Defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder have become the first team to advance to the second round of the 2025–2026 playoffs.
The Thunder sealed a 4-0 series sweep with a 131-122 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 4, underlining their intent to mount a strong title defence.
They will now face the winner of the series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets, with the Lakers holding a 3-1 lead at the time of writing.
Once again, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for Oklahoma City, recording 31 points and eight assists in 38 minutes in Game 4. The guard expressed satisfaction with his team’s strong start to their title defence after completing the sweep.
“It is a really good feeling. Just confidencewise, as a group, it’s good to get the playoff runs started off that way. It’s just important to get out on a good foot. You never know what can happen.”
“You want to give yourself as many days as you can to rest” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Award winner and is in the running to win the award for the 2025/2026 season.
