Key Takeaways:
- Oklahoma City Thunder secured a 131-122 victory against the Phoenix Suns, clinching a 4-0 sweep in the first-round series
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, while Chet Holmgren posted a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds
- The Thunder will meet the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets series in the Western Conference semifinals
Thunder Continue Dominance in First Round
The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a commanding performance on Monday night, triumphing 131-122 over the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center to seal a four-game sweep in the Western Conference first round. This result extended Oklahoma City’s stellar first-round record to 12-0 over the past three seasons. Their next opponents will be determined by the outcome of the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets series, with the Lakers currently holding a 3-1 advantage despite the Rockets taking Game 4.
Round won ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/EoUUF1MJ50
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 28, 2026
Sizzling Offence and Stellar Big Men Propel OKC
The Thunder showcased an explosive offensive display, converting 17 of 34 three-pointers for an impressive 50% accuracy. The frontcourt stood out as Chet Holmgren contributed 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting and amassed 12 rebounds, while Isaiah Hartenstein added 18 points alongside 12 rebounds, including a significant seven on the offensive glass.
Ajay Mitchell supplied 22 points and knocked down four shots from beyond the arc, and Alex Caruso delivered 14 points, making three three-pointers during the first quarter. Despite missing starter Jalen Williams for a second consecutive game due to a left hamstring strain, the Thunder maintained an unrelenting pace, led by Gilgeous-Alexander’s reliable scoring. After a 42-point performance in Game 3, he once again delivered efficiently, connecting on 10 of 17 attempts from the field.
Suns’ Struggles Persist Despite Booker’s Efforts
The Suns, now on a 10-game playoff losing streak dating back to 2023, managed moments of resistance, particularly in the third quarter. Devin Booker tallied 12 points in the period on 5-of-8 shooting, narrowing the deficit to 106-98 heading into the fourth. However, each rally was promptly answered by the Thunder. Cason Wallace’s corner three-pointer with 5:54 remaining widened the gap to 120-106, and Gilgeous-Alexander quickly followed with a challenging layup over multiple defenders, effectively curbing any Phoenix comeback hopes.
Booker topped the Suns’ scoring with 24 points, while Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green both contributed 23. Collin Gillespie produced 20 points, sinking six three-pointers for Phoenix.
First-Half Fireworks Set the Tone
Oklahoma City seized a 75-67 advantage by halftime, fuelled by scorching shooting percentages – 61.4% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc after hitting 12 of 20 attempts. Gilgeous-Alexander paced the side with 17 first-half points, capped by an uncontested three-pointer just before the interval.
The Suns also had a strong start from the perimeter, connecting on 11 of 20 three-pointers, and Gillespie was lights out in the opening half, scoring 17 points by converting all six of his shots and five triples.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder | 31 | 2 | 8 |
| Chet Holmgren | Thunder | 24 | 12 | 3 |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Thunder | 18 | 12 | 3 |
| Ajay Mitchell | Thunder | 22 | 4 | 6 |
| Alex Caruso | Thunder | 14 | 4 | 1 |
| Devin Booker | Suns | 24 | 0 | 6 |
| Dillon Brooks | Suns | 23 | 4 | 3 |
| Jalen Green | Suns | 23 | 6 | 4 |
| Collin Gillespie | Suns | 20 | 2 | 2 |
Injury Report and Notable Absences
Both sides dealt with personnel missing: Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams sat out his second straight game with a left hamstring strain, while Phoenix were without centre Mark Williams due to a foot injury and guard Jordan Goodwin because of a calf problem.
