Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander poured in 25 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder launched their campaign to defend the NBA championship with a commanding 119‑84 triumph over the Phoenix Suns in the opening game of the Western Conference first‑round series on Sunday. Despite a modest shooting night—making just five of his 18 attempts from the field—Gilgeous‑Alexander was flawless at the free‑throw line, converting 15 of 17 shots before sitting out the final period.
Supporting the MVP’s effort, rookie forward Jalen Williams contributed 22 points while the highly touted big man Chet Holmgren added 16, helping the top‑seeded Thunder build a lead that would prove insurmountable. The Thunder will welcome the Suns back to the arena for Game 2 on Wednesday, looking to extend the advantage. For Phoenix, veteran guard Devin Booker managed 23 points, and forward Dillon Brooks added 18, though the Suns struggled with efficiency, shooting just 34.9 percent from the field and going a dismal 6‑of‑22 from three‑point range.
The Suns briefly led 5‑0 early in the contest, capitalizing on the Thunder’s sluggish start after a week off. However, Oklahoma City quickly found its rhythm.
A flagrant‑one foul on Brooks in the first quarter—when he struck Holmgren in the face—sparked a 12‑2 run that propelled the Thunder to a 24‑14 lead. The quarter closed with a highlight‑reel play: Jaylin Williams launched a pass that traveled roughly three‑quarters of the length of the court. Holmgren, with his back to the basket, caught the ball, took a single dribble to his right, turned, and released a three‑pointer as the buzzer sounded, pushing the lead to 35‑20. By halftime, Oklahoma City had stretched the margin to 65‑44.
Holmgren’s 16 points and Gilgeous‑Alexander’s 15 at the break underscored the Thunder’s balanced attack. In the third quarter, Gilgeous‑Alexander executed a three‑point play that vaulted the Thunder’s advantage to 90‑63, and they entered the final period with a 97‑66 lead. The game also featured a brief recap of other first‑round action. In the Eastern Conference, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in his playoff return after recovering from a ruptured right Achilles tendon.
The Celtics dismantled the Philadelphia 76ers 123‑91 in Game 1, with teammate Jaylen Brown adding 26 points and rookie center Neemias Queta contributing 13. Boston never trailed, at one point building a 35‑point cushion while coach Joe Mazzulla rotated 12 players throughout the night. The Celtics’ shooting from beyond the arc was impressive, as they connected on 16 three‑pointers. Philadelphia’s effort was hampered by the absence of Joel Embiid, who is still recuperating from an appendectomy performed on April 9.
Tyrese Maxey managed 21 points and eight assists, but the Celtics’ aggressive defense forced him into difficult shots, limiting him to 8‑of‑20 shooting in the first half. The 76ers’ half‑time deficit of 64‑46 marked their largest playoff shortfall against Boston since 1982.
Further west, San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama announced his arrival on the postseason stage with a 35‑point performance in a 111‑98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Wembanyama’s 21 points in the opening half set a new NBA record for the most points scored in the first half of a playoff debut since the league began detailed play‑by‑play tracking in 1997. His total also eclipsed a franchise benchmark, surpassing Tim Duncan’s 32 points in a debut playoff game back in 1998. The Spurs received solid contributions from Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox, each adding 17 points and together dishing out 15 assists.
Portland’s leading scorer was Deni Avdija, who posted 30 points and 10 rebounds after his team earned the No. 7 seed by defeating Phoenix 114‑110 in a play‑in contest.
Rookie Scoot Henderson, selected third overall in the 2023 draft, chipped in 18 points for the Spurs. San Antonio’s home crowd was electric, with former NBA greats Tim Duncan and David Robinson—both Hall of Famers—seated courtside, underscoring the significance of the Spurs’ first playoff appearance since 2019. The franchise had endured a six‑year postseason drought following a period of dominance that included five championships and a record‑tying 22 consecutive playoff berths. Looking ahead, the Thunder will aim to maintain their momentum in Game 2, while the Suns will seek adjustments to close the widening gap.
The Celtics will host the 76ers for Game 2 in Boston, hoping to capitalize on their early dominance. Meanwhile, the Spurs will look to build on Wembanyama’s historic night as the series shifts to Portland for Games 3 and 4. Fans can catch all the live action on Sky Sports, with additional highlights and video recaps available through the network’s streaming platforms.
The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to deliver compelling storylines, from veteran resilience to the emergence of the league’s next generation of superstars.