ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith claims Phoenix Suns-OKC Thunder series is ‘over’

Down 0-3 in the first round of the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs, the Suns are carrying more than a deficit into Game 4. They’re carrying an assumption. The Thunder have controlled the pace, executed cleaner late, and forced Phoenix into uncomfortable stretches offensively. Even the perception of whistles leaning one way adds to a sense that this series has slipped beyond reach.

But the sharpest spotlight falls on Devin Booker. Franchise players are expected to bend games to their will, not blend into them. Booker’s shot attempts and on-ball aggression have dipped compared to his regular-season baseline, and that hesitation has fueled questions about whether he’s still “the guy” when defenses tighten and stakes rise.

This is where narrative becomes reality. Suns fans hear the same voices, while some reject it and others quietly agree. That divide matters because it shapes how this season is remembered. Phoenix wasn’t supposed to be here, yet they pushed into relevance. Does that context soften a sweep, or does it sharpen disappointment? Game 4 won’t change the math. But it can challenge the certainty. One win may not rewrite the series, but it can rewrite perception.