Thunder @ Suns 2026 Playoffs Saturday Game 3 Thread, 4-25-2026

[Superbone]

I don’t understand no Fleming.

None of us do. I hope he gets a lot of playing time in our last game on Monday.

 

[Superbone]

dirty ass ish from a dirty ass player

It was absolutely an intentional trip. Dort is known for that. How the refs don't call it, I can't even fathom. I guess they think Booker decided to take a dirt nap at that moment.

 

[Mainstreet]

correct - i don't want to resign williams

Then he will sign with the Lakers. We know the name of that tune.

 

[Superbone]

And then passes up a wide open 3. He’s got zero confidence.

I think he's hurt. I agree he's not confident in his shot. He took a three in the first half that was way off. I think he's doing the playoff basketball thing where you have to play through injuries. However, it's hurting the team. They'd probably be better off not playing him. In fact, he had the most negative +/- of all starters.

I commend him on his willingness to play through injuries for the team but it's up to his coaches and braintrust to do what's best for the team.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

Then he will sign with the Lakers. We know the name of that tune.

lakers already passed on him and his left foot

 

[Superbone]

is this the part where we wonder what changes we could make to the team only to offend a few posters?

Kidding aside, glad we made the playoffs! But I’m wondering if we’ll improve though trades, internal player growth or both?

It's going to be an interesting offseason for sure! Hopefully, all of that. The roster as constructed isn't built to go far in the playoffs. We can't compete with teams of size. Can't get a rebound. Even when we get a stop, the opposing team gets an offensive rebound and another scoring opportunity. We're usually one and done. Goody is one of the few, even at his size, to get us second chances and without him, it's hard to win.

 

[Superbone]

I thought they put up a good fight for most of the game. OKC is just really good. My only gripe is with the coach refusing to play Fleming. He is coaching like a rookie coach... which he is.

I am still mad that they lost to Portland. I really think they'd have a shot against the Spurs.

Even so, in the long run, we were not going far as constructed and without Williams and Goody. Maybe we would have won a game or two.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

is this the part where we wonder what changes we could make to the team only to offend a few posters?

Kidding aside, glad we made the playoffs! But I’m wondering if we’ll improve though trades, internal player growth or both?

I suspect we’ll see both. Ishbia hasn’t been one to stand pat. So I suspect we’ll see some trades. And have to hope the young guys take substantial steps forward.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

why would I lie about enjoying a basketball game - lol - think about it - and why would i continually post about only wanting an honorable death before this series even started - today was an honorable death and it was officiated okay - you can believe what you want but im tired of you suggesting im lying - you pulled this trash with the kids in a the p&r thread too - i don't need to lie about what i care about or why - and don't know why you think i would - this is a you issue - im more than comfortable sharing how I feel like i am right now - but let's keep it about basketball and stop accusing me of crap that's in your head - and just try to enjoy the game lol - and booker who got us here and isn't going anywhere - can you do that? or accept that others can? can you accept the realities of the situation - take it for what it is - a new team growing together and just enjoy the ride? it's easy

lol. I’ve always talked basketball . . . until you attack posters for criticizing players. My friend, the problem is all your own.

And I don’t think you’re so much lying as lying to yourself. Lashing out at others is a coping mechanism for not having to be angry with the team you love. I get it. But still think it’s lame.

I’ve enjoyed the season. I can also look at it with as much objectivity as possible and opine on its failures. Then you decide to attack the poster and not the content. Disagree about book? Have at it. Snipe at posters? Again, lame.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I think he's hurt. I agree he's not confident in his shot. He took a three in the first half that was way off. I think he's doing the playoff basketball thing where you have to play through injuries. However, it's hurting the team. They'd probably be better off not playing him. In fact, he had the most negative +/- of all starters.

I commend him on his willingness to play through injuries for the team but it's up to his coaches and braintrust to do what's best for the team.

What injury is that? Hes been playing for awhile after the last injury. I think it’s a combination of limited athleticism stating to catch up to him at his age plus one of a few teams that give him trouble because they throw long athletic defenders at him in waves. And the fact that he likely has playoff meltdown ghosts dancing in his head at this point.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

lol. I’ve always talked basketball . . . until you attack posters for criticizing players. My friend, the problem is all your own.

And I don’t think you’re so much lying as lying to yourself. Lashing out at others is a coping mechanism for not having to be angry with the team you love. I get it. But still think it’s lame.

I’ve enjoyed the season. I can also look at it with as much objectivity as possible and opine on its failures. Then you decide to attack the poster and not the content. Disagree about book? Have at it. Snipe at posters? Again, lame.

then you go and double down with the exact same nonsense - we're done here ouchie - have a great day - enjoy the game tomorrow

 

[Superbone]

What injury is that? Hes been playing for awhile after the last injury. I think it’s a combination of limited athleticism stating to catch up to him at his age plus one of a few teams that give him trouble because they throw long athletic defenders at him in waves. And the fact that he likely has playoff meltdown ghosts dancing in his head at this point.

