Suns Seek Adjustments After Blowout Loss to Thunder in Game 1

Phoenix looks to even series in Game 2 after 119-84 defeat in series opener

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:27am

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in bright orange, blue, and green hues, conceptually representing the high-intensity action and energy of a basketball game between the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder.The Suns' Game 1 blowout loss to the Thunder exposed flaws that Phoenix must address to make this first-round series competitive.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Suns suffered a lopsided 119-84 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. The Suns struggled with turnovers, poor shooting, and defending the Thunder's inside game. Phoenix now has two days to make adjustments before Game 2 on Wednesday.

Why it matters

The Suns are looking to bounce back after a blowout loss to start the series against the defending NBA champion Thunder, who have proven to be a tough matchup for Phoenix this season. The Suns need to find a way to slow down the Thunder's balanced scoring attack and limit their own mistakes to make this a competitive series.

The details

The Suns committed 19 turnovers that led to 34 points for the Thunder, while only scoring 2 points off 8 Oklahoma City turnovers. Phoenix also surrendered 52 points in the paint and shot just 34.9% from the field, including 13-of-39 from 3-point range. Devin Booker scored a team-high 23 points, but Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green combined to shoot just 12-of-38. The Thunder led by as many as 39 points in the lopsided victory.

  • The Suns played their second game in three days after defeating the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament finale on April 17.
  • Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22.

The players

Jordan Ott

Head coach of the Phoenix Suns.

Devin Booker

All-Star guard for the Phoenix Suns who scored a team-high 23 points in Game 1.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Reigning NBA MVP for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who scored a game-high 25 points in the Game 1 win.

Jalen Williams

Thunder forward who posted 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in Game 1.

Chet Holmgren

Thunder center who added 16 points and 7 rebounds in the Game 1 victory.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think we're an excuse-making team. We are excited about the opportunity to play in the playoffs. We're excited to get this experience. We're excited to come play the best. That hasn't changed.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

“Spend these next few days breaking down film to see what we can get better at.”

— Devin Booker, All-Star Guard, Phoenix Suns

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the Suns' need to limit turnovers, play faster, and find ways to disrupt the Thunder's balanced scoring attack if they hope to even the series in Game 2. Phoenix has shown it can bounce back from a blowout loss to Oklahoma City, but will need to make significant adjustments to avoid another lopsided defeat.