Thunder coach expects stiffer Suns test in Game 2

Oklahoma City cruised to a Game 1 win, but Mark Daigneault knows Phoenix will be better rested for the next matchup.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:23am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns, with the players' movements and the court's lines broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.The Thunder's dominant Game 1 win sets the stage for a tougher test against the rested Suns in the next matchup.Oklahoma City Today

Despite the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominant 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, head coach Mark Daigneault is anticipating a much tougher challenge from the Suns in Game 2. Daigneault cited the Suns' quick turnaround from their Play-In Tournament win over the Golden State Warriors just two days earlier, while the Thunder had a full week of rest leading into the series opener.

Why it matters

The Thunder's decisive Game 1 win puts them in a strong position, but Daigneault knows the Suns will be better rested and more prepared for the next matchup. How the Thunder handle the Suns' expected response will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.

The details

The Thunder's stifling defense held the Suns to under 85 points in Game 1, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the offense with 25 points and 7 assists. Jalen Williams also had a strong performance with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Daigneault credited his team's excellent preparation during the week-long break between the regular season and playoffs, something the Suns did not have the luxury of.

  • The Thunder and Suns will face off in Game 2 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
  • The Suns had a quick turnaround, playing the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament on Friday, April 17, 2026 before taking on the Thunder in Game 1 on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who led his team to a dominant Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who led the team in scoring with 25 points and 7 assists in Game 1.

Jalen Williams

The second-year forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had an impressive 22-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist performance in the Game 1 win.

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What they’re saying

“This is a tough turnaround for them.. Now they get 2 days rest. We're gonna face a tough, rested team on Wednesday.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder

“They're all important. They're all different. I do think it reinforces a good week of preparation. The guys did a great job with the week off. It was very unfamiliar. You never get a week off in between games. Guys did a great job staying present.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder

What’s next

The Thunder will host the Suns in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at the Paycom Center.

The takeaway

The Thunder's dominant Game 1 win over the Suns was impressive, but Daigneault knows his team will face a much tougher challenge in Game 2 as the Suns will be better rested. How the Thunder respond to the Suns' expected adjustments and increased intensity will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.