NBA Playoffs: Thunder Sweep the Suns and Advance to the Conference Semifinals!
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the second half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Thunder closed out their first-round series in style, winning 131-122 against the Suns. This dominant performance sends OKC straight to the Western Conference Semifinals, reinforcing their status as defending champions and legitimate back-to-back contenders.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Delivers Again When It Matters Most
SGA once again led the charge with 31 points on 59% shooting and 8 assists. The Canadian guard produced several spectacular finishes in the paint, including an acrobatic layup against three defenders late in the game. Just two days after his 42-point Game 3 performance, the reigning MVP proves he is still the unquestioned leader of this team.
Chet Holmgren perfectly supported his star with a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Isaiah Hartenstein added 18 points and 12 rebounds, including 7 offensive boards. The center duo dominated the paint throughout the series, and Game 4 was no exception.
SGA STARRED IN THE SERIES-CLINCHER!
⛈️ 31 PTS
⛈️ 8 AST
Thunder advance to Round 2.
Will play winner of HOU/LAL. pic.twitter.com/QwsHf96jsu— NBA (@NBA) April 28, 2026
Phoenix Fights Back but Falls to the Juggernaut
The Suns showed character in the first half thanks to the exceptional shooting of Collin Gillespie (20 points, 6 three-pointers) and 23 points from Dillon Brooks. Devin Booker, who scored 24 points but shot just 1-of-6 from three, never found a way to crack the Thunder’s defense. Jalen Green also contributed 23 points, but his poor long-range shooting (1-of-10) epitomized the offensive struggles of the Arizona squad.
Despite a third-quarter surge that brought Phoenix within 8 points, the Thunder always had an answer. Alex Caruso (14 points, 3 three-pointers in the first quarter) and Ajay Mitchell (22 points, 4-of-6 from three) provided the necessary depth off the bench to dash the Suns’ hopes.
THE REIGNING CHAMPS EXTINGUISH THE SUNS ⚡
OKC completes the sweep in Phoenix to advance 🩹 pic.twitter.com/g4Vs81Kp3h— ESPN (@espn) April 28, 2026
A Third Consecutive First-Round Sweep for OKC
This victory marks the third straight first-round sweep for the defending champions: the Pelicans in 2024, the Grizzlies in 2025, and now the Suns in 2026. With a perfect 12-0 record over the past three postseasons in the first round, they have firmly established their dominance in this phase of the playoffs.
The Thunder now await their opponent in the Western Conference Semifinals. It will most likely be the Lakers, who lead the Rockets 3-1. For Phoenix, this marks the end of a season that exceeded expectations, but also a tenth consecutive playoff loss since 2023.
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