Oklahoma City’s Shay Gilgos Alexander and Josh Geddy star as the Thunder defeat the Phoenix Suns in the NBA

Oklahoma City’s killer backcourt duo of Shay Gilgos Alexander and Josh Geddy delivered yet another warning to their Western Conference rivals that they plan to participate in the NBA after the season.

MVP cheers rained down on Gilgos Alexander as he hit two important free throws with 10 seconds left to help the Thunder beat Phoenix 124-120 at home on Sunday.

The All-Star scored 40 points, while Australian Jedi had 16 points, six rebounds and six assists as OKC improved to 35-36 to finish eighth in the standings.

Oklahoma City has won four of five as it presses for at least a place to play, having missed the playoffs the past two years.

“We definitely had the advantage at home,” said Gilgos Alexander, who hits 12 of 24 field goals and 16 of 19 free throws.

“They were fresh. They were their usual selves. It was a big game tonight, and I felt that.”

Luguentz Dort added 20 points for the Thunder, who trailed by 15 points in the first half, while Devin Booker scored 46 points, and Chris Paul added 14 points and 13 assists for the Suns.

Phoenix held on to fourth place in the West with a 38-33 record.

“The key to this kind of win is staying alive long enough for the game to turn around,” Thunder coach Marc Dignault said.

And in New York, Nikola Jokic scored 22 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in his 28th double-double this season, and Denver beat Brooklyn 108-102.

Michael Porter Jr. added 28 points and nine rebounds for the West-leading Nuggets (48-24), while Jamal Murray scored 20 of his 25 points in the first quarter.

Denver didn’t look like a running back team that dropped five of six.

Mickal Bridges scored 23 points and Nick Claxton 19 points for the Nets (39-32), who lost three consecutive points in their attempt to maintain sixth place in the Eastern Group.

And in San Antonio, Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell each scored 29 points and the Spurs came back from a 24-point deficit to beat Atlanta 126-118 and put a blow to the Hawks’ post-season hopes (35-36).

with ap.