OKC • Guard • #2
Gilgeous-Alexander was the only Thunder player to show any signs of rust in Sunday’s playoff opener, as the team with the NBA’s best record rolled to a 51-point victory. SGA shot 1-of-7 from three and only scored 15 points, but it didn’t matter with five other Thunder players scoring in double figures. Among the others was Aaron Wiggins, who hit four three-pointers and tallied 21 points, four rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes off the bench. Oklahoma City’s depth was a difference-maker throughout the regular season, and that was also the case in Game 1. The Thunder host Game 2 on Tuesday.
about 10 hours ago
April 20, 2025 8:09 PM
OKC • Center-Forward • #7
about 11 hours ago
Holmgren excelled as a rim protector and stretched the floor by only missing one of his attempts from deep. The Thunder big man’s return to health after an early injury has helped OKC ascend to another level. Holmgren’s pairing with Isaiah Hartenstein in the frontcourt and OKC’s assortment of capable wing defenders seem likely to give Memphis a tough time for the remainder of the series.
OKC • Guard-Forward • #8
about 11 hours ago
Williams did everything for the OKC in Game 1. Only Aaron Wiggins scored more points (21) and Williams led OKC in assists and steals in the contest. He was a game-high +44 and will continue to make a huge impact on this series moving forward.
OKC • Center • #15
7 days ago
Already playing without Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder lost Jaylin Williams to a strained oblique during the first half of Sunday’s game. The result was even more playing time for Carlson, who had the best day of his NBA career. Not only did the rookie record season highs in points and rebounds, but this was also his first double-double. Unlike Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, Carlson will not be in the Thunder playoff rotation, even if Williams misses time. But he undoubtedly made a positive impression with his play in New Orleans.
HOU • Guard • #5
about 2 hours ago
Sunday’s series opener was brutal for the Rockets’ starting guards. VanVleet and Jalen Green (7/8/2 in 31 minutes) combined to shoot 7-of-34 from the field overall and 2-of-17 from beyond the arc. Neither was an efficient shooter during the regular season, with VanVleet making 37.8 percent of his attempts and Green slightly better at 42.3 percent. That said, neither reached those levels in Game 1, which was a significant reason why Houston lost. VanVleet and Green will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.
GSW • Guard • #2
about 2 hours ago
Only three Warriors reached double figures in Sunday’s 95-85 victory, with Podziemski joining Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Making his first postseason appearance, the second-year guard offered solid value in rebounds, assists, steals and three-pointers in Game 1. Podziemski isn’t part of Golden State’s “big three,” with Draymond Green owning that seat next to Curry and Butler. But his contributions are essential, especially in a series that may be low-scoring due to the defensive ability of both teams. The Warriors will look to extend their series lead to 2-0 on Wednesday.
GSW • Guard • #30
about 2 hours ago
Curry missed his first three shots on Sunday, possibly prompting some to recall the April 6 meeting in which the Rockets held him to just three points. That game was an outlier for the elite shooter, and he would make 12 of his final 16 shots in Sunday’s series opener. During his postseason career, Curry has scored 30 points or more on 59 occasions. With Jimmy Butler now in the fold, he’ll likely have the room to produce more efforts of Sunday’s caliber in this series. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
