Devin Booker drills game-winning 3-pointer as Phoenix Suns stun OKC Thunder

6 days ago 2

Both All-Defensive players got a hand up in an effort to contest a 35-foot 3-pointer by Devin Booker in the closing seconds of Sunday's game between OKC and Phoenix. But it didn't matter.

Booker still drilled the game-winning shot to secure the Suns' 108-105 victory over the reigning NBA champs.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 25 points and six assists for OKC (30-6) in the losing effort. Jalen Williams also added 23 points and seven assists in what marked a homecoming game for the All-Star forward, who spent his high school days in Gilbert, Arizona.

Here are three takeaways from the loss:

Order new book on Thunder's run to NBA title

More: What will 2026 bring for OKC Thunder? 26 bold predictions for reigning NBA champions

Chet Holmgren isn't just a defensive anchor

Chet Holmgren is a defensive anchor. A 7-footer who's capable of holding OKC down around the rim.

Of course, he isn't the only big man in the NBA who specializes in that skill. There are plenty of those in the sea. But few others are equally talented on land.

Royce O'Neale quickly learned that early in the first quarter, as he found himself playing defense on an island against OKC's star big man. And all it took was two dribbles for Holmgren to blow past him on the perimeter before sinking an and-one layup.

Holmgren has put the ball on the deck at around his usual rate this season. He's averaging 3.2 field goal attempts per game off more than one dribble compared to three last season. But his efficiency has skyrocketed.

Holmgren only shot 34.4% on those attempts last season. He's shooting 49.5% this time around. It's yet another addition to the boatload of weapons in his game.

More: How Branden Carlson 'continues to perform well' on two-way deal for OKC Thunder

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Jan. 4, 2026.

Ajay Mitchell has made a huge defensive leap

Dillon Brooks usually plays the role of the pest. But midway through the third quarter, he found himself dealing with a mosquito buzzing in his ear.

It was Ajay Mitchell, who was eager to drain Phoenix of its momentum as he checked into the game midway through the third quarter. And he did so getting up in Brooks' grill with some persistent on-ball defense along the baseline.

Finally, Brooks had enough. He swatted at Mitchell with an aggressive push-off, which connected with the young Thunder guard's chest and sent him backtracking. That resulted in an offensive foul.

Brooks wasn't the only Phoenix player who was bothered by Mitchell throughout the night. So was Booker, who couldn't even escape him in the first half with some hard-setting screens.

Mitchell finished with 13 points in 27 minutes off the bench, but it was defense that shined the brightest. And that area of his game continues to impress this season.

Mitchell ranks fourth in the NBA in defensive rating (100.1). Opponents are also shooting 8.5% worse than their average from the field when defended by him compared to 1.4% worse last season.

More: How Aaron Wiggins became a 'system monster' for OKC Thunder

Jordan Goodwin delivered some late-game heroics

A black-mask-wearing Jordan Goodwin lurked in the shadows like Batman, waiting to save the day.

That opportunity came early in the fourth quarter when O'Neale snagged an offensive board and fed the ball to Collin Gillespie. He then found Goodwin in the corner for a 3-pointer and watched as the ball fell through the rim, tying the game at 81.

Goodwin sank the triple in front of his own bench, which erupted in the process. So did the citizens of Mortgage Matchup Center. It was a big-time shot by the backup guard, who delivered some late-game heroics.

Goodwin finished with 26 points on 9-for-16 shooting from the field (8 for 13 from deep) in 31 minutes. Three of his career-high eight made 3s came in the fourth quarter to keep Phoenix within striking distance before Booker delivered the biggest triple of them all.

More: How did Lu Dort, Thunder players buy in to OKC system? Sacrifice is 'for the better'

Tip-ins

∎ OKC was without Ousmane Dieng (right calf strain), Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain), Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgery recovery), Nikola Topić (surgery recovery) and Jaylin Williams (right heel bursitis).

∎ Phoenix was without Grayson Allen (right knee injury management) and Jalen Green (right hamstring strain).

∎ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 107 straight games. It's the second-longest streak in NBA history, only trailing Wilt Chamberlain (126).

Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.