The OKC Thunder have swept the last three NBA playoffs’ first-round series after taking down the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 on Monday night. With the win, they have now placed themselves in the pantheon of some of the greatest teams in league history.
The Thunder became the first team to sweep three consecutive Round 1 series since the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2014 to 2016, squads led by LeBron James. The Cavaliers won the NBA championship in 2016.
Before the Cavaliers, the last team to pull off the feat was the Chicago Bulls from 1995 to 1997, which was bannered by prime Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. During that span, the Bulls won the NBA title in 1996 and 1997.
The Bulls also accomplished a sweep in the first round for four straight years from 1990 to 1993 in a time when Jordan was rising as the league’s biggest star. The team completed a three-peat title run from 1991 to 1993.
The LA Lakers had the longest consecutive first-round sweeps in NBA history, winning all their opening round games from 1983 to 1988. The Lakers made it to the NBA finals in five of those seasons and won three championships.
The Thunder started their streak in 2024 when they swept the New Orleans Pelicans, then led by CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram.
Last year, they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, who missed Ja Morant for the majority of the series. They did it again this season against the Devin Booker-led Suns.
The defending champions Thunder now move on to the second round, where they will face the winner of the Lakers and Houston Rockets series.
Thunder Superstar Sends Message Ahead of Round 2
GettyShai Gilgeous-Alexander sends message to OKC Thunder’s Round 2 opponents.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander revealed that he is already watching the LA Lakers and the Houston Rockets ahead of their Round 2 clash.
Shortly after the Game 4 win, Gilgeous-Alexander said he is watching their series, taking notes about their weaknesses and strengths.
“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, the reigning MVP, said.
The Thunder led by double digits for almost the entirety of their Round 1 series against the Suns, exacting dominance against the No. 8 seed.
On the other hand, the Lakers led 3-0 in the series against the Rockets, before Houston got one in Game 4 at home. Both squads remained without their star players such as Luka Doncic for the Lakers and Kevin Durant for the Rockets.
Thunder Coach Reveals Mindset for Round 2
GettyMark Daigneault on the Thunder’s Round 1 sweep.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault does not want to let up after a dominant Round 1 performance.
Daigneault said that a sweep in the first round does not guarantee the Thunder anything in the succeeding rounds.
“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.
No schedule yet for Round 2, but the Lakers have a chance to book a ticket to the next round against the Thunder on Game 5 against the Rockets on Wednesday, April 29.
OKC Thunder Joins NBA’s Greatest Teams in History Books With Sweep of Suns