Thunder vs. Suns set for first-round NBA Playoffs clash

Oklahoma City looks to defend title, while Phoenix seeks deep playoff run under new coach

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game in sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the dynamic action and energy of the Thunder-Suns playoff matchup.The Thunder and Suns' first-round playoff clash promises an intense, high-stakes battle between two of the West's top teams.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off a 64-win regular season and NBA championship, will face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Thunder went 3-2 against the Suns during the regular season and boast the league's stingiest defense, while the Suns are led by Devin Booker and are in their fourth head coach in as many seasons.

Why it matters

This matchup pits the defending champions against a Suns team looking to make a deep playoff run after several seasons of turmoil. The Thunder's suffocating defense will be tested by Booker and the Suns' high-powered offense, setting up an intriguing first-round clash.

The details

The Thunder-Suns series will be broadcast across ABC, ESPN, NBC, and their respective streaming platforms. Oklahoma City won the season series 3-2, including a 49-point blowout victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31.1 points and 6.6 assists per game in the regular season, while Devin Booker averaged 26.1 points for the Suns.

  • The first-round series begins on Sunday, April 19 in Oklahoma City.
  • Game 2 will be played on Wednesday, April 22 in Oklahoma City.
  • The series shifts to Phoenix for Game 3 on Saturday, April 25 and Game 4 on Monday, April 27.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's star point guard and MVP candidate, who averaged 31.1 points and 6.6 assists per game in the regular season.

Devin Booker

The Suns' leading scorer, coming off a 26.1 points per game regular season as Phoenix looks to make a deep playoff run under new head coach Jordan Ott.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must be ready for a tough, physical series against the defending champions. But we believe in our team and our ability to compete with anyone in the league.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

“Our defense has been the key to our success all season long, and we're going to lean on that as we start our title defense. We know the Suns will be a tough out, but we're ready for the challenge.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder

What’s next

The winner of the Thunder-Suns series will face the winner of the Celtics-Raptors series in the Western Conference semifinals.

The takeaway

This first-round matchup features two teams with contrasting styles - the defensive-minded, championship-tested Thunder against the high-powered, up-and-coming Suns. The series will showcase some of the NBA's brightest young stars and could set the tone for the rest of the Western Conference playoffs.