Thunder Crush Suns in Playoff Opener

Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams lead OKC to dominant 119-84 victory

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game broken down into sharp, geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, orange, and white, conveying the dynamic energy and intensity of the playoff matchup.The Thunder's young stars shine in a decisive playoff opening win over the Suns.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their playoff campaign with a decisive 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Led by standout performances from rising stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, the Thunder overwhelmed their opponents in a lopsided affair at Paycom Center.

Why it matters

This dominant win establishes the Thunder as a force to be reckoned with in the postseason, showcasing the team's impressive depth and potential to make a deep playoff run. The victory also reinforces the promising futures of Holmgren and Williams, who are quickly emerging as two of the league's most exciting young talents.

The details

Holmgren, the Thunder's prized rookie, put on a dominant two-way display, scoring 27 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and swatting 5 shots. Williams, in his sophomore season, added 22 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. The Thunder's stifling defense held the Suns to just 84 points, a far cry from their regular-season averages.

  • The game was played on April 20, 2026.
  • It was the opening game of the NBA playoffs.

The players

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's highly touted rookie, known for his elite shot-blocking and versatile offensive game.

Jalen Williams

The Thunder's second-year guard, who has emerged as a dynamic two-way player and a key part of the team's core.

Phoenix Suns

The Thunder's playoff opponent, a perennial contender in the Western Conference.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chet and Jalen were absolutely dominant tonight. When those two are clicking, we're a tough team to beat.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder Point Guard

“We got outplayed in every facet of the game. The Thunder came out with a lot of energy and we couldn't match it. We'll need to regroup and come back stronger in Game 2.”

— Chris Paul, Suns Point Guard

What’s next

The series will continue with Game 2 in Oklahoma City on April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

The Thunder's dominant performance in Game 1 has put the rest of the league on notice. With their young stars leading the way, Oklahoma City has emerged as a formidable playoff contender capable of making a deep run.