Thunder's big win over Suns: DeGnott praises players for their outstanding selflessness.

Thanks to scores from Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns 119-84 at home in a key first-round game of the 2025/26 NBA playoffs. In an interview, DeGnott stated that the team executed their offense very well and displayed outstanding selflessness.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points and had 7 assists for the Oklahoma City Thunder in this game, Jalen Williams added 22 points and 6 assists, and Chet Holmgren contributed 16 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach DeGnott said, "The Phoenix Suns are a very good shooting team, so I expect them to make more open shots as the series progresses. Their shooting percentage isn't as high as usual, but I think we did a good job defensively. We prevented a lot of easy scoring opportunities for them, making every point hard-earned. When you do that, you have the opportunity to play games like this, making their jump shots difficult to make under heavy pressure."

"I think we executed our defense very well, had great inside pressure at the point where the play was initiated, and controlled the tempo very intelligently, speeding up when we had the opportunity but not recklessly. Our offense in the first half was also very well executed, creating advantages and making the right choices. The team's selflessness was outstanding; we always chose reasonable shooting opportunities, and our performance on offense was equally excellent."

DeGnott pointed out, "Several players performed exceptionally well, extending the lead as soon as they came on. I think Jaelin Williams' playing time in the first half was particularly crucial, especially on the boards. The Phoenix Suns are the most aggressive rebounding team in the league; they may not have the most offensive rebounds, but they go for the boards more frequently than any other team."

“They dominated the boards in the final stages of the first half, which gave them extra offensive possessions. I remember they scored 14 points in two possessions. But before that, Jerin Williams did an excellent job protecting the defensive boards.”

In addition, DeGnott said, "We have to be excellent at the first defensive position, then good at help defense, and quick to get into position during rotations. We did that in enough possessions, but as I said, I expect them to be better at some open shots."

"We are very competitive, the playoff mentality is strong, and everyone is eager to win. The key is to channel that mentality in the right direction, and I think we've done a good job of that."

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