NBA Playoffs: Thunder Launch Title Defense with Convincing Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off their title defense with a resounding 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 25 points, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren added 22 and 16 points, respectively. The top-seeded Thunder dominated from the outset, with the Suns struggling to find their rhythm. Devin Booker scored 23 points for Phoenix, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide. The Thunder will look to build on their momentum in Game 2 on Wednesday. In other playoff action, Jayson Tatum made a triumphant return to the postseason, scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds as the Boston Celtics thrashed the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama made a stunning playoff debut, scoring 35 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.