The matchup is set. The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Phoenix punched its ticket Friday night, knocking off the Golden State Warriors 111-96 in the final Western Conference play-in game to secure the No. 8 seed. That sets up a first-round showdown with the top-seeded Thunder, beginning Sunday in Oklahoma City.
The Suns controlled the game from the start, fueled by Jalen Green’s 36-point explosion and a strong two-way effort that completely disrupted Golden State’s offense. Devin Booker added 20 points, while Jordan Goodwin made a major impact with 19 points, nine rebounds and six steals.
The biggest storyline was Phoenix’s defense on Stephen Curry.
The 38-year-old superstar never found a rhythm and finished with just 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting as the Suns smothered him into one of his toughest performances of the season. Brandin Podziemski led Golden State with 23, but the Warriors never seriously threatened in the second half.
Phoenix built separation in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 16 after a Royce O’Neale fast-break layup and never looked back.
Now the reward is a first-round date with the Thunder.
Oklahoma City enters the postseason as the No. 1 overall seed and defending NBA champions, fully healthy and positioned for another deep run. The Suns arrive battle-tested out of the play-in with momentum and confidence.
Thunder vs. Suns First Round Schedule
Game 1: Sunday, 2:30 p.m. (ABC) — OKCGame 2: April 22 — OKCGame 3: April 25 — PhoenixGame 4: April 27 — PhoenixGame 5: April 29 — OKC*Game 6: May 1 — Phoenix*Game 7: May 3 — OKC*
*if necessary
The Western Conference playoff field features several new faces this year, including the Suns, Spurs and Trail Blazers, but the path still runs through Oklahoma City.
And now it officially starts with Phoenix.