The Phoenix Suns suffered a significant 119-84 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their playoff series. Jalen Green emphasized the need for a faster pace to improve the Suns' performance in Game 2.
Key points
Phoenix Suns lost 119-84 to Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Green highlighted pace as a key factor
Game 1 was part of the 2026 NBA Playoffs
The game took place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City
Phoenix SunsOklahoma City Thunder
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) in the second quarter during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
OKLAHOMA CITY â After a lopsided 119-84 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series, Phoenix guard Jalen Green pointed to pace as a key factor if the Suns want to reset the seriesâ tone.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns forward (3) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Q&A
What was the score of Game 1 between the Suns and Thunder?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns 119-84 in Game 1.
What did Jalen Green say about the Suns' performance after Game 1?
Jalen Green pointed to the pace of the game as a crucial factor for the Suns to reset the series' tone.
When is Game 2 of the Suns vs. Thunder playoff series?
The date for Game 2 of the Suns vs. Thunder playoff series has not been specified in the excerpt.
Who were the key players in Game 1 of the Suns vs. Thunder?
Key players included Jalen Green for the Suns and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder.
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In a game marked by heavy turnovers, shooting inconsistencies and defensive struggles, the Suns couldnât contain a red-hot Thunder team that applied pressure on both sides of the ball. Phoenixâs rhythm never fully developed early in the game and carried into the next three quarters.
âPlay a little bit faster, play a lot of good game,â Green said postgame. âHit the open shots. Shoot the open shots. Itâs going to come down to the rebound. Once we get our stops, weâve got to turn those stops and move on into transition points. I think weâll be right.â
The Thunder controlled much of the gameâs tempo, turning defensive rebounds into quick offense and building separation that the Suns never really threatened. Phoenix had stretches of clean looks but struggled to convert, allowing Oklahoma City to dictate the flow.
Oklahoma City led in rebounds, 54-45, while also creating 34 points off 17 Phoenix turnovers. Second-chance opportunities for the Thunder extended possessions and drained the Sunsâ momentum, contributing to an 18-2 edge in second-chance points.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) goes up for a basket beside beside Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
For a Suns roster built around efficiency and half-court execution, the game served as a reminder of how quickly control can slip when rebounding and pace tilt the other direction. The challenge now becomes not only adjusting schemes, but matching the energy and physical response Oklahoma City established in Game 1 â especially if the Suns want to avoid coming home down 0-2 to the reneging champions.
âWe will sit down, watch film, and figure that out and discuss it,â Green said. âBut, I mean, for the simplest part, I said it already, just getting stops and playing fast in transition, I think that would help us a lot, too.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots a three point basket over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) in the second quarter during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Phoenix and Oklahoma City tip off for Game 2 on Wednesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
