The Oklahoma City Thunder moved to a 2-0 series lead after a 120-107 win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night at Paycom Center. Chet Holmgren pointed to execution stretches as the key factor in controlling the game flow.
“I think we stacked plays, made things really tough on them, especially in that third quarter. We were able to close out possessions, get out and get some easy ones in transition,” Holmgren said.
Oklahoma City built its separation through defensive stops and transition efficiency, especially during a third quarter push that stretched the lead. Holmgren emphasized the importance of sustaining those sequences.
“That’s a good formula when you can sustain it for a few minutes at a time, and we did that. Then we just got to continue to improve,” he said.
The Thunder led for most of the night, but Phoenix repeatedly responded with scoring runs behind Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker. Holmgren acknowledged that the Suns’ resistance required adjustments throughout the game.
“Personally, I have to put together a more complete game, not just really good moments or really good stretches, but a more complete game,” Holmgren said.
Holmgren also spoke about his growing confidence as a perimeter shooter, noting the importance of shot selection and repetition in his development.
“Definitely something I’ve worked at, just understanding which ones to take and then understanding that there’s certain ones that you have to get off. They’re good shots for us. We need to make those good shots. I’ve worked on them and I’m going to continue to work on them,” he said.
Oklahoma City’s offensive balance was highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 37-point performance, and Holmgren credited his teammate’s decision-making against Phoenix’s defensive pressure.
“To have somebody of his talent and somebody that works as hard as him recognize that in me is amazing,” Holmgren said, referencing Gilgeous-Alexander’s view of his role. “But we’ve also been the number one seed ever since he’s been an MVP candidate, so like you said, team effort.”
Holmgren also commented on Jalen Williams exiting the game with a hamstring injury, keeping his focus on uncertainty surrounding the situation.
“I don’t want to see anybody in my life go through any type of health situation. I don’t know what the situation is. I just know that he didn’t finish the game,” he said.
He added further praise for Williams’ consistent impact through the series, emphasizing his two-way value and importance to the Thunder’s system.
“Dub’s been amazing… He’s a game changer. Changes the whole game on both ends when he’s out there, and that was apparent tonight,” Holmgren said.
