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00:00Welcome to one of the country's most passionate NBA cities that's also home to the NBA's reigning champs, Oklahoma City.
00:08The Thunder again finished atop the regular season standings, led by MVP Shea Gilgis-Alexander.
00:15Their first-round opponent is the surprising yet emerging Phoenix Suns, led by Devin Booker, a five-time All-Star
00:23and two-time All-NBA.
00:26Welcome to the NBA playoffs presented by Google.
00:29It's game one in OKC, Thunder and Suns, the first round presented by Popeyes.
00:36Oklahoma City begins its quest to become the NBA's first repeat champ since Golden State in 2017 and 2018.
00:46The last Western Conference repeat champ was also the Warriors over a five-consecutive season span.
00:53They take on the Suns in the 1-8 matchup in the West.
00:57Phoenix, a team that wasn't supposed to be here, supposed to be a rebuilding year, but 45 wins they make
01:03it out of the play-in.
01:04The Lakers and Nuggets won their first-round games yesterday, Spurs-Blazers.
01:09Later tonight, our friends at NBC will have that game.
01:12And hi everybody, Dave Pasch, Doris Burke with Malika Andrews.
01:15Well, in a very short period of time, Shea Gilgis-Alexander has become one of the faces of the NBA.
01:21An MVP last year, a champion last year, and you can make the case, Doris, he is still ascending.
01:26You can. NBA greats are never satiated by success.
01:29So how does that manifest?
01:31Well, the fourth straight year where Shea Gilgis-Alexander goes north of 30 points, but the first time in NBA
01:37history that a guard shoots 55% and consider.
01:41That is a guy at the top of the scouting report, in my opinion, he should be the back-to
01:47-back MVP.
01:48Phoenix with a tall order.
01:50Not just Shea Gilgis-Alexander, but Jalen Williams healthy.
01:53Chet Holmgren, an all-star this year.
01:54The Suns do have Devin Booker, who's been to the NBA Finals, and his career average in the playoffs, in
02:00terms of scoring, is eighth in NBA history as we look at our driven performance brought to you by Duncan.
02:05This is one of the well-studied, very cerebral basketball players who's highly skilled.
02:10So eight times he has gone for 40 in just 47 career games.
02:15So they need a number from him offensively, but he's got to lift up the guys around him.
02:20This is a jump-shot-heavy team and a guy who can do it at a very high level.
02:25And look at all the spots on the floor.
02:28Left side, right side, from distance, or at the rim.
02:31He's averaged 35.
02:33Jalen Green has got to put a number on the board for them to have any chance.
02:37Our starting lineups brought to you by Metro by T-Mobile.
02:41No Mark Williams, the starting center for Phoenix.
02:43He is hurt again.
02:44So it will be Iguodaro in the middle, Jordan Goodwin, who had a big game and a win for Phoenix
02:50against Oklahoma City during the regular season.
02:52Along with Brooks, Green, and Booker.
02:55We'll see a lot of Dylan Brooks on Chet Holmgren.
02:58And then Sheikyo DeSalexander, second in the league in scoring, fourth straight year.
03:03Better than 30 points per game.
03:04The first player to do that since Michael Jordan.
03:07Holmgren, an all-star, likely an all-NBA player.
03:10He'll be 24 years of age in just a couple weeks.
03:15And after missing almost 50 games, Jalen Williams is back for the Thunder.
03:26Game two here Wednesday.
03:28Game one underway at Paycom Center.
03:34Jalen Green, in his first year in Phoenix, he was the number two pick back in 2021 behind Cade Cunningham.
03:40By Houston.
03:41The Suns moved on from Kevin Durant.
03:44They got Green and Brooks.
03:46And their team got better.
03:48Brooks, a career year.
03:50He starts the game with a three-point miss.
03:52Rebound, Hartenstein.
03:57Gilgis Alexander spinning in the lane.
03:59And kicks it out to Williams.
04:02Remarkable season for Oklahoma City, considering Williams a third-team All-NBA last year.
04:07Missed as much time as he did.
04:09Yet, the Thunder still won an NBA-best 64 games.
04:13Another missed three.
04:14Batted out by Godaro.
04:16Brooks will try it again.
04:17This one's good.
04:19So, here's what's fascinating about this matchup.
04:22Oklahoma City is the best defensive team in the league.
04:24But their first priority is take away the paint.
04:27It's not an area Phoenix looks to exploit.
04:30They are a jump-shot-heavy team.
04:38Shot clock down to five.
04:40Brooks, challenging home greener.
04:41Lost his footing and lost the ball.
04:43And out in space.
04:45Booker will take it himself for the easy two.
04:47It's 5-0 Phoenix.
04:48And the similarity between these two teams is they both excel on the defensive end.
04:54For Phoenix, just like Oklahoma City, they want to turn you over and let that lead them into offense.
05:00Phoenix, ninth in defense during the regular season.
05:03Oklahoma City, number one.
05:05Dort for three.
05:06And that's a good sign because he did not shoot it well during the regular season.
05:10Just 34%.
05:14But in April, he's been heating up about 48% from three this month.
05:19Goodwin from outside.
05:20Too strong.
05:21Rebound Dort.
05:26Gillick, does Alexander.
05:28It was a 180 as Goodwin tried to reach in and strip it.
05:32Got all ball.
05:34But then a foul is called and Goodwin picks up his first and the first foul in the game on
05:39either team.
05:43Shea Gilgis Alexander.
05:44Doris mentioned it.
05:46Favorite to win MVP.
05:48There have been 15 players who have gone back-to-back winning MVP awards.
05:53Nikola Jokic, the last to do it, 21 and 22.
05:56And there are any number of reasons why I think he's the MVP.
05:59I think, you know, obviously, significant time missed by key personnel on his team.
06:05He's not the only candidate to have experienced that.
06:08His defensive numbers.
06:10And I understand that, you know, he's probably taken the third best player.
06:14But all the defensive metrics for this guy, you know, are terrific.
06:18Like, he gives you incredible effort nightly on that end.
06:23And it's just a million reasons.
06:25But they're the best team in a brutal Western Conference.
06:28Like, the consistency is insane to me with Shea Gilgis Alexander.
06:32Booker with the off-balance shot.
06:35He's got four points.
06:39Williams trying to drive on Brooks.
06:42Here's SGA now.
06:45On the baseline.
06:47Can't connect.
06:48One and done for the Thunder.
06:53Jalen Green, first time in his career with back-to-back 35-point games.
