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Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder became the first team this season to reach the second round after sweeping the Phoenix Suns in Round 1. Now, the defending champions will either face the LA Lakers and the Houston Rockets in the next round. 

Looking ahead, Gilgeous-Alexander revealed that he has been watching the Lakers-Rockets playoff series and has been scouting both squads to prepare for a Round 2 clash. 

“I’ve already been watching all of the Lakers and Houston series. Just continue to do so, watch both teams, see their strengths and weaknesses,” Gilgeous-Alexander said shortly after the Thunder’s 131-122 win over the Suns in Game 4. 

During the post-game press conference, Gilgeous-Alexander broke down what he has found so far with the Lakers and the Rockets. 

“It’ll either be the Lakers or Houston. Each pose their challenges,” he said. “Houston is like more defensive and the Lakers are more offensive. But they’re both really good teams and to make it out that series…you have to do a lot of things right. So we won’t take them lightly.”

Right now, the Lakers lead the Rockets in their series, 3-1, after Houston recorded its first win in Game 4 at home. The Lakers won the first three games of Round 1, despite missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to injuries.

The Thunder have won their last three first-round series via sweeps, starting in 2024 against the New Orleans and last year against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Against the Suns, the Thunder are just as dominant. Winning by double digits in the first three games before holding off the Suns with a nine-point lead in Game 4. 

The Thunder has done this without Jalen Williams for Games 3 and 4, after hurting his hamstring in Game 2. Williams has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain and will be evaluated for a possible return in the playoffs weekly. 

Thunder Reveals Mindset Ahead of the Second Round

GettyMark Daigneault reveals Thunder’s mindset for Round 2.

The OKC Thunder knew what it took to get the job done in the playoffs, having won it all last season. 

For head coach Mark Daigneault, the team will be taking things series by series and game by game, as they look to continue their dominance. He also understands that there is no guarantee in the playoffs, no matter how good they looked in their previous series. 

“We just try to attack this thing in two-week chunks. All you’re guaranteed is the round you’re in. We’ve earned the right to play the second round,” Daigneault said. 

The Lakers are the favorites to come out of their Round 1 series against the Rockets since history is on their side. No team has ever come back from a 0-3 series deficit in the playoffs. 

Thunder Can Be The First Back-to-Back Champions in 8 Years

GettyOKC Thunder record their third straight Round 1 sweep.

After winning last year’s title, the Thunder is again among the favorites to win it all this year. If they pull it off, they would be the first team in eight years to secure two straight titles. 

The last team to make it happen was the Golden State Warriors, a squad led by Steph Curry and Kevin Durant in 2017 and 2018. 

Since 2019, the NBA has seen different champions for seven straight years. The Thunder could be the team that would break that trend this season.