Thunder Launch Title Defense with Convincing Victory in NBA Playoffs

The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 25 points, dominated the Phoenix Suns 119-84 in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Gilgeous-Alexander made only five of 18 field goals but went 15 of 17 at the foul line before sitting out the fourth quarter. Jalen Williams scored 22 points and Chet Holmgren added 16 for the top-seeded Thunder, who will host Game 2 on Wednesday. Devin Booker scored 23 points and Dillon Brooks scored 18 on 6-of-22 shooting for the Suns, who shot 34.9% from the field. The Thunder started cold but quickly heated up, going on a 12-2 surge after Brooks was called for a flagrant-one foul in the first quarter. Oklahoma City extended the advantage to 65-44 at half-time, with Holmgren having 16 points and Gilgeous-Alexander having 15 at the break. The Thunder took a 97-66 edge into the fourth quarter. In other playoff action, Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in his first playoff game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon last season as the Boston Celtics rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91. Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Neemias Queta added 13 for the second-seeded Celtics. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama scored 35 points in his playoff debut as the San Antonio Spurs rolled to a 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game One of their first-round Western Conference playoff series.