06:57An air ball on the floater.
07:00Getting downhill.
07:02Gilgis Alexander stripped.
07:03Out of bounds will stay here.
07:05Shea thought he was fouled.
07:07Leading the league in free-throw makes.
07:09Came on the air talking about this guy's ability in the playoffs.
07:12Tough shot maker.
07:13I like the non-whistle.
07:15Yeah, there's a little bit of contact, but great concentration by him.
07:19Veteran crew officiating today's game.
07:22Mark Davis, Sean Wright, and Mark Lindsey.
07:26Entry pass.
07:27Holmgren on the catch.
07:28His foul.
07:29Second foul on the Suns.
07:33And it's on Goodwin.
07:35So, two quick ones against the former undrafted player out of St. Louis.
07:40If you look at the makeup of this roster led by the head coach, George Knott,
07:44they have a number of players that were undrafted that play key roles like Goodwin and Colin Gillespie.
07:50Gillespie about to check in.
07:52I mean, Gillespie's improvement has been incredible to me.
07:58And his shot-making is just absolutely invaluable to what they do offensively.
08:04Shaw Doris, that shot of Brian Gregory, the first-year general manager for the Suns.
08:09Long-time college assistant and head coach.
08:12Gets an opportunity to be an NBA GM.
08:14He's done a very good job putting this group together.
08:17Holmgren from the free-throw line.
08:18Ties it up at seven.
08:22First points for Chet Holmgren, a career-high 17 points per game.
08:27Gillespie's three swishes through.
08:29He can shoot it from deep.
08:30He comes right off that little screen.
08:33Shot ready.
08:36A franchise record 232.
08:39Eight threes for Gillespie during the regular season.
08:42Gillespie's Alexander short on the spin and fire.
08:44He's over three from the floor to start the game.
08:51Nice defense by Holmgren with the steal.
08:55Hardenstein with the slam.
09:02Live ball turnovers, particularly those in the middle of the floor.
09:06That is absolute death against Oklahoma City.
09:10Holmgren, an all-NBA defender among the leaders in blocks, got the steal.
09:14Great play by Jalen Green as Holmgren is trying to swat it.
09:18Green gets his first bucket.
09:19He's got unbelievable athletic burst.
09:21You saw it on the first step there.
09:24Four minutes gone by.
09:26Phoenix by three.
09:27Williams will pop for three.
09:28And it's good for Jalen Williams.
09:31So Goodwin going out forces everybody to step up a matchup
09:35so their jobs defensively become much harder.
09:38Good steal.
09:39And Williams will take it himself.
09:41Five quick ones for Jalen Williams.
09:56Welcome back.
09:56Let's take a look at who's ruling the court.
09:58Brought to you by Burger King.
09:59And Oklahoma City has been waiting to get to today.
10:02These playoffs all year long, and they arrive here in dominant fashion,
10:06combining for 132 wins over the last two seasons,
10:10which puts them in elite dynastic company.
10:14And now the road to repeat begins.
10:16And Chet Holmgren told me he already feels the ways in which going for a second title
10:20is actually harder than going for the first.
10:22And to exemplify that, he took me back to the first two games of the season
10:26where he said that he was talking to Shea Gildas Alexander,
10:30and they looked at each other in those games that went to overtime
10:32and said that the energy that they needed to exert,
10:35it was just not sustainable over the course of the season.
10:38Well, fast forward, and they rallied off a 24-1 start from there.
10:42But guys, Mark Dagonalt said that he is looking at this game one
10:45as an information-gathering session, Dave and DB.
10:49And part of that Malik, as Williams puts up in airball,
10:51is because of how deep and versatile they are.
10:54They have such a great bench that some of the guys we see today
10:58we may not see in other games.
11:00As Holmgren takes a shot in the face from Dylan Brooks accidentally.
11:07Dave Nell wants him to look at it for a flagrant review
11:10as that's the first foul on Brooks.
11:15So, bodied up by Jalen Williams,
11:18he goes to make the strip and catches all of Chet's chin.
11:22They will go to the monitor.
11:28Unnecessary physical act, but does it rise to the level of a flagrant rule?
11:33We'll review this foul to see if it meets the criteria for a flagrant foul.
11:37That's Mark Davis in his 28th season.
11:40As an NBA official, working his 219th NBA playoff game today.
11:46And Brooks, who's had a couple of run-ins with the Thunder in the last few seasons,
11:51including when he was with Houston two years ago,
11:54getting into the mix here in the first five minutes of the game.
11:57So, the first time looks like he's absolutely making a play on the ball.
12:01So, this is the second swipe at the ball.
12:04Right.
12:06And I think, to your point, Doris, that's it.
12:08Initially live, full speed, it looked accidental.
12:11This looks a little more than that.
12:14That's correct.
12:14The first one looks like he's absolutely making a play on the ball.
12:18A pun review has been determined that the contact above the shoulder was unnecessary
12:23and, therefore, a flagrant foul.
12:26So, two free throws.
12:27Two free throws.
12:28And OKC will take the ball out of the free throw line extended.
12:31Please reset the shot clock to 24.
12:32That's the right call.
12:33But make no mistake, okay?
12:35The edge this guy plays with changes every team that he plays on.
12:42Like, that's an appropriate call.
12:44It's unnecessary.
12:45Really had no chance at it.
12:47But his presence and the way he approaches things has clearly had an impact on the culture.
12:55I think you saw four-time champions, Steve Kerr and Draymond Green,
13:00after that game was over, talk about Dylan Brooks
13:03and his influence on this group and its culture.
13:06Devin Booker told us the same thing when we sat down with him before the game today
13:10about how Dylan Brooks and the edge that he brings,
13:15along with the leadership that he brings has been a big factor.
13:18But, obviously, there's no place for that in the game where you look at how locked in
13:22Dylan Brooks is before the game.
13:23But if you're the Suns, you can't have that happen in a playoff game.
13:27Unnecessary play, and, obviously, you have a possibility of an injury when you do that to a guy's face.
13:35Well, listen, I think Charles Barkley said this pregame.
13:37We need points, not antics, from Dylan Brooks.
13:43Here's a foul on Booker, so that's four on Phoenix, none yet on Oklahoma City.
13:49A 7-0 run right now by the Thunder.
13:52Now, I agree with Charles.
13:55Can I talk out of two sides of my mouth here and say, like, they need both.
13:59Because, you know, antics may cross the line, but they need Dylan Brooks' physicality as, you know,
14:06his sort of willingness to try to get under people's skin.