Agree to disagree. I don't think it's all in his head. A long NBA season takes its toll on a body. I don't think he's right. I think he's been playing through stuff for a while now.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Agree to disagree. I don't think it's all in his head. A long NBA season takes its toll on a body. I don't think he's right. I think he's been playing through stuff for a while now.

People say this about Book at the end of every season when he underperforms. I’m so bewildered by the constant excuses made for the guy. Every player in the league is worn down at this part of the year. The best players in the league are able to fight thru and some still somehow find an extra gear to maintain or even get better in the playoffs.

 

[Carolinacacti]

Same OLD Booker defined it you want. I'm not

 

[AzStevenCal]

we need mark williams against okc - we can't depend on him - now put those two things together - khaman man

depending on mark williams in the post season with his pre-existing condition is bad business - unless you want to sit him and manage his minutes and hope for the best - it's best to let him limp off - not resign him

it's best for us to develop our #10 pick - who hopefully won't be in a walking boot after playing backs to backs

are you guys just messing with me lol?

I'm hoping that Mark and his agent have come to grips with what his future has to be and he re-signs here as an emergency backup with an appropriate salary. We can't rely on him as a starting center but I like the idea of having a "break in case of emergency" center. I like Mark but I especially like the way Booker plays when he and Williams are both healthy. Booker hasn't been too impressive the past few months but he was stellar earlier.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

I'm hoping that Mark and his agent have come to grips with what his future has to be and he re-signs here as an emergency backup with an appropriate salary. We can't rely on him as a starting center but I like the idea of having a "break in case of emergency" center. I like Mark but I especially like the way Booker plays when he and Williams are both healthy. Booker hasn't been too impressive the past few months but he was stellar earlier.

i wouldn't mind that at all - it'll be super interesting to see what other teams offer and if the suns match

i'd like to keep gillespie too - he showed us something in game 3 playing some goody type defense - his shot isn't where it used to be but that'll come back - gillespie goody dunn and oso play so well together off the bench

 

[AzStevenCal]

People say this about Book at the end of every season when he underperforms. I’m so bewildered by the constant excuses made for the guy. Every player in the league is worn down at this part of the year. The best players in the league are able to fight thru and some still somehow find an extra gear to maintain or even get better in the playoffs.

I've wanted to move on from him since the Bucks series BECAUSE of this very reason. He is a great player when everything is right with his body but he has no margin for error. If he's not 100% and still playing, we're in trouble.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

then you go and double down with the exact same nonsense - we're done here ouchie - have a great day - enjoy the game tomorrow

You don’t want to take a beat and look introspectively at your actions, that’s on you.

Enjoy your Sunday. Hopefully the boys give us some entertainment manana.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Agree to disagree. I don't think it's all in his head. A long NBA season takes its toll on a body. I don't think he's right. I think he's been playing through stuff for a while now.

First, I clearly didn’t say it’s all in his head. I very overtly pointed out the physical aspects at play.

And it’s a long season for everyone. If they’re not reporting any injury and he’s clearly running and jumping without any limp or other limitation I think it’s just excuse making to claim he’s injured. There’s literally no evidence, visually or reporting, other than his weak play, to support that position.

 

[newBluePlanet]

Well I wanted to do it than too. But I disagree, I only see him going downhill, so the time to do it is ASAP.

agree. there were several great opportunities to cash out. but i believe i'm the only one here that would say it has gotten to the point where it would be addition by subtraction to just get rid of him -- his bad head, decisions and salary, by any means. Ott's hands are tied behind his back trying to please Book and his fans.

The team needs balance, other guys need playing time, new floor leadership, and a consistent, reliable defensive identity.

 

[Raindog]

I think the majority opinion here (for whatever that's worth) is beginning to coalesce around the notion that it's probably best to consider moving on from Booker while it's still possible (if remotely) to do so. And this forum isn't the only one I've seen where that sentiment is growing

Of course, our collective opinions don't mean much if Suns' ownership and front office doesn't see that. As we know from the recent past, NO ONE can save them from their own foolishness.

 

[BooksOrangePlanet]

You don’t want to take a beat and look introspectively at your actions, that’s on you.

Enjoy your Sunday. Hopefully the boys give us some entertainment manana.

there is no beat - there's you not accepting what i say and calling it a lie - and this is me telling you that's a trash thing to do and to move on - so move on

 

[dscher]

Well I wanted to do it than too. But I disagree, I only see him going downhill, so the time to do it is ASAP.

Imagine what we could have had if we had done this a couple years ago like some of us were screaming for... Oh well.

But yeah, better late than never at this point IMHO.

 

[Mainstreet]

lakers already passed on him and his left foot

However, that was in a trade.

It would be just like Lakers to do something like this to the Suns in free agency.

 

[Superbone]

First, I clearly didn’t say it’s all in his head. I very overtly pointed out the physical aspects at play.

And it’s a long season for everyone. If they’re not reporting any injury and he’s clearly running and jumping without any limp or other limitation I think it’s just excuse making to claim he’s injured. There’s literally no evidence, visually or reporting, other than his weak play, to support that position.

Ok, then the alternative is he's a shell of his former self and this is what we've got for the remainder of his contract at its exorbitant price. Nobody is going to trade for that. Enjoy complaining for the rest of his five years remaining here.