PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns don’t have to wait long for a shot at revenge. After the Oklahoma City Thunder swept them in the first round of last season’s playoffs, Phoenix enters its latest matchup with a chance to show what has changed. But beating Oklahoma City will require more than emotion.
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It starts with defense, as the Suns enter the matchup with an NBA-worst 123.0 defensive rating. Phoenix surrendered 124 points against Portland before allowing 122 against Golden State despite Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler being sidelined. That makes the absence of Jalen Williams especially important. Williams’ recent ankle injury removes one of Oklahoma City’s primary scoring threats and gives Phoenix one fewer creator to account for. The Suns must capitalize by directing more defensive attention at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forcing Oklahoma City’s supporting cast to create offense consistently.
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives on Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the first half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
But stopping the initial shot won’t be enough; Phoenix must finish possessions by rebounding. Allowing offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities can erase otherwise strong defensive possessions and give an explosive Thunder offense additional chances to score. That’s where this game becomes bigger than revenge. Phoenix already knows Oklahoma City can expose its weaknesses in a playoff environment. Now the Suns get an early measuring stick against the team that ended their season, and one playing without Williams. If Phoenix can’t capitalize on that advantage, its defensive issues become harder to dismiss as early-season growing pains.
Apr 25, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) in the second half during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
If the Suns can defend, control the glass, and make Gilgeous-Alexander work for everything, however, they’ll have an opportunity to show that last season’s playoff sweep isn’t simply repeating itself.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