14:09And what you're seeing from Phoenix early in this basketball game is a team that's not intimidated,
14:15a team that clearly has a rhythm from playing, you know, every other day now for the, whatever,
14:21third straight game.
14:22But they look confident and comfortable.
14:26Jalen Green has been in the playoffs.
14:28Devin Booker playing in his 48th career playoff game.
14:31Dylan Brooks, his 30th career playoff game.
14:35And the Thunder, one of the top free throw shooting teams in the NBA,
14:38will be at the line for the remainder of the quarter with the Suns over the limit.
14:42If you look at our upcoming NBA playoff schedule, brought to you by Progressive tonight on NBC and Peacock.
14:48Game 1, Detroit, Orlando, Portland, San Antonio.
14:50Game 2 tomorrow night, Cleveland, Toronto, Knicks, Hawks, Denver, Minnesota,
14:55all the home teams won game 1 for more.
14:58Go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
15:04So no fouls committed by the Thunder, no free throws attempted by Phoenix.
15:08Meanwhile, OKC is 6 of 6 at the line.
15:11Holmgren is 4 for 4.
15:13Nine straight Thunder points to take a 6-point lead.
15:18Booker doubled.
15:20That is an excellent Thunder defensive team.
15:22Gets deep in the lane.
15:23Lost the ball, but a foul.
15:25Going to go on Hardenstein.
15:27Boy, you can see how hard they make you work.
15:29They send him off a stagger screen.
15:33But look who's there.
15:34They got a little bit of a window off the stagger.
15:37But Isaiah is in the gap.
15:39He's in help.
15:40It allows Lou Dort to get back in front with great body position.
15:43They end up putting him at the free throw line.
15:45But boy, does Oklahoma City work hard on the defensive end of the floor.
15:51Lou Dort, first team all defense.
15:53Last year, again, we mentioned Holmgren.
15:55You got Kaysen Wallace, who led, couldn't even start a lot of the games and led the NBA in steals.
16:02He's going to be all defense.
16:05They work so well together, too.
16:07It's not just the individual defenders they have.
16:10I mean, look at Alex Caruso.
16:11This guy last year didn't play a ton in the regular season.
16:14They don't win the championship without his defense in many of the rounds.
16:18I mean, it's cross-positional.
16:21He can card bigger guys.
16:22Think about the job he did in Game 7 against Nikola Jokic in the Western Conference playoff lead-up.
16:29So Booker gets both free throws.
16:31Phoenix back within four.
16:32He's defending Holmgren right now, who lost his footing.
16:37Archstein cleans it up though inside.
16:39But you make a great point.
16:41Like, he's had, Booker's had that matchup for a couple of stretches here.
16:45This is an undersized Phoenix team.
16:47And so it skews your matchups.
16:49Green with an air ball and a triple try.
16:52The kick out by SGA.
16:54The three no good from Williams.
16:56And then Green fouled by Hartenstein.
16:58That's two quick ones against him.
17:03That's going to get Alex Caruso up and off the bench.
17:07Hartenstein will go out.
17:08Chet will toggle to the five.
17:10And you know what you don't lose with Chet at the five?
17:13Elite rim protection.
17:17Holmgren's second behind Wimbledon Yama in blocks this year.
17:21He's been brilliant defensively, Chet Holmgren.
17:27Booker trying to get free, going around a number of screens.
17:31Midway point of the first quarter.
17:33Thunder up six.
17:34Booker again guarded by multiple defenders.
17:36That lob pass off target, but they're going to get Holmgren for a foul.
17:40He didn't look like much, but maybe down low.
17:43Got the leg clipping there of Iguodoro, his first foul.
17:48Third team foul.
17:49No, that's exactly right.
17:49It was the lower body that sort of disengaged Iguodoro.
17:55Exactly right.
17:55So it makes it impossible to catch it.
18:02Phoenix, the eighth seed, came out of the play-in.
18:05They had the seventh best record in the West, lost to play an opener against Portland and then beat Golden
18:10State two nights ago.
18:13Many of the Thunder starters have not played in about 11 days.
18:17They did not play the last couple games in a regular season.
18:20Great pass by Gildas Alexander.
18:22His third assist, Caruso with the finish.
18:24Yeah, Caruso is an excellent off-ball cutter.
18:27Just does such a good job finding gaps.
18:30Booker on the cut.
18:32Rejected by Holmgren.
18:36Gildas Alexander racing down court.
18:39Open under move.
18:40And the score.
18:41Another Phoenix timeout.
18:47The Oklahoma City offense is humming.
18:50And the defense, not too shabby either by the Thunder.
18:53Shet goes to the five, folks.
18:55This is an elite defensive player.
18:58Comes over in health rotation.
19:00And then it triggers the fast break.
19:02Shea Gildas, downhill.
19:04Little craft en route to the bucket.
19:09NBA first round on ABC is presented by Popeyes.
19:13Love that chicken from Popeyes.
19:16And in part by Google.
19:22Check out who is making it look easy, brought to you by Booking.com.
19:25They're going to need every bit of this for Devin Booker for the Suns to have a chance in this
19:30series.
19:30He's eighth all-time at NBA playoffs scoring average.
19:33He's got six points already.
19:34He's been a staple with the Suns all 11 years with Phoenix.
19:37And he told us before the game, he was part of the hiring process.
19:41He was able to meet with each head coach for about 30 minutes.
19:44And he really liked Jordan Ott's creativity.
19:47Ott, a 12-year NBA assistant.
19:49Former manager at Penn State.
19:51Video coordinator at Michigan State.
19:53First-time NBA head coach.
19:55Here's Booker for three.
19:57A round and out.
19:58Rebound home grip.
19:59Booker talked about how different coaching is at this point from even when he entered the league.
20:07I thought this about Devin Booker.
20:09Only he and Giannis Antetokounmpo have averaged at least 25 points per game for eight straight seasons.
20:19Right now, the Suns on a three-and-a-half-minute drought, a 15-2 thunder run.
20:25Highsmith checking into the game.
20:26He's short on the triple try.
20:31Gildas Alexander.
20:33Four points, three assists early on.
20:36That one falls off the rim.
20:37Rebound Highsmith.
20:39Got a lot of playoff experience from his time in Miami.
20:46The additions that Phoenix made in the offseason, they did bring in a lot of guys with postseason experience,
20:51including Brooks, who has the ball now.
20:53He switches hands but missed the layoff.
20:55Rebound Highsmith.
