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, the reigning league MVP, made just five of 18 field goals but went 15 of 17 from the foul line before sitting out the fourth quarter. Jalen Williams scored 22 points and Chet Holmgren added 16 for the top-seeded Thunder, while Devin Booker scored 23 points and Dillon Brooks scored 18 for the Suns.
The Thunder will host Game 2 on Wednesday. In other playoff action, Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in his first playoff game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon last season as the Boston Celtics rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama scored 35 points in his playoff debut as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98 in Game One of their first-round Western Conference playoff series.
Wembanyama's 21 first-half points set an NBA record for the most in the opening half of an NBA playoff debut since 1997.