Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Message to Dillon Brooks After Game 1

Oklahoma City Thunder Dominates Phoenix Suns in Playoff Opener

The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder made a strong statement in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The Thunder delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Suns 119–84. From the outset, Oklahoma City built a massive halftime lead, turning the game into a runaway victory fueled by defensive intensity, transition offense, and relentless pressure.

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder, scoring 25 points, dishing out seven assists, grabbing four rebounds, and blocking two shots. His all-around performance was instrumental in setting the tone for the game. On the other side, the Suns struggled to find consistency offensively, shooting just 35% from the field and committing 19 turnovers that Oklahoma City converted into 34 points.

However, the postgame conversation quickly shifted to Gilgeous-Alexander’s thoughts on Suns forward Dillon Brooks. The two players have a deep history as teammates with Canada Basketball, where they have helped elevate the national program into a legitimate international contender.

“Dillon’s gonna affect the game regardless. That’s what makes him a really good player,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Wherever he goes, whatever team he plays on, they play at a high level. They compete. They defend. And it’s his mentality. It’s infectious. We saw that with this Phoenix team. We’ve seen it in the past with Houston and with Memphis. It’s the player he is.”

Brooks, who contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in 32 minutes, has been a key part of the Suns’ success this season. His impact on the court is undeniable, and his leadership has been a driving force for the team.

A Deep History Between SGA and Brooks

Gilgeous-Alexander and Brooks have shared a long-standing relationship as teammates on the Canadian national team. Their partnership has helped bring attention to Canada’s growing presence in international basketball. At the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Canadian to be named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team, while Brooks earned the Best Defensive Player award.

Just one year later, the two helped lead Canada to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics, where they faced a Victor Wembanyama-led France squad. Despite the loss, Canada’s appearance marked their first Olympic appearance in 24 years. The team entered as one of the favorites to win a medal, thanks in large part to the contributions of Gilgeous-Alexander, Brooks, and other NBA stars like RJ Barrett, Jamal Murray, and Lu Dort.

This familiarity between the two players has given Gilgeous-Alexander a unique perspective on Brooks’ impact on the game. He has seen Brooks up close in FIBA and Olympic competition, observing how he defends, communicates, and thrives under pressure. In turn, Brooks has had the opportunity to guard SGA in practice settings and watch him evolve over the years into one of the best players in the league.

The Future of Canada Basketball in the NBA

The Canada Basketball pipeline is becoming one of the most influential talent pools in the NBA. Players like Gilgeous-Alexander and Brooks are not only making an impact in their respective teams but also helping to elevate the global profile of Canadian basketball.

As the playoffs continue, the Thunder will look to maintain their dominance in the series. Game 2 is set for Wednesday night back at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will again have home-court advantage. Oklahoma City entered the series as a heavy favorite, and nothing from the opener suggests a dramatic shift in momentum.

At the time of writing, the Thunder are listed as 17.5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook. Regardless of who wins this series, the evolution of Canadian talent in the NBA is a story worth watching.