21:00Brooks picking up that flagrant one, so he's getting booed by the thundercrow.
21:04Missed the shot.
21:05The drought continues.
21:07The Suns now shooting 29%.
21:10Oklahoma City took a 15-2 run to get to this place.
21:15Can they add to it here?
21:17A.J. Mitchell on the floor.
21:19Barely played in the playoffs last year.
21:21Was one of the most improved players when healthy in the NBA this year.
21:24And now a big part of the rotation.
21:27Holmgren rises up.
21:28Can't knock down the three, but there's Mitchell with a second chance opportunity.
21:34Great find, but the miss.
21:36Holmgren there with a putback after Caruso.
21:38Caruso couldn't finish the first time.
21:42And the lack of size for Phoenix is an issue right now.
21:46Came out on the last break.
21:47They were 6 for 9 in the paint.
21:49There's another delivery.
21:52And on this end, the Suns have missed 8 in a row.
21:55That ends, though, on the three by Jalen Green.
21:59Listen, he can be a hot and cold guy.
22:01We talked about coming in in the two play-ins.
22:03He's averaging over 35 points per game.
22:06You know, Jalen Green can't have a night where he goes 3 for 14.
22:09Like, they need efficient, high-level shot making.
22:15Mitchell driving, puts on the break.
22:17Shot clock inside of 10.
22:18Mitchell through the lane.
22:19Has it blocked by Green.
22:21But it ends up in the hands of Holmgren for his easiest bucket maybe of the year.
22:26I mean, look at how small the Phoenix Suns are playing.
22:31Not a single big.
22:3410.6 rebounds, a block already for Holmgren.
22:37Green can't hit the three.
22:39Loose ball out of bounds.
22:40We'll stay here with the Suns.
22:44Well, I talked about Alex Caruso's cutting.
22:47So he's opportunistic, but Chet hanging around the rim.
22:53It's a block shot by Jalen Green, but another opportunistic bucket.
22:57Couple in a row for Chet.
23:01They'll get a breather here.
23:02Dort also to the bench.
23:05Jalen Williams checking into the game for the Thunder along with Kaysen Wallace.
23:09Booker driving on Caruso.
23:12Excellent help by Jalen Williams.
23:13They force another turnover.
23:19Dildas Alexander with a step-through and kick-out.
23:22Swing to the corner.
23:24Caruso's three, no good.
23:3011-point lead for the Thunder despite just four points for Gildas Alexander.
23:35And they're going to say a foul on the floor.
23:37No basket by Booker.
23:39Although Mark Davis may come over to Mark Lindsay and have a conversation.
23:42Did look like it was continuation as the foul was called on Mitchell, his first.
23:48We'll get a second look at this.
23:49I agree.
23:50I thought he was in his gathering and ready to go up with that.
23:54And they will change it.
23:55It is a successful field goal in the active shooting.
23:59So, one free throw for Booker.
24:01He's got eight points so far.
24:02And for Jordan on it, you are missing a couple of key guys.
24:07Mark Williams, their starting center on the bench.
24:12He's got some health issues.
24:13Grayson Allen, a player who is taking over eight threes and gives him a legit threat from deep.
24:20Now, he's available, but I think Malika Andrews telling us earlier it's sort of a tap the glass,
24:26break the glass, emergency-only situation for Grayson Allen.
24:33This is really the first time either team has been close to healthy,
24:38and the Suns still aren't at 100%.
24:41Extra possession.
24:42Williams for three.
24:43No good.
24:44Caruso goes flying in there to get the rebound and keeps the play alive.
24:48That's what he does.
24:52What a handle by Gilgis Alexander.
24:54And then goes to the left of the lane.
24:57He is something else.
24:59And, man, first of all, the turnovers, the domination on the glass by Oklahoma City.
25:07Dunn on the cut.
25:08Lost the handle.
25:09Ripped away by Jalen Williams.
25:12About an 11-second difference in the game in shot clocks.
25:18Gilgis Alexander fouled by Dunn.
25:21Oh, he knew exactly when that contact was coming.
25:24Anticipates it so well, and he'll go to the line.
25:27And they're sending any number of guys.
25:29Goodwin obviously in foul trouble, which means your stars are going to step up.
25:33Well, Booker going to try to deal with his ability to get downhill.
25:36Shea is an elite driver.
25:38Booker does a good job in that instance forcing a contest.
25:41But then you've got to do it nightly.
25:43And you've got to do it possession after possession.
25:45And that left-hand finish is tough.
25:47I don't know.
25:51Shea Gilgis Alexander last year became the fourth player ever to win MVP in the regular season,
25:57finals MVP, and the scoring title in the same year.
26:00and now has a chance to be a back-to-back champion and a back-to-back MVP.
26:05And if they get that far, obviously a run at the Finals MVP.
26:09So Michael Jordan had the record for guards who averaged 30 points and, you know, 50% shooting.
26:16I think Michael was 53.9.
26:19Shea tops that this year at 55%.
26:21I mean, it's Knightley.
26:24He's not only getting the best defensive player.
26:27They're shading.
26:28They're gapping him.
26:29They're trying to keep him off the free-throw line.
26:32But like a metronome, Shea just keeps that rhythm.
26:37One second difference in the clocks.
26:39Here at the end of the first quarter, Caruso hounding Green with three to shoot.
26:44Green trying to create some airspace, lost his footing.
26:46But a foul is called on Caruso that will send Green to the line.
26:52First on Caruso.
26:55This guy is just such an excellent defensive player.
27:00And, again, it can be cross-positional.
27:02So now on the switch, he stops Jalen Green.
27:05And watch the pressure apply.
27:06And I know this is going to end up in a foul.
27:08But their ability to come at you with any number, as you mentioned, Kaysen Wallace, an all-defensive level.
27:16Caruso, you know, not playing enough minutes or healthy enough all year to be an all-defense guy.
27:22And, again, Chet Holmgren in the front court, elite.
27:26Shea Gildas Alexander battles.
27:28Lou Dort, all-defensive.
27:30Like, it's player after player after player with great defensive intensity and skill.
27:35They go out in the middle of the season and acquire Jared McCain, who was with Philadelphia,
27:40who last year, before he got hurt, was looking like Rookie of the Year.
27:45And there's Sam Presti, the outstanding general manager, as good as any in sports right now.
27:49Plus, they get another first-round pick this year with that Paul George trade still giving and giving to the
27:55Thunder,
27:56with the Clippers missing out on the playoffs.
