A dominant 119-84 victory on April 19 sent the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 1-0 lead in their 2026 Western Conference First Round series against the Phoenix Suns. The No. 1 seed Thunder (64 wins) host Game 2 on April 22, while the No. 8 seed Suns earned their playoff spot by winning the Play-In Tournament over the Golden State Warriors.

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All-Time Record: Suns 138 wins, Thunder 126 wins · Total Games: 264 · Recent Result: Thunder 119-84 Suns · 2026 Playoffs: OKC #1 vs PHX #8

Quick snapshot

1All-Time Head-to-Head
  • Suns lead 138-126 in 264 regular season games (AiScore)
  • OKC leads 10-2 in last 3 seasons head-to-head (TeamRankings)
22026 Playoff Series
3Recent Regular Season
  • Suns 135-103 Thunder on Apr 12 at OKC (TeamRankings)
  • Thunder won season series 3-2, including 49-point NBA Cup win (Sporting News)
4What’s next
  • Game 2: Apr 22, 9:30 PM ET at Paycom Center (Sporting News)
  • Game 3: Apr 25, 3:30 PM ET at Phoenix (Sporting News)
  • OKC favored to advance; historically, only six No. 1 seeds have lost to No. 8 seeds (Sports Illustrated)
Stat Value
Series Lead After Game 1 Thunder 1-0
All-Time Suns Wins 138
All-Time Thunder Wins 126
Thunder Regular Season Wins 64
Thunder Seed No. 1 Western Conference
Suns Seed No. 8 Western Conference
Devin Booker PPG (Regular Season) 26.1
Game 2 Date April 22, 2026
Game 3 Date April 25, 2026

Where can I watch Suns vs Thunder?

The 2026 NBA Playoffs Western Conference First Round between the Thunder and Suns airs across major networks throughout the series. Game 1 tipped off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Game 2 broadcasts on ESPN and the ESPN app. Game 3 shifts to NBC and Peacock at 3:30 p.m. ET. Potential Game 4 would be carried by NBC or TNT, with later games on ESPN or TNT if the series extends.

Local Phoenix fans can catch games on radio through Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, with Spanish-language coverage on KSUN 1400 AM/106.5 FM. Game 2 for Arizona viewers tips at 6:30 PM MST on ESPN.

TV channel options

  • ABC: Game 1 (3:30 p.m. ET)
  • ESPN / ESPN App: Game 2 (9:30 p.m. ET)
  • NBC / Peacock: Game 3 (3:30 p.m. ET)
  • NBC / TNT / ESPN: Games 4-7 as needed

Live streaming alternatives

All games broadcast on ESPN are available through the ESPN app with a valid cable login. Peacock carries NBC games. For regional coverage, fans can also stream through NBA League Pass, which provides comprehensive access to playoff games. Highlights from Game 1 are available on YouTube.

Where to find official schedules

The most current series schedule, broadcast details, and any time changes are posted on the official Phoenix Suns playoff schedule page at Sports Illustrated and Sporting News NBA playoffs coverage.

What channel is Suns game on today?

As of April 22, 2026, Game 2 is the current game in the series. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. For Phoenix fans, that converts to 6:30 PM MST. The game airs on ESPN and the ESPN App.

Game 3 on April 25 moves the series to Phoenix for at least one game, with the Suns hosting at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. If the series goes to Games 4, 5, 6, or 7, broadcast details will be confirmed following earlier results.

Current game broadcast

Game Date Time (ET) TV / Stream Location
Game 1 April 19, 2026 3:30 PM ABC Paycom Center
Game 2 April 22, 2026 9:30 PM ESPN / ESPN App Paycom Center
Game 3 April 25, 2026 3:30 PM NBC / Peacock Phoenix
Game 4 April 27, 2026 TBD TBD Phoenix
Game 5 (if needed) April 29, 2026 TBD TBD Paycom Center
Game 6 (if needed) May 1, 2026 TBD TBD Phoenix
Game 7 (if needed) May 3, 2026 TBD TBD Paycom Center

The schedule shows three confirmed broadcast assignments with Games 4-7 remaining flexible based on series length.

Playoff series coverage

The NBA First Round begins April 18, 2026, with Conference Semifinals starting May 4. The Thunder finished the regular season with 64 wins and claimed the top seed in the West. The Suns earned their spot by defeating the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament to claim the No. 8 seed. The first-round winner will face the survivor of another Western Conference matchup in the semifinals.

Bottom line: The Thunder currently lead the series 1-0 after a dominant Game 1 victory. Oklahoma City enters heavily favored, though only six No. 1 seeds have lost to No. 8 seeds in first-round history. The Suns must exceed expectations to extend the series.

Suns vs Thunder last 5 games

Looking at the five most recent meetings, the Thunder hold a 4-1 advantage in this stretch. Oklahoma City won the season series 3-2, with the Suns’ sole victory coming in the final regular season game on April 12, 2026, when Phoenix won 135-103 at Paycom Center.

