Alexander scores 37+5+9, Dillon contributes 30 points, Thunder easily defeat Suns to lead series 2-0

On April 23, in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round of the NBA playoffs, the Thunder defeated the Suns 120-107 at home, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.

For the Thunder, Alexander had 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists; Holmgren contributed 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks; Jalen Williams scored 19 points with 4 assists; Mitchell added 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists; Hartenstein finished with 9 points and 10 rebounds. For the Suns, Dillon scored 30 points with 5 rebounds; Booker had 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists; Jalen Green contributed 21 points and 5 rebounds; O'Neal added 16 points and 9 rebounds.

In the first quarter, Gillespie and Dillon repeatedly attacked the basket, followed by outside shooting from Gillespie and Dillon; Dort and Holmgren hit outside shots, and Alexander also drove aggressively, tying the game at 12. Dort hit a three-pointer, and Jalen and Alexander continued their drives, allowing the Thunder to gradually show their superiority, pulling ahead to 25-16. O'Neal hit two three-pointers from outside, Gillespie and Alexander combined to score, helping the Suns respond. At the end of the quarter, the Thunder led 30-29.

In the second quarter, Joe fired from outside with two consecutive three-pointers, allowing the Thunder to extend the lead to 38-32. Green used his excellent individual skills to drive repeatedly, and Iguodaro hit a step-back three-pointer, reducing the Suns' deficit to just 2 points. Jalen Williams scored inside and outside, Dort and Alexander hit mid-range shots, Holmgren fired from outside, and the Thunder widened the gap to 62-51. Iguodaro's inside scoring showed its power, helping the Suns chase. At halftime, the Thunder led 65-57.

In the third quarter, Alexander's mid-range shooting demonstrated its effectiveness; Holmgren combined drives and shots to score 8 consecutive points; Hartenstein delivered an alley-oop dunk; the Thunder surged to take a 15-point lead at 80-65. Later, Jalen Williams suffered a hamstring injury and returned to the locker room, which was also a blow for the Thunder. However, Alexander fired from outside, Mitchell and Caruso's drives were effective, and the Thunder fought increasingly fiercely, further widening the gap. At the end of the quarter, the Thunder led 100-77.

In the fourth quarter, Hartenstein's inside scoring was also effective, helping the Thunder extend the lead to 106-80, a 26-point advantage. Dillon then stepped up aggressively, scoring 9 consecutive points; Booker hit a mid-range shot; O'Neal's three-pointer went in; the Suns continued their pursuit, cutting the deficit to 100-110. Mitchell and Dort hit three-pointers, helping the Thunder widen the gap again to 118-103. In the remaining time, the Thunder maintained their advantage and secured the victory.

Starting Lineups

Thunder: Jalen Williams, Hartenstein, Holmgren, Dort, Alexander

Suns: Green, Dillon, Iguodaro, Booker, Gillespie