NBA Player News
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Jalen Williams SF | OKC
Thunder's Jalen Williams: Comfortable performance Sunday
Williams ended with 22 points (9-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal over 29 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 victory over Phoenix in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Williams put together an impressive stat line, getting it done on both ends of the floor. After a season riddled with injuries, it was good to see Williams back to his best. Given how dominant Oklahoma City has been this season, a healthy Williams is certainly a scary thought for any potential opponents. Look for him to continue his strong play when the two teams meet again Wednesday.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander SG | OKC
Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Propels Thunder to victory
Gilgeous-Alexander provided 25 points (5-18 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 15-17 FT), four rebounds, seven assists and two blocks over 29 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 victory over the Suns in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Gilgeous-Alexander wasn't required to do a lot as the Thunder easily accounted for the Suns in Game 1 of the playoffs. Despite shooting just 5-for-18 from the floor, Gilgeous-Alexander still crafted his way to a team-high 25 points. The two teams will face each other again Wednesday, where Oklahoma City will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
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Chet Holmgren PF | OKC
Thunder's Chet Holmgren: Efficient two-way performance
Holmgren notched 16 points (5-10 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals across 25 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 victory over the Suns in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Holmgren was limited to just 25 minutes, with Oklahoma City easily accounting for Phoenix in what could be a sign of things to come. The Thunder was able to rest basically its entire starting five during the fourth quarter. Based on the ease of victory, this series could be over after just four games, unless Phoenix can flip the script.
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Devin Booker SG | PHO
Suns' Devin Booker: Drops team-high 23 points
Booker closed Sunday's 119-84 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 23 points (8-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-7 FT), six rebounds and two assists across 33 minutes.
Booker led Phoenix with 23 points, although it wasn't even close to being enough in what ended up a blowout loss. It continued what has been a somewhat underwhelming season for Booker, averaging 25.9 points, 6.0 assists and 1.9 three-pointers through 67 appearances. If the Suns are to have any chance of causing an upset, Booker is going to have to play out of his skin.
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Khaman Maluach C | PHO
Suns' Khaman Maluach: Extended run in loss
Maluach closed with zero points (0-2 FG) and three rebounds in 15 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Maluach played a handful of extra minutes, as Phoenix was never really in the game against Oklahoma City. With Mark Williams (foot) still sidelined, the Suns' center depth is going to be tested. Based on what we saw in Game 1, there is a chance this series could be over sooner rather than later.
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Oso Ighodaro C | PHO
Suns' Oso Ighodaro: Scoreless in start
Ighodaro recorded zero points (0-3 FG), nine rebounds and three assists across 26 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Ighodaro remained in the starting lineup after Mark Williams was once again ruled out due to a foot concern. However, the good news ends there, with Ighodaro failing to score despite playing 26 minutes. Phoenix was completely outplayed on both ends of the floor, a trend that is going to be hard to buck. If Williams is to miss further time, Ighodaro will certainly need to provide more, should the Suns have any hope against the rampaging Thunder.
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Peyton Watson SF | DEN
Nuggets' Peyton Watson: Won't play Game 2
Watson (hamstring) is out for Monday's Game 2 against the Timberwolves.
Watson will miss a seventh straight game due to a right hamstring strain. His next opportunity to suit up comes Thursday for Game 3.
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Anthony Edwards SG | MIN
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards: Questionable for Game 2
Edwards (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday's Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Nuggets.
Edwards is back on the injury report with the same "right knee injury maintenance" tag that he carried throughout the final weeks of the regular season and into the series opener. Despite the designation, Edwards looked explosive in Saturday's Game 1 loss, logging 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks across a team-high 38 minutes. Given the stakes of the postseason, it would be surprising to see the superstar guard sidelined, but his status will need to be monitored leading up to Monday's tipoff.
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Paul Reed C | DET
Pistons' Paul Reed: Back to bench
Reed will come off the bench for Sunday's Game 1 against the Magic, Eric Vincent of ClutchPoints.com reports.
This is an expected move with Jalen Duren healthy again. Reed was sharp in a spot start for the regular season finale with 26 points (11-11 FG, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks in 21 minutes.
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OG Anunoby SF | NY
Knicks' OG Anunoby: Probable for Game 2
Anunoby (ankle) is listed as probable for Monday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Hawks.
Anunoby is officially on the injury report with a left ankle sprain, though the designation is likely a carryover from the injury that cost him the regular-season finale. Despite the "probable" tag, there shouldn't be much concern regarding his availability for Game 2 after he logged 38 minutes and looked plenty mobile in Saturday's series opener. The 28-year-old forward was highly effective in that win, providing 18 points and eight rebounds while playing his signature elite defense. Barring an unexpected setback, Anunoby should be back in his usual starting role as the Knicks look to take a 2-0 series lead.