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 from the foul line before sitting out the fourth quarter.
Jalen Williams added 22 points and Chet Holmgren scored 16 for the top-seeded Thunder, who will host Game 2 on Wednesday. Devin Booker scored 23 points and Dillon Brooks had 18 for the Suns, who struggled with 34.9% field goal shooting. The Thunder started cold but heated up quickly, taking a 24-14 lead after a 12-2 surge following a flagrant foul by Brooks on Holmgren. Oklahoma City extended their lead to 65-44 at halftime, with Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander combining for 31 points.
The Thunder's lead grew to 97-66 by the end of the third quarter, paving the way for a decisive victory. In other playoff action, Jayson Tatum scored 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in his first playoff game since rupturing his Achilles tendon, helping the Boston Celtics roll past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91. The Celtics, who never trailed, built a 35-point lead and connected on 16 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama made a stunning playoff debut with 35 points, leading 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 a playoff debut since 1997, and his 35 total points surpassed Tim Duncan's franchise record for a playoff debut.