The Oklahoma City Thunder launched their title defense with a resounding 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 25 points, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren contributed 22 and 16 points, respectively, to help the top-seeded Thunder take a commanding lead. The Suns, led by Devin Booker's 23 points, struggled to find their footing, shooting a mere 34.9% from the field.
The Thunder's dominant performance was marked by a 12-2 surge in the first quarter, which set the tone for the rest of the game. Oklahoma City extended their advantage to 65-44 at halftime, with Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander combining for 31 points. The Thunder continued to pull away, taking a 97-66 lead into the fourth quarter. In other playoff action, Jayson Tatum made a triumphant return to the postseason, scoring 25 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out seven assists as the Boston Celtics crushed the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91.
The Celtics, who never trailed, built a 35-point lead and connected on 16 three-pointers. The 76ers, playing without Joel Embiid, were led by Tyrese Maxey's 21 points. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama made history in his playoff debut, scoring 35 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-98 win 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, and his 35 total points set a Spurs franchise record for the most in a playoff debut.