27:58They get another first-round pick in the lottery.
28:03Like a 1% chance to get the number-one pick for the Thunder.
28:082.7 left.
28:12Baseball pass down court.
28:13Holmgren on the catch.
28:15Gets it away in time.
28:16And hits at the buzzer.
28:24The pass on target.
28:27Holmgren with great awareness, knowing exactly how much time he has.
28:31And then the hit at the horn to push the lead to 15 after one.
28:3913 first-quarter points.
28:41This presentation of the NBA Playoffs and ABC, presented by Google,
28:45will continue after this message and a word from our ABC stations.
28:52Welcome back to the NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
28:54We're here in Oklahoma City for the first round, presented by Popeyes, here with Dylan Brooks.
28:59And Dylan, before the game, Jordan Ott emphasized the importance collectively of taking care of the ball and defending without
29:05fouling.
29:05Where can you be more disciplined there as a group?
29:07We haven't been doing a good job over in the first quarter.
29:10We've got to settle in a little bit.
29:12I think we're getting good looks, just missing them.
29:14But, you know, we've got to challenge ourselves on a defensive end.
29:17Without Mark Williams, which creates some size mismatches for you all here, how do you maintain the fight that you
29:23had all year, knowing that you're down a man?
29:25Got a scrap that we've been doing all year.
29:27We've got guys out all year.
29:29We've got to figure it out each quarter, each possession, and play together.
29:33Dylan, thank you very much.
29:35DB, Dave, back to you.
29:36Well, it's now a 17-point deficit after that ferocious finish by Hartenstein.
29:42Phoenix trying to get some size on the floor, so come on, Malawach, the rookie out of Duke, checking in.
29:49So they run Jalen Williams off a staggered screen.
29:53He's got the ball in his left hand.
29:54He's getting downhill.
29:55He's got his shoulders turned, and then it becomes an easy alley-oop pass.
30:02Points of the paint now, 20-6 in favor of the Thunder.
30:04Yeah, they lit him up inside.
30:08There's very little side.
30:10That's why you go to Malawach here, because you're just looking for answers, and you don't have many options.
30:16Gillespie with two to shoot, gets it away in time, and connects on his second three-pointer.
30:23Was part of the Denver team that won the championship a few years ago, but didn't play, and then really
30:27didn't play with Phoenix until late last year.
30:31Been terrific this season, though.
30:33Well, as Hartenstein caught Royce O'Neal upstairs, they may need to go to the monitor to look at that
30:38one as well.
30:39Got a flagrant on Dylan Brooks in the first quarter for a shot to the face of Chet Holmgren, and
30:44now Brooks is saying,
30:45hey, you guys got to look at that one against Hartenstein, who picks up the personal.
30:49Well, his third.
30:54Officials are not going to the monitor, at least not yet.
30:57Brooks is pleading with Mark Davis, saying that Hartenstein was flailing.
31:04I think Hartenstein was saying, they are going to maybe go take a look.
31:08Hartenstein was saying that he was pushed.
31:12You definitely saw the left arm extend of Royce O'Neal above the neck of Hartenstein,
31:17but then the question is, is that necessary, or by Hartenstein, or accidental?
31:22We'll review this foul to see if it meets the criteria for a flagrant foul.
31:37Well, I mean, would Royce ever be called for a foul here first?
31:44With the push off of the left arm?
31:45I mean, that's...
31:46This is not being challenged, though, by Mark Dagnall.
31:52Watch Royce with the left arm first.
31:55Unless you would consider that to be flagrant against O'Neal.
31:59They can't just change it to a personal on O'Neal unless it's challenged.
32:02They could rule it out.
32:03Flagrant, though, but it didn't appear to be by O'Neal.
32:07I don't think it was a flagrant by any stretch of the imagination.
32:14On O'Neal, I'm saying, yeah.
32:18That was different than the Dylan Brooks, but it still may rise to the level of fling.
32:23Determined that the defender flailed with unnecessary contact above the shoulder into the face of Royce.
32:29Therefore, this would be ruled a flagrant foul, penalty one.
32:33So two free throws in possession for Phoenix, trying to get back in this game.
32:42It's a good call.
32:46Unnecessary physical contact.
32:48The flail by Hartstein.
32:49Three fouls will have to sit down with 10.34 to go in the second quarter.
32:57And Royce O'Neal.
33:0071% free throw shooter.
33:02And the Suns struggling as a team at the line.
33:04Just three for six so far in the game.
33:08Ninth season for O'Neal.
33:10A lot of playoff experience.
33:1148 prior postseason games.
33:13Many of those with the Utah Jazz.
33:16It was a critical piece of those Utah Jazz teams.
33:19Played with Donovan Mitchell, obviously.
33:22Turned himself into a legitimate three and D guy.
33:26You could count on him to make shots.
33:28A lot of catch and shoot opportunities and an excellent defender.
33:34So one out of two for O'Neal.
33:38Green driving.
33:39Stops.
33:40Turnaround.
33:41And he front-rimmed it.
33:42Rebound Jalen Williams.
33:44Green just two for six.
33:48Wallace penetrates.
33:49Pass Brooks.
33:50Kicks it out.
33:50Williams.
33:51No good on the three.
33:54Phoenix needs Jalen Green to get going.
33:56He's had a lot of ups and downs as you look at his numbers over the course of his career.
34:00He's fouled here by Joe.
34:04That's his first.
34:07Team foul number two.
34:09But Green's had some big games.
34:11He had a big game in the playoffs with Houston last year.
34:1438 in game two in their first round loss to the Warriors.
34:17Prop was in the other games he didn't do much offensively.
34:21He lost the ball here.
34:22Turns it over.
34:27Mitchell steps into a three.
34:30A.J. Mitchell with his first basket.
34:33They just, they have incredible optionality and incredible depth in Oklahoma City.
34:40You know, Jalen Williams is their third big.
34:43So when they downsize, this guy comes in at the center spot and can play it at a high level.
34:5113 to 2 points off turnovers now in favor of the Thunder.
34:55Mitchell, same spot.
34:57Same result.
34:58Back-to-back plays for A.J. Mitchell.
35:02Largest lead for the Thunder at 19.
35:04If you want to know in what way Oklahoma City is different and better than a season ago,
35:10that is one big answer right there.
35:12A.J. Mitchell.
35:14Another Phoenix turnover.
35:15Williams.
35:16No look to Wallace with a slam.
35:18Timeout, Phoenix.