Recent results

Date Game Result Location
April 19, 2026 2026 Playoffs Game 1 Thunder 119-84 Suns Paycom Center
April 12, 2026 Regular Season Suns 135-103 Thunder Paycom Center
Earlier 2025-26 Regular Season Thunder wins (3-2 series) Various

The pattern shows Oklahoma City’s ability to reset after regular-season stumbles when playoff stakes rise.

Key stats

Game 1 on April 19 was a decisive Thunder victory. Oklahoma City led 65-44 at halftime and extended to 97-66 entering the fourth quarter. The Suns scored 20 points in the first quarter, 24 in the second, 22 in the third, and 18 in the fourth for their 84 total. Thunder scoring by quarter: 35-30-32-22.

The Suns started Game 1 with a 5-0 lead before the Thunder responded. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s three-point play helped push the Thunder lead to 90-63 during the game. The Thunder covered a 17.5-point spread and the game went under the 215.5 total.

Historically, the Thunder have dominated this matchup. In the last three seasons, Oklahoma City holds a 10-2 record against Phoenix. The teams met 12 times in the last three seasons combined.

What to watch

The Suns managed only 84 points in Game 1. Devin Booker averaged 26.1 points per game during the regular season, and Phoenix needs him to approach that level to compete. If the Suns can replicate their April 12 performance when they scored 135 points, the series becomes competitive.

Who did Suns lose to in the finals?

The Phoenix Suns reached the NBA Finals once, in 2021, when they faced the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns held a 2-0 series lead but lost four consecutive games as the Bucks won the championship. This remains the only Finals appearance in Suns franchise history.

The Suns have never won an NBA championship. Their 2021 run came under former head coach Monty Williams with Chris Paul directing the offense alongside Devin Booker. The team rebuilt around Booker and has been chasing a return to championship contention since.

Suns finals history

The Suns franchise dates to 1968. Before the 2021 Finals, the team made the playoffs 31 times but never reached the championship round. The 2021 team won a franchise-record 64 regular season games before their playoff collapse against Milwaukee.

Suns head coach Jordan Ott is in his first season with Phoenix, hired to lead a young roster with playoff ambitions. The Suns finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 45-37 record, including 20-21 on the road, earning the No. 8 seed through the Play-In Tournament.

The trade-off

The Suns have rebuilt around Devin Booker but lack playoff experience compared to the Thunder roster. Oklahoma City’s 64-win regular season reflects a deeper, more experienced team. Phoenix enters as a significant underdog in this first-round matchup.

Has OKC ever won the NBA championship?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have never won an NBA championship as a franchise. The Seattle SuperSonics won the NBA championship in 1979 before relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Thunder have reached the NBA Finals twice—in 2012 and 2025—without winning.

The Thunder came closest to a championship in 2012, when they lost to the Miami Heat in five games. The 2025 team reached the Finals but fell short of capturing the title. Oklahoma City enters the 2026 playoffs as a heavy favorite to advance past the Suns and make another championship run.

Thunder championships

Thunder franchise history shows zero NBA championships. The 1979 SuperSonics title remains the sole championship for the organization, predating the move to Oklahoma City by 29 years. Oklahoma City has finished the 2025-26 regular season with 64 wins—the same win total that preceded their 2025 Finals appearance.

The Thunder are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the 2026 playoffs. Historical data shows only six No. 1 seeds have lost to No. 8 seeds in NBA first-round history, giving Oklahoma City overwhelming odds to advance past Phoenix.

Why this matters

Oklahoma City is playing for its first championship in franchise history. The Thunder are built for a deep playoff run with their core intact from the 2025 Finals team. Phoenix represents the first obstacle in what Oklahoma City hopes becomes a championship march.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Suns vs Thunder

Four key metrics reveal the matchup dynamics between the teams heading into Game 2 of the 2026 playoffs.

Metric Suns Thunder
2025-26 Regular Season Head-to-Head 2 wins 3 wins
Last 3 Seasons Head-to-Head 2 wins 10 wins
2025-26 Regular Season Record 45-37 64-18
2026 Playoffs Standing No. 8 seed No. 1 seed
Conference Championships 1 (2021) 0
Regular Season PPG Leader Devin Booker (26.1) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder hold advantages across win-loss metrics, head-to-head history, and playoff seeding. Oklahoma City won the season series 3-2 and dominated the last three seasons 10-2. The Suns’ only edge comes from their single conference championship appearance, but that was five years ago in 2021.

Bottom line: Oklahoma City holds commanding advantages in recent head-to-head matchups and regular season performance. Phoenix must exceed expectations significantly to challenge a Thunder team built for a championship run.

Full Series Timeline: Suns vs Thunder 2026 Playoffs

Four dates define the matchup trajectory between the Thunder and Suns as the 2026 Western Conference First Round progresses.

Date Event
April 12, 2026 Suns 135-103 Thunder in regular season finale at Paycom Center
April 19, 2026 Thunder 119-84 Suns in Game 1 of 2026 Playoffs; OKC leads series 1-0
April 22, 2026 Game 2 at Paycom Center, 9:30 PM ET, ESPN
April 25, 2026 Game 3 at Phoenix, 3:30 PM ET, NBC/Peacock

The pattern is clear: Oklahoma City has dominated at home, winning the last two games at Paycom Center including a 49-point NBA Cup victory earlier this season. Game 2 at the same venue on April 22 puts Phoenix in a must-win situation to avoid an 0-2 deficit heading to Phoenix for Game 3.

