Episode 763: THUNDER OUST THE SUNS
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The Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a dominant 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series, validating early predictions of a sweep. Host Dylan Hunsinger praised the Thunder's balanced performance, highlighting Chet Holmgren's explosive first quarter, Isaiah Hartenstein's defensive presence, and AJ Mitchell's impactful debut in playoff action. Jalen Williams emerged as the standout player of the game with 22 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Shea Cowdrey struggled with his shooting but remained efficient and turnover-free. The Thunder's defense, particularly their rim protection and transition disruption, was lauded as a key factor in the blowout. Hunsinger also expressed excitement about the team's depth, confidence, and potential for a historic run, even jokingly predicting a 16-0 playoff run if the core players stay healthy and perform at this level. The episode concluded with a reflective moment honoring the resilience of Oklahoma City, especially on the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, underscoring the city's transformation and the pride of being a Thunder fan.
The Thunder's dominant 35-point win in Game 1 signals a strong start to their playoff run.
Jalen Williams was the game's MVP with 22 points, 6 assists, and perfect efficiency.
AJ Mitchell made a significant impact in his first real playoff minutes, especially with three-point shooting.
Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein controlled the paint, showcasing the Thunder's size advantage.
The Thunder's defense, particularly in transition and rim protection, was flawless.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Post-Game Reaction: Thunder Dominate Suns in Game 1
“Thunder in four. I fully believe the Thunder are going to sweep the Suns and tonight just cements that opinion of my projection of that series.”
Chet Holmgren's First Quarter Explosion
“That was really it. Like as soon as that happened, like, you know, the Suns... They played it close a little bit there in the first quarter. But as soon as that shot went in... it was over.”
Big Men Dominate: Chet and Hartenstein Control the Paint
The Thunder's frontcourt duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein outmatched the Suns' lack of size, with Hartenstein blocking multiple attempts and both players excelling on both ends of the floor.
AJ Mitchell’s Playoff Debut and Role Expansion
“He was making threes at a point where nobody else on the Thunder was really making shots. So shout out to AJ Mitchell, man. He was absolutely phenomenal in his first like—real minutes of playoff action.”
Jalen Williams: The Engine of the Team
“If Dub is playing like this, like this confidence, this efficiency, this getting downhill, this creating points in transition consistently. If he is playing like this, we go 16-0.”
“If Dub is playing like this, like this confidence, this efficiency, this getting downhill, this creating points in transition consistently. If he is playing like this, we go 16-0.”
“Thunder in four. I fully believe the Thunder are going to sweep the Suns and tonight just cements that opinion of my projection of that series.”
“That was really it. Like as soon as that happened, like, you know, the Suns... They played it close a little bit there in the first quarter. But as soon as that shot went in... it was over.”
Host
Oklahoma City Thunder
other
Phoenix Suns
other
Shea Cowdrey
person
Jalen Williams
person
Chet Holmgren
person
Dylan Hunsinger
person
Isaiah Hartenstein
person
AJ Mitchell
person
Dylan Brooks
person
Case Wallace
person
Episode 759: JUSTIN MARTINEZ OF THE OKLAHOMAN JOINS THE SHOW
Topic: Thunder - an OKC Thunder Podcast • 1h 11m • 4/1/2026
Episode 760: THUNDER EXPOSE THE LAKERS AND TWITTER MAILBAG
Topic: Thunder - an OKC Thunder Podcast • 1h 34m • 4/4/2026
Episode 761: THUNDER LOOK TO CLINCH 1 SEED
Topic: Thunder - an OKC Thunder Podcast • 46m • 4/9/2026
Episode 762: THUNDER CLINCH 1 SEED AND POTENTIAL PLAY-IN MATCHUPS
Topic: Thunder - an OKC Thunder Podcast • 1h 15m • 4/11/2026
Episode 764: THUNDER OUTLAST THE SUNS TO GO UP 2-0
Topic: Thunder - an OKC Thunder Podcast • 45m • 4/23/2026
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