Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 119-84 triumph over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the Western Conference first‑round series, setting the tone for the defending champion's playoff run. The league's reigning MVP managed just five makes on 18 attempts from the field, but he was flawless from the charity stripe, sinking 15 of 17 free throws before bowing out for the final quarter.
His efficiency at the line helped anchor a team that never looked back after an early stumble. Jalen Williams contributed a solid 22 points, while rookie big man Chet Holmgren added 16, giving the top‑seeded Thunder a balanced attack that will be on display when they host Game 2 on Wednesday. Phoenix, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm, with Devin Booker scoring 23 and Dillon Brooks adding 18 despite a dismal 6‑of‑22 shooting night.
The Suns shot just 34.9 percent overall and fell behind early, trailing 5‑0 after the opening minutes as the Thunder adjusted to a week‑long layoff. The momentum shifted dramatically when Brooks was assessed a flagrant‑one foul for striking Holmgren in the face during the first quarter. Oklahoma City responded with a 12‑2 run that vaulted them to a 24‑14 lead. The highlight of the quarter came in the final seconds when Jaylin Williams launched a long pass that traveled three‑quarters of the court.
Holmgren caught the ball with his back to the basket, took a single dribble to his right, spun, and released a three‑pointer as the buzzer sounded, extending the lead to 35‑20. By halftime the Thunder had stretched the margin to 65‑44. Holmgren had already poured in 16 points, and Gilgeous‑Alexander added 15, showcasing a duo that could dominate both ends of the floor.
In the third quarter, Gilgeous‑Alexander completed a three‑point play that pushed the lead to 90‑63, and the Thunder entered the fourth quarter with a 97‑66 advantage. The game also featured a brief glimpse of Boston’s own playoff narrative. Jayson Tatum logged 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in his first postseason appearance since tearing his right Achilles tendon last season, as the Celtics dispatched the Philadelphia 76ers 123‑91 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference matchup. Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points, and newcomer Neemias Queta added 13 for the second‑seeded Celtics, who never trailed and built a 35‑point cushion.
Coach Joe Mazzulla rotated 12 players, and the team connected on 16 three‑pointers, illustrating the depth that has defined Boston’s season. Meanwhile, the 76ers, missing Joel Embiid, relied on Tyrese Maxey, who managed 21 points and eight assists despite a relentless Celtics defense that contested 12 of his 14 first‑half attempts and limited him to 8‑of‑20 shooting overall.
Philadelphia’s half‑time deficit of 64‑46 was its largest playoff shortfall against Boston since 1982. Paul George added 17 points for the Sixers, while V.J. Edgecombe chipped in 13, but the team’s three‑point shooting sputtered at 4‑of‑23. In the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs made a statement in their own opening game, with Victor Wembanyama scoring 35 points to lead a 111‑98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Wembanyama’s 21 points in the first half set a new NBA record for the most points scored in the opening half of a playoff debut since the league began detailed play‑by‑play tracking in 1997. His total of 35 points also eclipsed Tim Duncan’s previous franchise benchmark of 32 points in a playoff debut back in 1998.
Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox each added 17 points and combined for 15 assists, ensuring the Spurs’ offense flowed smoothly. Portland’s standout was Deni Avdija, who posted 30 points and 10 rebounds after his team earned the No.
7 seed by beating Phoenix 114‑110 in a play‑in game. Rookie Scoot Henderson, the third overall pick in the 2023 draft, contributed 18 points, highlighting the young talent that the Spurs are integrating into their system.
The atmosphere at the Frost Bank Center was electric, with a sell‑out crowd that included former Spurs legends Tim Duncan and David Robinson sitting courtside together. The Spurs were finally back in the postseason for the first time since 2019, ending a six‑year drought that followed a period in which the franchise captured five championships and appeared in 22 consecutive playoffs, tying an NBA record. Looking ahead, the Thunder will seek to maintain their dominance in Game 2 on Wednesday, while the Celtics prepare for Game 2 in Boston on Tuesday night.
The Spurs will host Game 2 on Tuesday before the series shifts back to Portland for Games 3 and 4. Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports, with additional coverage and highlights available through the network’s streaming platforms. The early rounds have already delivered a mix of historic performances, record‑setting debuts, and dominant victories, setting the stage for an exciting postseason that promises to showcase both established stars and emerging talents across the league.