Reigning Champions Thunder Kick Off Playoffs with Convincing Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 25 points, dominated the Phoenix Suns 119-84 in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series. Gilgeous-Alexander, despite making only five of 18 field goals, went 15 of 17 at the foul line before sitting out the fourth quarter. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 22 and 16 points respectively for the top-seeded Thunder. Devin Booker scored 23 points for the Suns, who struggled with 34.9% field goal shooting. The Thunder heated up quickly after a cold start, with a 12-2 surge in the first quarter setting the tone for the game. Holmgren's three-pointer at the end of the first quarter gave Oklahoma City a 35-20 lead, which they extended to 65-44 by halftime. The Thunder's lead continued to grow, reaching 97-66 by the end of the third quarter. In other playoff action, Jayson Tatum returned from injury to score 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists as the Boston Celtics rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91. The Celtics, who never trailed, built a 35-point lead and connected on 16 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama made a historic playoff debut, scoring 35 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Wembanyama's 21 first-half points set an NBA record for the most in the opening half of a playoff debut since 1997, and his 35 total points set a Spurs franchise record for the most in a playoff debut.