The Oklahoma City Thunder commenced their title defense with a resounding 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 25 points, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren contributed 22 and 16 points, respectively.
Despite a slow start, the Thunder quickly found their rhythm, with Holmgren's three-pointer at the end of the first quarter setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Suns struggled to contain the Thunder's offense, with Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks managing 23 and 18 points, respectively. In other playoff action, Jayson Tatum made a triumphant return to the postseason, scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists as the Boston Celtics dominated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91.
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.