35:31Time now for our impact pairings delivered by Papa John's.
35:34So the pairing of Holmgren and SGA went to the bench.
35:38So your others step in.
35:40I think that's what Shaq calls them.
35:41Into transition, A.J. Mitchell, one of the dynamic players that now elevates and deepens this roster.
35:49Little handoff by Jalen Williams.
35:52But the calling card, folks, is the defense.
35:56They swarm.
35:57And if you turn it over in a live ball situation, they are breathing down your neck in transition.
36:04Great running on the floor by Kaysen Wallace.
36:07And J. Will, the other Jalen Williams, has four steals in three minutes.
36:11He just saw one of them.
36:14They have 15 points off turnovers.
36:178-0 run all by the bench.
36:18As you mentioned, both Holmgren and SGA on the pine right now.
36:24The lead is 21.
36:26Three minutes gone by in the second quarter.
36:28Does Phoenix have an answer?
36:30Booker has doubled.
36:31He'll swing it to Goodwin.
36:32And Goodwin's three is off the mark.
36:36One and done for Phoenix again.
36:39And when you get clean, it looks like that.
36:41Those are the shots you have to have.
36:44Williams brought the ball high.
36:46And is able to put it in.
36:49Defense!
36:51This was going to be a monumental challenge for a Phoenix team that overachieved this season.
36:57They played Wednesday.
36:59They played Friday.
37:00They tipped at 2.30 local.
37:02And they are outmatched.
37:05J. Dubb with the slot.
37:07Here come the Thunder again.
37:09Joel short on the three.
37:11Rebound Brooks.
37:14Now the Suns actually beat the Thunder twice during the regular season.
37:18One of only three teams to do that.
37:20But one of the wins was the last game of the year when nobody played for either team.
37:23Devin Booker beat the Thunder back in January on a 35-footer with under a second to go.
37:33Jalen Williams penetrates.
37:35It falls off the rim, but he's fouled.
37:37And he'll shoot two.
37:39Well, let's watch the work that happens from J. Dubb.
37:46Stood up in the paint by J. Will.
37:48That allows recovery by J. Dubb.
37:52He's going to let Dylan Brooks know.
37:55You're going to score in the paint on us.
37:57It's going to be very, very challenging.
38:00Second foul on Brooks.
38:02Jalen Williams at the line.
38:04Don't miss a playoff moment with the NBA app.
38:06Tap to watch games live.
38:08Go deeper in today's stat lines.
38:09Go behind the scenes of the postseason in the moments tab.
38:11Download the app today.
38:14Jalen Williams told us pregame, I'm 100% for the first time this year.
38:18Hamstring injury cost him about a month and a half.
38:23In February and March.
38:24And then, of course, the wrist surgery that he had to have after the finals last year
38:28when he missed the first 19 games of this season.
38:33But J. Will's health defense, cutting off those drives, is elite.
38:42With two on the timer, contested shot by Brooks.
38:45Wallace out of there with it.
38:46Suns three for their last 20.
38:49Joe rises up.
38:51Can't get the three.
38:52Backside board for O'Neal.
38:53The 25-point lead.
38:56The Suns have just 24 points in 17 minutes play,
39:00but they get two here on the floater from Goodwin.
39:03And Goodwin just referencing the wins they had.
39:05That one win on January 17th, Goodwin went for eight threes.
39:10They made shots.
39:11They beat Oklahoma City on the offensive glass.
39:16And Goodwin knocks it away.
39:19He'll stay with the Thunder.
39:23You mentioned this, the Suns overachieved.
39:25Last year, they were 10 games under .500.
39:27They moved on from Kevin Durant, Jalen Green, Dylan Brooks, part of that trade with Houston.
39:32Nobody thought the Suns would be, even in the conversation for the playoffs,
39:37there's Matt Ishby, the owner.
39:38And they started hot.
39:40And then, down the stretch, did not play as well,
39:42but they had a lot of injuries this year as Jordan Ott is going to challenge the ruling on the
39:49floor.
39:55With 6.54 to go in the second quarter, back to OKC in a moment.
40:06Successful challenge by Jordan Ott.
40:08This is off at the very end, off the fingertips of Jalen Williams, out of bounds.
40:14Phoenix ball, but the Suns down 23.
40:16Meanwhile, Alex Caruso of the Thunder is mic'd up today.
40:24Come on, 48 minutes together.
40:26Let's get this down the hole.
40:271-0-3-1-2-3.
40:29Lead us.
40:29Lead us.
40:30Lead us.
40:31Set the tone.
40:32Set the tone.
40:34Anywhere to look.
40:35They're out there.
40:35Let's go, Blake.
40:36Let's handle business.
40:37Yo, they're treating our makes like transition, right?
40:40We got caught a couple times in the cross match.
40:42Ball goes in.
40:43We got to know next play.
40:44Cheddar.
40:45Cheddar, go.
40:45Go, Chet.
40:46It stops.
40:47Those are free chances to get downhill into the paint.
40:50Oh!
40:55Caruso, a sensational defensive player, but also last year offensively in the finals.
40:59He had two 20-point games.
41:01Wallace with the slam off the alley-o pass from Williams.
41:04The onslaught continues.
41:07And their speed changing ends is ridiculous.
41:14It's a 25-point lead.
41:16Brooks, no good.
41:17Off the heel.
41:18Batted out by Godaro.
41:21Booker pulls up and scores.
41:24And Booker, the first son in double figures.
41:26Yeah, you've got to be opportunistic.
41:27I mean, if you're going to compete every 50-50 ball, get to the offensive window.
41:35Williams downhill, stripped by Godaro.
41:39Out of bounds will stay with the Thunder.
41:41This is who the Thunder is.
41:42Their signature is their defensive pressure.
41:44Kaysen Wallace, you said it, leads the league in steals and deflections.
41:47And then his ability to sprint the floor.
41:50It's not the first time his speed has made an impact.
41:55Just 22 years of age, Kaysen Wallace, like so many of these Thunder players.
42:00As a foul is called here, they're going to get Jalen Williams on the screen.
42:04He's shaking up, too, holding his right ankle.
42:09Can we just go back to that, like, Alex Caruso sound?
42:12To me, it's such an important skill.
42:17And the communication he provides is observational from when he's sitting there
42:23versus tactical when he steps between the lines.
42:26And coach has told us, like, it's another coach on the floor for me.
42:30You know, he's telling Chet when to go and to help, calling out screens.
