Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns 120-107 to take a 2-0 lead in their NBA playoff series. The reigning MVP led a balanced attack, with Chet Holmgren adding 19 points and four blocks, including 11 points in the third quarter. Jalen Williams contributed 19 points before exiting with a hamstring injury, but the Thunder extended their lead to 26 in the fourth quarter and held off a late Suns rally. Gilgeous-Alexander downplayed a first-quarter fall that saw him clutch his left hand, saying postgame, "I'm great. Ready to go." Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his star player, saying, "Shai made the right play all night. His floor game was outstanding." Dillon Brooks scored 30 for Phoenix, and Devin Booker added 22, but the Suns now face a must-win scenario at home in games three and four. In the Eastern Conference, Detroit evened their series at 1-1 with a 98-83 win over Orlando. Cade Cunningham recorded 27 points and 11 assists, while Tobias Harris had 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Pistons, stunned in game one, opened the third quarter on an 11-0 run and outscored the Magic 38-16 in the period. Orlando was held to its lowest point total of the season, with Jalen Suggs scoring 19 and Paolo Banchero 18. Detroit's defense forced 11 blocks, seven in the first quarter, and the team snapped an 11-game home playoff losing streak dating to May 2008.
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