OKC added the Suns to its collection of first-round sweeps, beating Phoenix 131–122 in Game 4. This marks the third consecutive year the Thunder have swept their first-round opponent.
So how did OKC get it done? Let’s take a look.
SGA IS…UNSTOPPABLE.
As the defending MVP and favorite to win again this year, it’s no surprise Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way. He averaged 33.8 points on an efficient 55% shooting across the series.
In Game 3, Shai recorded a playoff career-high 42 points, shooting 15-for-18 from the field. A performance that reinforced both his consistency and his approach in these moments.
THE BENCH GOT THE BEST OF PHOENIX.
OKC’s bench continues to be one of the best in the league. When Jalen Williams went down with another hamstring injury in Game 2, the second unit stepped up.
The Thunder bench outscored Phoenix’s 138–80 across the series. Alex Caruso led the group, finishing with 14 points in Game 4, including 4-for-6 from three.
Caruso entered the postseason shooting a career-low 29.3% from deep but closed the series at 47.1%, showing his playoff experience.
The second unit also held its own defensively, maintaining intensity and accounting for 24 of the team’s 38 steals in the series.
EVERYTHING STARTED WITH DEFENSE.
OKC’s defense set the tone from start to finish. With players like Lu Dort and Cason Wallace applying constant pressure, the Thunder always had a disruptive presence on the floor.
Across four games, OKC forced 68 turnovers and outscored Phoenix 88–38 in points off those mistakes. They also averaged 9.5 steals per game.
It was a clear edge all series.
WHAT’S NEXT?
As the only team to secure a first-round sweep, the Thunder now get an extended break before the second round, where they’ll face the winner of the Lakers–Rockets series.
