The Oklahoma City Thunder have opened a new season with the same sharp edge that carried them to the 2025 Championship. As of Saturday, Oct. 24, they are 2-0, and now they welcome a Phoenix Suns team that remembers being swept by Oklahoma City in last season’s first round. Monday night is not just another early game. It is Phoenix’s first chance to show growth against a familiar Western Conference wall.

The Thunder’s wall starts with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is averaging 24.5 points through two games, but his style matters even more than the total. Shai slows defenders with sudden pauses, slips into open space, and rises for smooth jumpers from the middle of the floor. He can drive toward the hoop or set up a teammate when defenders crowd him. Phoenix will need Dillon Brooks, its physical wing defender, to make every touch difficult without allowing Shai to create easy openings for others.

Oklahoma City has won its first two games with defense and control. The Thunder are forcing 13 turnovers per game while collecting 10 steals and blocking 9.5 shots. A turnover happens when a team loses the ball to the other side, and Oklahoma City turns those mistakes into chances to run. Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso lead the pressure on the outside, while Chet Holmgren guards the rim like a tall gatekeeper.

Holmgren is already grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking four shots per game. His matchup with Phoenix center Khaman Maluach could shape the action near the basket. Maluach has a major opening because starting center Mark Williams is out with a shoulder injury. The 7-foot-1 Maluach has the length to rebound, protect the hoop, and finish close-range passes, but he faces a Thunder frontcourt with Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and rookie Aday Mara. Phoenix must battle for missed shots; Oklahoma City is averaging 46.5 rebounds, a sign that it often gets extra possessions.

The Suns arrive at 0-1 after a rough opening night in Portland. Their 83 points and 35.7 percent shooting showed how hard it can be when the outside shots do not fall. Devin Booker was the bright spot, scoring 23 points while making more than half his shots. He gives Phoenix its clearest path forward. Booker can curl into a jumper, attack the lane, or run a pick-and-roll, a play where a teammate sets a screen to free the ball-handler.

Phoenix also needs help from Jalen Green and Brooks. Green’s speed can challenge Oklahoma City before its defense gets set, while Brooks must bring scoring along with his assignment on Shai. Luke Kennard is questionable with a knee issue, so Phoenix may have even less room for cold shooting.

The Suns have the talent to answer with Booker’s shot-making, but Oklahoma City has more early rhythm, deeper size, and a defense built to squeeze every possession. The prediction: the Thunder win and stay unbeaten.

Thunder’s Fast Start Meets Devin Booker’s Phoenix Response