Thunder up 2-0

Oklahoma City took a 2-0 lead over Phoenix on Wednesday night, beating the Suns 120-107 behind 37 points and nine assists from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. (espn.com) The Thunder opened the series with a 119-84 win on Sunday, then followed it with another double-digit result in Game 2 at Paycom Center. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points in Game 1, even after shooting 5-for-18 from the field. (espn.com; espn.com) Game 2 tightened in the fourth quarter before Oklahoma City pulled away again. ESPN’s recap said Luguentz Dort hit a late 3-pointer, and the final margin stayed at 13. (espn.com) The matchup is No. 1 seed Oklahoma City against No. 8 seed Phoenix in the Western Conference first round. Oklahoma City entered the playoffs as the defending NBA champion after opening the postseason on April 19. (nba.com; espn.com) A 2-0 lead shifts the series back to Arizona with Phoenix needing to protect its home floor immediately. The Thunder’s published schedule lists Game 3 for Saturday, April 25, in Phoenix and Game 4 for Monday, April 27, also in Phoenix. (nba.com) Oklahoma City’s edge has come from both ends of the floor. The Thunder held Phoenix to 84 points in Game 1, then scored 120 in Game 2 after Gilgeous-Alexander’s more efficient night as a scorer and playmaker. (espn.com; espn.com) There was one complication in the second win. NBA.com reported that Jalen Williams left Game 2 with a hamstring injury even as Oklahoma City’s young core improved to 10-0 in first-round playoff games. (nba.com) Now the series turns on whether Phoenix can change the pace at home, or whether Oklahoma City can carry its first two games on the road and move within one win of the second round. (nba.com; espn.com)