With a spectacular performance from Jalen Green and a level of consistency that had slipped late in the regular season, the Phoenix Suns managed to secure the final playoff spot in the West. Unfortunately for them, as expected, they now face the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, essentially unbeatable due to their depth and talent advantage.

The goal for Devin Booker and company will be to make life difficult for OKC, wearing them down for the rest of their playoff run – and even that already feels like a tall task. Thinking about winning the series is another story entirely.

Let’s break down some key factors in this matchup.

Key themes of the Thunder-Suns series

Too deep: the Thunder

Without getting too technical, just take a look at OKC’s depth chart – its potential rotation.

There are more than twelve players who would consistently be part of a playoff rotation on any of the other 29 teams. And even that 12th spot could be contested by talents like Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, and Nikola Topic. Not to mention newcomer Jared McCain, who brings value as a pure shooter.

If anything, for coach Mark Daigneault, there might even be too many options, since establishing a clear hierarchy is unavoidable.

Who stops the best player in the series?

You could point to Dillon Brooks as the designated “Shai stopper,” assuming such a role even exists in today’s NBA.

Still, it’s unlikely the former Grizzlies wing can stick with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for extended stretches, especially if the plan is to provoke him and try to disrupt his rhythm. That would inevitably lead to foul trouble – and Phoenix has already learned how valuable the Canadian guard is on both ends of the floor.

Containing Shai could at least slow down OKC’s offense, making it the primary objective. But the emergence of Ajay Mitchell gives the Thunder a reliable secondary playmaker.

Devin Booker is the key for Phoenix

If the Suns want any chance to compete in front of their home crowd and steal at least one game, they need their best player at his absolute peak. That means Devin Booker, ideally in the version seen in Paris with Team USA. With Jalen Green in the form he showed against Golden State, Booker could even be relieved of primary scoring duties.

Additionally, the presence of Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen allows Booker to focus on multiple aspects of the game, leveraging spacing and ball movement within a functional team system.

He will likely be matched up with Lu Dort to start games, while OKC can also throw defenders like Wallace or Caruso at him. It won’t be an easy assignment.

Thunder-Suns prediction: OKC too deep for Phoenix

Even if Jalen Williams isn’t at full strength, the Thunder should be able to take care of this series comfortably and without excessive strain. Their depth allows them to manage minutes and avoid potential wear from Phoenix’s physicality, which will need to be elevated given the talent gap between the two teams.

It’s hard not to predict a sweep for the defending champions, but the strong season from coach Ott’s Suns would at least deserve a win. And realistically, OKC might even allow that – closing the series in five games wouldn’t be a problem for anyone.