PREVIEW: Game 3 of a 7-game series between the 1 seeded Thunder and the 8 seeded Suns in the West for the 1st round of the NBA playoffs shifts to Phoenix after the Thunder entered this game with a 2-0 series lead after winning game 2 by a score of 120-107. Oklahoma City Thunder rank 1st in few shots attacking rim allowed on defense and force a lot of turnovers at 2nd , establishing themselves as a suffocating defensive force that has completely stymied the Suns' offensive rhythm through the first two contests. The visitors come home looking for any sign of life, but the Suns haven't been anywhere near the Thunder in this series. The Thunder have rolled lately too with their 8-2 record in their last 10 games and now they have a 2-0 series lead , bringing undeniable momentum into a hostile environment. Phoenix ranks 3rd in good offensive rebounding at 30.0 percent and 3rd in forcing turnovers , giving them potential avenues to manufacture possessions and keep games competitive despite their overall talent deficit. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.0 points and 7.3 assists vs. the Suns this season, while shooting a robust 50.9 percent overall and 50 percent from the arc , showcasing why containing the reigning MVP remains the Suns' most pressing concern. The Suns have looked a lot better on their home court this season so they will put up a better fight in these next 2 games, but they still don't have the talent to compete with the best that the NBA has to offer . Phoenix's survival depends on whether role players step up and whether the defending champions' depth rotation reveals any cracks.