The catch

The Suns won at Paycom Center on April 12, proving they can win in Oklahoma City. However, that was a regular season game with no playoff stakes. The Thunder responded with a dominant Game 1 victory, showing they elevate their play when it matters most.

Confirmed Facts vs What’s Unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Game 1 date: April 19, 2026 (verified by ESPN game recap, Sporting News schedule, TeamRankings matchup data)
  • Game 1 score: Thunder 119-84 Suns (verified by ESPN official recap)
  • Game 2 date: April 22, 2026 at 9:30 PM ET at Paycom Center (verified by Sporting News full schedule)
  • Game 3 date: April 25, 2026 at 3:30 PM ET at Phoenix (verified by Sporting News series details)
  • Thunder finished with 64 regular season wins, No. 1 seed West (verified by Sporting News team records, Sports Illustrated playoff preview)
  • Suns earned No. 8 seed by winning Play-In Tournament (verified by Sporting News Play-In coverage)
  • Devin Booker averaged 26.1 PPG in regular season (verified by Sporting News player stats)
  • Series status after Game 1: Thunder leads 1-0 (verified by ESPN series tracking)
  • Thunder covered 17.5-point spread in Game 1 (verified by TeamRankings betting data)

What’s unclear

  • Game 2 result (series ongoing as of April 22)
  • Whether the series extends beyond Game 4
  • Game 4 start time and broadcast details
  • Official NBA playoff bracket confirmation
  • Any injury reports or lineup changes post-Game 1
  • Detailed player statistics from Game 1 beyond quarter-by-quarter scoring

Phoenix claimed the No. 8 seed by defeating the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

— ESPN Game Recap, April 19, 2026 (ESPN)

Following an NBA championship season with an impressive 64 victories, the Oklahoma City Thunder are aiming to maintain their momentum.

— Sporting News NBA Writer (Sporting News)

Oklahoma City is heavily favored to advance into the second round as only six No. 1 seeds have fallen to a No. 8 seed.

— SI.com Suns Analyst (Sports Illustrated)

The stakes for Game 2 are simple: Phoenix needs a victory on April 22 or faces an 0-2 deficit heading to Phoenix for Game 3 on April 25. The Thunder have won 10 of their last 12 head-to-head meetings with the Suns, creating an overwhelming historical advantage that Phoenix must overcome. Oklahoma City covered a 17.5-point spread in Game 1, and odds for Game 2 list the Thunder as 16.5-17.5 point favorites with a total around 213.5-215.5.

For Suns fans in Arizona, the series continues with Game 2 at 6:30 PM MST on ESPN. The broadcast history shows ABC carried Game 1, ESPN covers Game 2, and NBC/Peacock takes Game 3. If Phoenix can steal a road victory on April 22, the series returns to Arizona with momentum shifting. If not, Oklahoma City moves one step closer to a potential championship run.

Related reading: Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Schedule – 2024-25 Full Results and Tickets · India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team – Head-to-Head Records

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Frequently asked questions

What is the head-to-head record between Suns and Thunder?

The all-time series spans 264 regular season games with the Suns holding a 138-126 advantage. However, the Thunder have dominated recent matchups, winning 10 of 12 games over the last three seasons and taking the 2025-26 regular season series 3-2.

When is Suns vs Thunder Game 2?

Game 2 is scheduled for April 22, 2026, at 9:30 PM ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. For Phoenix fans, that is 6:30 PM MST. The game airs on ESPN and the ESPN App.

What are the player stats from recent Suns vs Thunder games?

Devin Booker averaged 26.1 points per game for the Suns during the regular season. In Game 1 of the playoffs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a key contributor with a three-point play that pushed Oklahoma City’s lead to 90-63.

How has Thunder performed this season against Suns?

Oklahoma City finished the regular season with 64 wins, the best record in the West. The Thunder won the season series against Phoenix 3-2, including a dominant 49-point victory in an NBA Cup game. Oklahoma City covered a 17.5-point spread against the Suns in Game 1 of the playoffs.

What are the predictions for Suns vs Thunder series?

The Thunder are heavily favored. Historical data shows only six No. 1 seeds have lost to No. 8 seeds in NBA first-round history. Game 2 odds list Oklahoma City as 16.5-17.5 point favorites with totals around 213.5-215.5.

Where to find Suns vs Thunder play-by-play?

Official game recaps and box scores are available on ESPN. The official Phoenix Suns playoff schedule with broadcast details is published by Sports Illustrated. Game 1 highlights are available on YouTube through Gametime Highlights.

Has the series been swept in past playoffs?

While sweeps have occurred in NBA playoff history, no No. 1 seed has faced an No. 8 seed in this specific first-round matchup before. The historical data shows only six instances of a No. 1 seed losing to a No. 8 seed in the first round overall.