NBA playoffs: Defending champion Thunder open with victory
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Oklahoma City Thunder beat Phoenix Suns 119‑84 in Game 1, leading 65‑44 at halftime.
- Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander tallied 25 points and hit 15‑of‑17 free throws, though only 5/18 from the field.
- Jalen Williams added 22 points as the Thunder’s lead grew to 90‑63 late in the third quarter.
- Boston Celtics routed Philadelphia 76ers 123‑91, hitting 16 three‑pointers and never trailing.
- Jayson Tatum recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, his first playoff appearance since an Achilles injury.
Why it matters: The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 119‑84 blowout gives them a 1‑0 series lead, likely boosting ticket sales and local business traffic, while the Suns’ 34.9% shooting slump cuts their advancement odds and playoff revenue.
