That’s a season for the Phoenix Suns. After drawing a first-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Suns ended up in a situation where not many believed they could pull off an upset win to advance to round two.
The defending NBA Champions took care of business with ease. From the start of the series, the Thunder were in total control, and they never looked back.
The Thunder completed the series sweep on Monday night with a 131-122 victory over Phoenix. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 31 points on 10-17 shooting fro the field and 9-11 shooting from the charity stripe. He also had eight assists.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 25: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on October 25, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Now, the Thunder are going to be the first team to punch their ticket to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Oklahoma City will spend some time waiting to find out its next opponent in the postseason.
Who Could Be Next For The Thunder?
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to making a shot during the first half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers or the Houston Rockets.
Before the playoffs started, the latter team landed as the favorite to advance in most predictions.
The Lakers didn’t enter the postseason with the best of circumstances. Their top two scorers were out with injuries. Luka Doncic is dealing with a hamstring injury. Austin Reaves is out with an oblique-related setback.
Analysts and fans have seen LeBron James carry teams before, but the idea of him doing it at 41 years old made it difficult to imagine the Lakers had enough to survive in the postseason without Doncic and Reaves.
But the Lakers are putting together an upset in the eyes of the masses. Leading up to Game 4 on April 26, the Lakers held a 3-0 lead. The sweep was incomplete, as the Rockets picked up a Game 4 victory on Sunday. Still, the Lakers are favored to advance.
When Will The Second Round Begin?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 25: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 and Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder walk off of the field after the Boston Celtics defeat the Thunder 119-109 at TD Garden on March 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The NBA has not released the second-round schedule just yet.
The round is expected to begin in early May. The Thunder could land their second-round opponent as early as Wednesday night. The Lakers and the Rockets are slated for a 10 PM ET tip on Wednesday, April 29.
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