42:35They just, and Mike Krzyzewski used to say this all the time, like,
42:38communication is as valuable a basketball skill as you can have.
42:42And one thing that's notable, it's not, to me, it's team-wide.
42:46Because you know who are excellent communicators on this Oklahoma City team?
42:50They're five men.
42:51Both Chet and Isaiah, from that look, little anchor spot,
42:56have been exceptional communicating.
43:00Foul on Kaysen Wallace, his first.
43:05And the third on the Thunder in the quarter.
43:10Booker, Booker, tough shot with Wallace, defending beautifully.
43:15Now, Wallace up ahead, but the Suns get back.
43:18Williams, driving kick.
43:20Holmgren got Brooks off the speed but didn't let it fly.
43:26Williams trying to cross over Iguodaro.
43:29Jump shot on the baseline, switches home for Williams.
43:32And since he returns, like, I've been impressed with his passing game,
43:37but he, that's secondary ball handling skill critical.
43:42Dylan Brooks knocks down a three.
43:44He's just two for ten from the floor.
43:49And now we've got a timeout by Mark Dagnall.
43:52Still a 22-point lead for the Thunder,
43:55but Jalen Williams was shaken up
43:57and just went back to the locker room for the Thunder.
44:03But J. Will, the other Jalen Williams, shaken up on this play.
44:09You'll see his right ankle turn there
44:12as Devin Booker was coming around defensively.
44:15J. Will went back to the locker room for the Thunder.
44:19I hope that's just a re-tape.
44:21He was up on his tippy-toes,
44:23and the contact by Booker's foot just twisted that.
44:28Williams had a very good season in his fourth year out of Arkansas.
44:32Whether it was as a starter or coming off the bench,
44:35a career high in scoring,
44:37a very solid three-point threat,
44:39as well as excellent defender.
44:41Gildas Alexander fouled by Jalen Green.
44:43His first, and SGA goes back to the line
44:46where he is four for four so far in the game.
44:52Gildas Alexander, who was almost a Phoenix Sun.
44:56You think about that great 2018 draft
44:58that included Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson.
45:01The Phoenix Suns and then general manager Ryan McDonough
45:04were set to take Gildas Alexander at number 10.
45:07But ownership, which is different ownership now,
45:11Robert Sarver said,
45:13nope, we're going to take Mikkel Bridges instead.
45:15So the group was overruled.
45:18Gildas Alexander goes the next pick to Charlotte,
45:20traded on draft night to the Clippers,
45:22and then one-year leader traded to the Thunder,
45:25and the rest is history.
45:26Obviously, I don't think anyone could have predicted
45:28the kind of player Shea Gildas Alexander
45:30has turned himself into.
45:32What I think that story draws into focus
45:35is something you hear Steve Kerr talk about all the time,
45:38which is complete alignment organizationally across levels,
45:44and it starts with ownership
45:46and goes to management through to the coaching staff.
45:49Everybody's vision of what you're doing
45:51has got to be the same.
45:53When it exists, success is possible.
45:56When it does not exist,
45:58obviously the results are a lot tougher to come by.
46:01Here in Oklahoma City,
46:03they are completely aligned.
46:06Yeah, that's a big reason why.
46:08Great shot there, Presti in the background in Degnault.
46:11Mark Degnault's told us many times
46:13how easy his job is
46:14because of Sam Presti just letting him do his thing
46:17and doing his own work
46:19and trusting Degnault, vice versa.
46:21And that's why they've been record-wise
46:23the best team in the league the last three years
46:25and trying to win their second straight championship.
46:28The last team to do that,
46:30the Warriors in 2017-2018.
46:34Degnault!
46:35They have a 24-point lead in Game 1.
46:38Game 2 is Wednesday back here at Paycon Center.
46:41Got kicked by Mitchell.
46:44Shea goes to Sal Alexander
46:45just battled Dylan Brooks from the free-throw line.
46:49He was trying to play bully-ball Brooks
46:52and get Shea buried in the restricted area.
46:55And Shea battled him every step of the way.
47:01Officials having a conversation here.
47:16Mark Degnault, I mean Mark Degnault
47:18is trying to communicate with Mark Lindsay
47:20about how you can hear each other in here.
47:23Booker kicks it out to Brooks.
47:29Green three-pointer, no good.
47:31Rebound to Godaro.
47:33Just six points for Jalen Green
47:35after 71 in the two play-in games.
47:38Brooks fouled and count the basket.
47:40A four-point chance for Dylan Brooks.
47:43We were talking about in their win in January,
47:45they got to the offensive glass.
47:47Oh, so now on a couple of straight possessions,
47:51gets them a second chance opportunity.
47:53And off that offensive window,
47:55everybody's spaced out.
47:57Shea Gildress Alexander tries to challenge the three.
48:00And Dylan, the villain, just wants to make sure
48:02the Oklahoma City crowd hears from him.
48:06Kevin Booker told us before the game,
48:08the way Brooks is on the floor,
48:11he is the complete opposite off of it.
48:14Yeah.
48:14But he has embraced the Dylan, the villain role
48:16and just flips a switch when he takes the court.
48:20Pull-up jumper, Gildress Alexander,
48:23and another foul.
48:24This is on Brooks, his third.
48:26Back to the line goes SGA.
48:33Swaps the intensity of Dylan Brooks
48:35and the futility of trying to contend
48:38with Shea Gildress Alexander.
48:40We showed you his eyes before the game.
48:42He's locked in.
48:43But if you allow Shea to get to that mid-range
48:46and then follow through with contact,
48:48he's going to live right here.
48:50A one-time, mild-mannered scorer at Oregon.
48:54That's what he was.
48:55Now, he was intense.
48:56Dane Allman said many times,
48:57I could let Dylan run the team.
48:59They made it to the Final Four that year
49:00because of his leadership.
49:01But he was a scorer.
49:03That's how he came into the league.
49:04They just weren't sure
49:05if he was good enough defensively.
49:07Think about that.
49:08That's incredible to me.
49:10I mean, you showed me pictures of him at Oregon.
49:12He looks like a totally different guy.
49:16First missed free throw for the Thunder as a team.
49:18They're now 13-14.
49:20Their lead is 21.
49:22Booker from about 13 feet around and out.
49:25Tapped out by Iguodaro.
49:26Another second chance opportunity.
49:29Brooks walks into a three.
49:30That one's no good.
49:32Batted out again.
49:33Iguodaro is doing work right now.
49:35I love it.
49:36Look at this.
49:37So this is about Iguodaro
49:38and the persistence on the window
49:41that's creating.
