Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rose up to contest DeAndre Ayton as the Phoenix center soared to the basket for a slam.
After tauntingly hanging on the rim for three seconds, the referees called a technical foul on Ayton. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander draining the free throw, Ayton’s emphatic slam was the exclamation point that finished the Oklahoma City Thunder (11-20) on Thursday night, ultimately leading to the Suns’ (26-5) 113-101 victory.
Still, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was impressed with his team’s effort.
After trailing by nearly 15 points in the second quarter, OKC rallied back to lead 48-45 at halftime.