We’re not even one round into the playoffs, but it’s hard not to zoom ahead to a Western Conference Finals matchup that seems all but predestined.
The two teams were the cream of the conference in the regular season, and they’ve risen to the top in these playoffs.
Phoenix and Portland have been overmatched. Denver has flopped and Minnesota feels like a loser even if it wins given the Wolves’ injuries. The Rockets have imploded and the Lakers — even with a healthy Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic (and the latter seems like a big if) — are no match for the Thunder.
We might be saying that for the rest of the decade.
More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fuels OKC Thunder past Phoenix Suns for sweep in NBA Playoffs
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball past Devin Booker #1 and Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball past Jalen Green #4 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts in front of Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns after his made three-point basket during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns steals the ball from Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder compete for a jump ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns collects a loose ball away from Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reach after a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a three-point basket over Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.1 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball past Devin Booker #1 and Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.1 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball past Devin Booker #1 and Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.2 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball past Jalen Green #4 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.3 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.4 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.5 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.6 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.7 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts in front of Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns after his made three-point basket during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.8 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns steals the ball from Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.9 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder compete for a jump ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.10 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns collects a loose ball away from Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.11 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.12 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.13 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.14 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.15 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reach after a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.16 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.17 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a three-point basket over Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.18 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.19 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.20 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.21 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.22 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.23 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.24 / 24Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photosPHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.Mark Daigneault’s place as playoff head coachThunder coach Mark Daigneault entered Monday night with a 25-11 record in the playoffs.
The NBA, in its playoff media guide, listed the all-time coaches by playoff winning percentage (minimum 40 games). I don’t know where the 40 games threshold came from, but Daigneault is only a few games away from qualifying.
As of now, Daigneault’s .694 winning percentage in the playoffs would rank first among the qualified coaches.
A couple of notes: Spurs coach Mitch Johnson is off to a 3-1 start in the playoffs, giving him a .750 winning percentage. Former Cavaliers coach David Blatt went 14-6 in the playoffs, but his .700 winning percentage doesn’t qualify.
REPORT CARD: Chet Holmgren plays like true No. 2 option as Thunder sweeps Suns in NBA Playoffs
87: SEC players drafted. Alabama and Texas A&M had 10 each. OU had seven. The SEC produced 19 more draft picks than the Big Ten despite the SEC having two fewer schools. The SEC is deeper, but the Big Ten can claim supremacy having claimed each of the last three national championships. No school produced more draft picks than Ohio State (11).
40th: The Chiefs selected OU edge rusher R Mason Thomas with the 40th pick. Thomas was the first Sooner off the board. The Chiefs now have five Sooners on their roster: Thomas, Creed Humphrey, Wanya Morris, James Winchester and Ethan Downs.
38: Big 12 players drafted. Tied with the ACC. The 38 picks were the most in Big 12 history. On one hand, it’s not surprising. There are 16 teams in the league. More teams equals more picks. On the other hand, it’s still impressive given the departures of OU and Texas.
6: Big 12 players taken in the first round. And here’s what I found interesting: After Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey went second overall to the Jets, the next five Big 12 first-rounders were all from new Big 12 schools. Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson went eighth to the Saints. Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano went ninth to the Browns. Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor went 21st to the Steelers. UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence went 23rd to the Cowboys. Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu went 28th to the Patriots.
9: Texas Tech players drafted. The Red Raiders, talent-wise, have separated themselves from the rest of the conference.
0: OSU players drafted. Same goes for Colorado and West Virginia.
More: Oklahoma State football spring grades are in for each position. How did Cowboys fare?
Small-school players transfer to bigger schools for more shine and more money. Big-school players transfer to smaller schools to get more playing time.
Dakoda Fields doesn’t fit in either category. The 6-foot-1 corner from Compton, California, transferred from one blue blood in Oregon to another in Oklahoma.
“I wanted a fresh start,” Fields told The Oklahoman at spring football media day. “A lot of things didn’t go my way.”