49:42Listen, you've got to.
49:43Their defense is so good
49:45you're going to have to have
49:46a night on the offensive window
49:48to give yourself more of a chance.
49:53On the switch, Iguodaro's got Gildas Alexander.
49:56He'll take the three.
49:58Long rebound, Mitchell.
50:01Now Gildas Alexander drives.
50:03Eurostep Bank is good.
50:05I mean, he's facing his bench
50:08and didn't look like he was on balance.
50:11It gets that to go.
50:12Ridiculous.
50:1413 points now.
50:15He averaged 31 per game.
50:17Second in the NBA behind Luka Doncic.
50:20And now we've got a whistle
50:22and a foul with Dort
50:23and Brooks getting tangled up.
50:24They're going to call it on Dort.
50:27Free throws for Brooks.
50:29Penalty situation.
50:39Why is that on Dort?
50:41That's his point.
50:42He's like, hey, hey, he's being physical with me.
50:45I'm returning the favor there.
50:49Brooks gets the first free throw.
50:51Now has 11 points.
50:57Just like a play on.
50:58Play on right there.
50:59As physical as the playoffs are.
51:05Brooks now with eight and a quarter.
51:07He's trying to keep Phoenix within striking distance.
51:11Just to me, like, how are you determining who initiated that?
51:15Brooks was being as physical at Dort as Dort was back.
51:21Team high, 12 points for Brooks.
51:23Booker with 10.
51:2513 for Holmgren and 13 for Gilgis Alexander.
51:29SGA now into the lane.
51:30And the mid-range shot is no good.
51:32Rebound to Godoro.
51:34He's got eight rebounds.
51:36Getting to start at center because of the injury to Mark Williams.
51:40On the cut, Brooks misfire.
51:43Trying to hit Booker on the baseline.
51:49Nine Phoenix turnovers.
51:50Just 13 baskets.
51:54Dort drives.
51:55Finds Jalen Williams.
51:57Floater.
51:57It's good for J-Dub.
52:00Williams now in double figures with 11.
52:04All-Star a year ago.
52:06Third-team All-NBA.
52:07Had a 40-point game in the finals.
52:10But injuries robbed him of more than half of this season.
52:15But back healthy now.
52:18Green has it stripped.
52:19But a foul called.
52:20He'll go to the line for two.
52:23It's on Caruso, his second.
52:25Let's go out Shakey, I'll just say, Alexander.
52:27His footwork, guys, is so incredible.
52:29So, he's going to go off the bounce.
52:31Look where his shoulders are facing.
52:33And somehow has the balance and the body control to get back to where he needs to be.
52:40And the touch, right?
52:43I mean, look at that.
52:44You mentioned this earlier.
52:45I think it deserves repeating.
52:47The first guard in NBA history to average 30 points per game and shoot 55% from the floor.
52:54Rarely had an off night.
52:56He had 20 or more points on 140 consecutive games.
52:59That's an NBA record.
53:02Because he's so efficient.
53:04He'll defer when he needs to.
53:06He'll look to score when he needs to.
53:08He's not a high turnover guy.
53:11Yeah.
53:11Think about the number of games that were, you know, quote, clutch games.
53:16And how not only did he become the leading scorer in clutch, he does it while shooting 50% in
53:23clutch time.
53:24Dork's three no good.
53:26I mean, he could win both MVP and Clutch Player of the Year.
53:32Green gets past Caruso.
53:34Holmgren with the help, and Green comes up short.
53:37It pinballs to Dork.
53:38They do that, right?
53:40As soon as you touch paint, the number of times they're going to bring help in there.
53:44And it's quality help.
53:46It's Holmgren.
53:46It's J. Will.
53:51Dork drives.
53:53The skip to Holmgren.
53:54His three is there.
53:58Two threes for Holmgren.
53:59He's got 16 points.
54:01And he's got 16 points.
54:02He's made all four of his free throws.
54:04He's got seven boards.
54:06He's played elite defensively.
54:10Minute to go in the half.
54:12Unable to answer is Ryan Gunn.
54:15But Booker gets another chance, and he knocks down the triple.
54:18But again, it's Oso on the interior doing work.
54:23Using that athleticism.
54:24If he can't board it, he's chipping it out.
54:28Iguodoro, second-year player out of Marquette.
54:30Suns back within 19.
54:34And Booker called for the foul on Dork.
54:37They did have one to give.
54:39That's the first in the last two minutes.
54:40Second personal on Booker.
54:42I know what the score is, but I'm impressed by Iguodoro because he is absolutely battling.
54:47Two bodies around him, yet another tip that leads to a three-point shot in one of the cleaner, easier
54:54looks for Booker.
54:56The ovation is for Jared McCain, who just checked into the game for Oklahoma City.
55:02He's only been here for half a year, yet the Thunder fans realize the impact he has had on this
55:08team in a short amount of time.
55:09From about four feet behind the three-point line, a brick from Gildas Alexander.
55:14He's three for ten, and 0 for two for three, yet his team is up 19.
55:20It's a big possession here for the Suns.
55:23As Jalen Green has to get his shoe back on.
55:26It's off of his right foot right now.
55:28He's playing with one-and-a-half shoes.
55:30Shot clock at five.
55:32Good hands by McCain, getting the deflection.
55:34Two seconds on the shot clock.
55:36O'Neal from half court.
55:38It did not hit the rim, so shot clock violation.
55:42And the Thunder will finish with possession here with 10.9 seconds left.
55:46They're going to get another shooter on the floor.
55:48Chet goes out.
55:49Or, excuse me, Dort goes out, and Isaiah Joe comes in.
55:56Tenth turnover by Phoenix, just two for Oklahoma City.
56:0315 assists for the Thunder, just eight for the Suns.
56:07Iguodaro has four of those.
56:10I-Smith checks in for Phoenix.
56:15Defensive assignment will be Jalen Williams.
56:17Here's SGA with five seconds to go in the half.
56:20Gildas Alexander puts the brakes on, now starts again, drives and scores with the left hand.
56:25What a gorgeous finish by Gildas Alexander.
56:28Booker on the catch, some contact with no whistle, and the half comes to an end.
56:3415 points for Shea Gildas Alexander, 16 for Chet Holmgren, 11 for Jalen Williams.
56:42And the Thunder looking to repeat.
56:46Off to a good start in game one.
56:48And after the break, it's back to the studio with Ernie Johnson for NBA Halftime, presented by Kia.
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