Devin Booker tips cap to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 'He’s the MVP of the league'

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Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) greets Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) after advancing in a four game sweep of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Starting their voyage for a hopeful back-to-back title, the Oklahoma City Thunder have kept pace with last year's destination to a Larry O'Brien trophy. For the third straight year, they completed a Round 1 sweep. This time, over the Phoenix Suns.

The Thunder completed a 131-122 Game 4 win over the Suns. With Jalen Williams sidelined halfway through the Round 1 series, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amped up his playoff production. He had an efficient 31 points and eight assists.

Meanwhile, the Suns' counterpart couldn't match his production — or really, get anywhere near the zone of it. Devin Booker was a no-show for the Round 1 series. He averaged a forgettable 21.3 points on 46% and 4.8 assists. He had 24 points and six assists in Game 4.

Afterward, game recognized game. Booker tipped his cap to the Thunder. And specifically, Gilgeous-Alexander. The 29-year-old has been in the NBA long enough to know when you're seeing an all-time legend. Considering Gilgeous-Alexander will likely win back-to-back MVP awards, the Phoenix NBA superstar gave him full credit for being unstoppable.

"He’s the MVP of the league. He’s playing the best basketball in the league for the past two years," Booker said. "Mixed with guys that know their roles and seasoned vets, they're relentless. With that chemistry, the communication. It's on 100%. When the bench comes in, they get better at times."

The Thunder have become an NBA win machine over the last two seasons. They're now a dozen wins away from having two NBA championships to show for it. They took care of business against the Suns. But the fact that their Round 1 series has become so routine under Gilgeous-Alexander shows how absurd things have gotten in OKC in terms of its basketball dominance.

"They have all the answers to the test," Booker said. "They've been tested together and been together for years. That's an advantage."

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Devin Booker tips cap to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 'He’s the MVP of the league'



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