Devin Booker Makes His Opinion of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Very Clear
Elite players recognize elite players. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker knows greatness when he sees it. Booker and the Suns saw their season end Monday at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated them with a 131-122 victory in Game 4, completing a dominant 4-0 first-round sweep.
Despite a slow start, Booker finished with a team-high 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, adding six assists in 41 minutes.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced Oklahoma City with 31 points on 10-of-17 from the field, adding eight assists.
After the hard-fought series, Booker made sure to give Gilgeous-Alexander his flowers.
The Thunder outclassed the Suns in every facet. Booker acknowledged as much after the final buzzer. The 29-year-old credited Gilgeous-Alexander as the engine powering Oklahoma City's championship machine.
"You can't say anything without bringing up Shai. He's the MVP of the league, and he's been playing the best basketball in the league for the past two years," Booker said postgame. "Mix with guys who know their roles, some seasoned vets that are relentless. I'd say with that chemistry and that communication, it's on 100 percent."
Booker also praised the Thunder organization for building a complete roster around its franchise cornerstone.
"When the bench comes in, they get better sometimes. They're reinforcements, not subs," Booker added. "They have all the answers to the test. They've been tested together and they've been together for years. So that's their advantage."
Devin Booker on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: "He's the MVP of the league, and he's playing the best basketball in the league for the past two years." pic.twitter.com/Fo9gRfemu8
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 28, 2026
Booker erupted for 12 points in the third quarter on 5-of-8 shooting. He briefly left the game with an ankle injury before returning. The individual effort, however, could not overcome Oklahoma City's collective dominance.
Twin towers Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein controlled the paint. Holmgren posted 24 points and 12 rebounds. Hartenstein matched him on the boards with 12 of his own, adding 18 points. Ajay Mitchell chipped in 22 points on four 3-pointers.
Phoenix's Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green each pitched in 23 points, but the Suns lacked the depth to sustain any momentum.
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder now await the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets series in the Western Conference semifinals.
Related: Devin Booker Reacts to Ejection After Exchange With Draymond Green
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 4:37 AM.