Thunder dominate Suns in a swift 4-0 sweep. Shai explodes with 33.8 PPG, leading an offensive powerhouse to the Conference Semi-Finals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder enjoyed a nice week long break before Round 1 and will now get to kick back and rest for another week or so before Round 2.
OKC became the first playoff team to advance to the Conference SemiFinals by dispatching of the Phoenix Suns to the tune of a 4-0 sweep. While the other seven teams first round series are yet to be decided, there's time to reflect on the domination that was the Thunder's first four postseason games of 2026.
Thunder vs Suns 1st Round Notes and Numbers
That is now officially three straight 1st Round sweeps for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City beat Phoenix by an average of 17.25 points per game. OKC's margin of victory by game: 35 points, 13 points, 12 points and 9 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads all 1st Round playoff scorers with 33.8 points per game. The next closest player in points per game is Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 29.5 points. No other player is scoring even 27 points per game.
Chet Holmgren excelled as OKC's second option and defensive anchor against Phoenix. The All-Star center averaged 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 59% from the field, 39% from deep and 91% from the free throw line.
One of the questions regarding Oklahoma City coming into the playoffs was how big of a role second year guard Ajay Mitchell would have in this loaded rotation. The answer? Mitchell averaged the third most minutes in the first round, behind only Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren.
Alex Caruso continues to be a playoff riser. The Thunder X Factor averaged 6.2 points per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 29.3% from distance in the regular season. He put up 9.0 points on 53.8% from the field and 47.1% from distance in Round 1.
Jared McCain played a big role and was essential in a number of wins that helped OKC secure the #1 seed after the trade deadline. But his minutes have understandably diminished thus far in the playoffs. McCain played only 5.5 minutes per game in the first round, including one DNP. He did, however, play 12 minutes and had a winning impact in Game 3. The second year player has a bright future in OKC and remains a weapon that Mark Daigneault can use at any moment's notice in these playoffs.
OKC leads all playoff teams in scoring offense with 122.8 points per game. The second closest is the Boston Celtics with 114.0 points per game.
One of the concerns from Thunder fans was OKC's 3 point shooting in the postseason. Oklahoma City finished Round 1 as the #5 team in 3 point percentage at 36.3%.