The OKC Thunder will face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. OKC, the No. 1 seed, aims to defend its championship while the No. 8 Suns seek to make an impact after emerging from the Play-In Tournament.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Q&A
What is the matchup history between the Thunder and Suns this season?
The Thunder and Suns faced each other five times during the regular season, with the Thunder winning the series 3-2.
What seed are the Thunder and Suns in the NBA Playoffs?
The Thunder are the No. 1 seed, while the Suns are the No. 8 seed in the NBA Playoffs.
When did the Suns emerge from the Play-In Tournament?
The Suns emerged from the Play-In Tournament this season, allowing them to qualify for the playoffs.
What are the stakes for the Thunder in this playoff series?
The Thunder are looking to defend their first championship in franchise history during this playoff series.
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks over Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns watches game play during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Branden Carlson #15 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns tip off to start the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Oklahoma City Thunder mascot waves the team flag prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Jamaree Bouyea #17 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Kenrich Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder gets tripped up during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives between CJ Huntley #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Payton Sandfort #14 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Amir Coffey #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: General view of the entrance to the court prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: General view of the arena prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: A practice ball bounces off the backboard prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks over Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns watches game play during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Branden Carlson #15 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns tip off to start the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
5 / 16
OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Oklahoma City Thunder mascot waves the team flag prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
6 / 16
OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Jamaree Bouyea #17 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Kenrich Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder gets tripped up during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
9 / 16
OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
10 / 16
OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Nikola Topic #44 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives between CJ Huntley #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
13 / 16
OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: Payton Sandfort #14 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket around Amir Coffey #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
14 / 16
OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: General view of the entrance to the court prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: General view of the arena prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns in NBA regular-season finale, see photos
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 12: A practice ball bounces off the backboard prior to the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on April 12, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The term "three-level scorer" gets thrown around a lot, but Booker is legitimately that. He's a threat to get buckets around the rim, in the mid-range game and behind the arc. And Green is a hyper-athletic guard who's been known to catch fire.
But OKC's backcourt is far more balanced. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably the most unguardable scorer in all of basketball, and Lu Dort is a lockdown defender who'll make Booker work for his points.
Booker and Green could certainly swing this backcourt matchup in their favor for a game or two. But Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort should have the edge over the course of a seven-game series.
It'd be asking a lot for Jalen Williams to perform like an All-NBA player this series, considering he has dealt with multiple nagging injuries this season. But I still expect him to be highly impactful as a shot creator, playmaker and versatile defender.
OKC also has versatility with its 7-foot duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Holmgren is a floor-spacing forward and an elite rim protector, while Hartenstein is an impressive playmaker and a strong rebounder.
Phoenix also has some firepower in the frontcourt with Dillon Brooks leading the charge. He's the team's defensive tone setter, and he's even averaging a career-high 20.2 points this season.
But other frontcourt pieces such as Royce O'Neale and Mark Williams simply don't stack up with what the Thunder is rolling out. This is another advantage for OKC.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) puts up a shot during an NBA Cup basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) puts up a shot during an NBA Cup basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025.
Thunder vs. Suns: Bench production
It has taken a group effort for Phoenix to climb its way into the playoffs after parting ways with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal this past summer.
Collin Gillespie has carved out a vital role as a gritty, high-IQ guard who can facilitate and shoot it from deep. Jordan Goodwin has provided energy as a standout defender and an aggressive rebounder at his size. And the list of bench contributors goes on, from Grayson Allen to Ryan Dunn to Oso Ighodaro.
I would give Phoenix the edge in this department against a lot of teams, but OKC isn't one of them. The Thunder is finally at full strength after an injury-riddled season, and it has no shortage of guys who can step up.
What a job Jordan Ott has done in his first season as Phoenix's head coach.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant has maximized the talents of a team many people believed would finish near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. It's a fundamentally-sound group that plays hard and plays together, and embraces physicality.
This is Ott's first playoff run as a head coach, though. And an opening-round series against the reigning champion Thunder is quite a first test.
I'm giving the edge to Mark Daigneault. He's another highly-intelligent head coach who maximizes players' talents and has his group playing connected basketball, plus he has championship experience.
OKC will win this series. It's the more talented team on both ends of the floor, and it's mostly the same group that won a title together last season.
But I do think Phoenix will take a game from the reigning champs, which is no small feat. This group deserves plenty of praise for the way it has competed this season, surpassing the expectations of everyone outside of the locker room.
The Suns will bring the fight to the Thunder, which is what you have to do. They'll muck up the game with their tough style of play, and they won't beat themselves.
I can't put my finger on a category where Phoenix has an edge in this matchup, but it's clearly a good basketball team. It's only right to give it the nod in the intangibles department.
