one coverage.
54:38He just missed a shot.
54:40Chance to take the last here for the Thunder.
54:43Dord.
54:45Physical.
54:46Created the space.
54:47Mitchell.
54:49That'll do it.
54:52So life for the Suns, yes.
54:54But the defending champs just roaring back to take that 62-53 lead here at the Suns.
54:59They just roar back, and they knew the Suns were going to come out and really go after
55:04them.
55:05But they withstood that, and they have a nine-point lead at halftime right now.
55:08Can't overstate how impressive Shea Gilgis-Alexander was in that first half with 17 points and
55:15setting up his teammates.
55:16As we send it over to Jordan with Jared McCain.
55:20Jared, the Suns provided a pretty good start to this game, and yet, like you guys typically
55:23do, you're able to close out the first half in impressive fashion.
55:26What was the difference?
55:26Yeah, we're just thinking to our principles.
55:28We know coming on the road, I mean, I haven't been in this situation, but they tell me coming
55:31on the road, it's going to be hectic.
55:33Just being able to be poised and execute our stuff.
55:35You guys are without J-Dub, yet you've built this lead going into the second stanza.
55:39What is it about this team's makeup that allows you guys to thrive in the face of adversity?
55:43Yeah, I mean, me and the guys on the bench, we all know, like, next man up, no matter
55:46what.
55:47We're always ready for any situation, and so we know we're going to be prepared.
55:51Jared, thank you very much.
55:53Let's send it to Maria and the Hall of Famers back in studio.
55:57Thanks, Jordan.
55:58And coming up on American Express at the half, you heard from Jared McCain, one of the many
56:02players stepping up right now in the absence of J-Dub.
56:05We'll talk through that next man up mentality.
56:07Good call, cuz.
56:11Okay, see, looking to take the 3-0 lead in the first round against the Suns.
56:15SGA is now playing with them, boys.
56:16A perfect 7-for-7 from the field in the first half.
56:20They have the lead 62-53.
56:22Welcome back inside the studio.
56:24Maria Taylor, the Hall of Famers.
56:26Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony here with you.
56:29And of course, with J-Dub being out, we knew one thing, VC, that OKC needs to have a next
56:34man up.
56:34The bench playing very, very well.
56:36They have the edge 26-7 against Phoenix right now.
56:39And I'm also going to throw in their starter, Mitchell, has 10 points, 4-for-10.
56:42So the bench also doing what they do, sticking to the script, sharing the ball, letting the
56:47energy of the ball find the open guy.
56:49You see there, one pass, not there, good to great, open three.
56:52This time, McCain having patience, being patient, being patient.
56:57He's stuck, go back door, get an easy layup.
57:00Guys typically want to panic, but they don't.
57:02Here's another one.
57:03Ball fake, get into the paint.
57:05Well, guess what's open?
57:06A little free land, a little free, a little layup.
57:08But they're just playing within the script, not going outside of what they already do,
57:12not pressing the issue, playing basketball, making the game easier for Shea because most
57:17of the energy is going to go to double teaming Shea, and they did that.
57:20And guess what?
57:21The other guy stepped up and did what they had to do.
57:23But Shea is 7-for-7.
57:24Yeah.
57:24I think 7-for-7.
57:26Yeah.
57:26Maybe 8-for-8.
57:27No, 7-for-7.
57:27Because I said that at the beginning and you were listening.
57:29I mean, he's just playing.
57:30You're right.
57:30I was in the back.
57:34Melo just got here.
57:35I just got here.
57:35I just pulled up.
57:36But I watched the game.
57:37But Shea also plays at his own pace.
57:40Now, when he's 7-for-7 from the field, you can just tell by his bop, the way that he's
57:43walking, the way that he's bringing the ball up the court, that this is one of those days
57:47that he's feeling good today.
57:49What happened, they did a great job of putting some double team on Shea in the beginning.
57:54His other guys got off the ball.
57:56He got off the ball.
57:57Got them boys rolling.
57:58Allowed them to get rolling.
57:59And then he got rolling.
58:00But I would say this.
58:01Yeah.
58:02Phoenix is struggling from the perimeter shooting the ball.
58:04Yeah.
58:04You have a 42% shooter sitting on your bench that hasn't touched the court, and that's
58:09Amir Coffey.
58:10Get a man a shot.
58:11You're down 2-0.
58:11About to go down 3-0.
58:12So give him a shot and see if he can open up for D-Book to get into paint.
58:17I got you.
58:17Are they going as slow as you wanted them to?
58:19They were.
58:20Right?
58:21The pace was perfect, but then, you know, okay.
58:23Yeah.
58:24Rolled on them.
58:24Rolled on them.
58:26Dylan Brooks.
58:26Roll him out.
58:27Yeah.
58:28Dylan Brooks.
58:28He's got 13 in the first half, doing as much as he can to steal one.
58:36At The Half is brought to you by the powerful backing of American Express.
58:43Vince, you never needed a trampoline.
58:44Monday on NBA Showtime, we're getting the answer to one of the most competitive awards
58:48races that we've seen.
58:49Rookie of the Year.
58:51Three very deserving finalists.
58:52The Half is brought to you by the
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