Suns overwhelmed in Game 1 vs. Thunder, Jalen Green points to pace for Game 2

OKLAHOMA CITY — 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 series’ tone.

Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (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

In a game marked by heavy turnovers, shooting inconsistencies and defensive struggles, the Suns couldn’t contain a red-hot Thunder team that applied pressure on both sides of the ball. Phoenix’s rhythm never fully developed early in the game and carried into the next three quarters.

“Play a little bit faster, play a lot of good game,” Green said postgame. “Hit the open shots. Shoot the open shots. It’s going to come down to the rebound. Once we get our stops, we’ve got to turn those stops and move on into transition points. I think we’ll be right.”

“It’s gonna come down to the rebounding once we get our stops.”

Suns’ Jalen Green reflects on Phoenix’s Game 1 loss and what they can apply for Game 2.
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The Thunder controlled much of the game’s 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 Suns’ 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 — especially if the Suns want to avoid coming home down 0-2 to the reneging champions.

“We will sit down, watch film, and figure that out and discuss it,” Green said. “But, 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.