OKLAHOMA CITY — It’s been a different game so far compared to Game 1, but the Phoenix Suns are missing contributions from one of their top scorers against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2.
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Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) yells to his teammate for the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends 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
Coming into Wednesday’s game, Dillon Brooks has helped lead the Suns on the offensive side since the final stretch of the season and heading into the playoffs. However, he has yet to make a large impact against the Thunder in the second matchup.
In the first half, Brooks scored seven points and went 3-for-7 from the field — somewhat low numbers for one of the team’s highest-usage scorers. In perspective, Royce O’Neale had more points off the bench with 11 points. It also doesn’t help that he was tagged for three personal fouls in the first half.
Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While Phoenix is still in the game and has been hanging with OKC so far, if Brooks continues to struggle to find his shots and help offensively, it could prove costly. The Suns tend to go as they go, and while other players are stepping up, relying solely on one or two players hasn’t really favored them throughout the season.
The Suns are looking to go home 1-1 and avoid climbing out of a 0-2 hole against the reigning champions. They can only do so if everyone contributes — their recipe for success this year.
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) walks down the court after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
At halftime, the Thunder lead the Suns 65-57, but with how close the game has been so far, it’s too early to say who has the edge in Game 2. It’s still anyone’s game — the perfect time for Brooks to reset and find his rhythm before the game gets away completely.
Book with the hesi 👀 pic.twitter.com/pYmyn8sIfZ
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 23, 2026
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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