Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The phoenix suns vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from Game 2 of the 2026 Western Conference First Round tell a much clearer story than the 120-107 final score alone. Oklahoma City defeated Phoenix by 13 points at Paycom Center on April 22, 2026, taking a 2-0 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 37 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while Dillon Brooks produced 30 points for Phoenix. Devin Booker added 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, but the Suns could not overcome Oklahoma City’s third-quarter surge and defensive pressure.
The box score also reveals why this game became one-sided. Phoenix shot 45.9% from the field and 35.5% from three, which are respectable shooting numbers, but the Suns committed 21 turnovers. Oklahoma City shot 47.3% overall, recorded 14 steals, blocked six shots, and committed only 10 turnovers. That combination allowed the Thunder to create extra possessions and turn defensive activity into offense. The official NBA box score confirms the 120-107 result, the 2-0 series position, and the individual player numbers used throughout this analysis. NBA official Game 2 box score
Game Overview and Final Score
Game 2 was played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. It was the second game of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the eighth-seeded Phoenix Suns and the first-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
| Category | Result |
| Phoenix Suns | 107 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 120 |
| Winning margin | 13 points |
| Venue | Paycom Center |
| Date | April 22, 2026 |
| Game | Western Conference First Round, Game 2 |
| Series | Oklahoma City leads 2-0 |
| Phoenix field goals | 39-85 |
| Oklahoma City field goals | 43-91 |
| Phoenix three-pointers | 11-31 |
| Oklahoma City three-pointers | 14-40 |
| Phoenix free throws | 18-22 |
| Oklahoma City free throws | 20-25 |
| Phoenix turnovers | 21 |
| Oklahoma City turnovers | 10 |
| Phoenix steals | 7 |
| Oklahoma City steals | 14 |
| Phoenix blocks | 1 |
| Oklahoma City blocks | 6 |
The most important statistical difference was not simply shooting percentage. Oklahoma City generated a much stronger defensive profile. The Thunder forced 21 Phoenix turnovers while giving the ball away only 10 times.
That created an 11-turnover advantage.
In a playoff game decided by 13 points, that difference is enormous.
Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Player Stats
The complete phoenix suns vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats show two very different team performances.
Phoenix had several productive individual scoring performances. Dillon Brooks scored 30 points, Devin Booker scored 22, and Jalen Green added 21. Royce O’Neale also gave the Suns an efficient 16-point performance.
Oklahoma City, however, received a broader combination of scoring, playmaking, rebounding, rim protection, and perimeter defense.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 37 points and nine assists. Chet Holmgren recorded 19 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. Jalen Williams scored 19 points in only 23:19 before leaving the game in the third quarter.
The individual statistics make it easier to understand why the Thunder were able to build a large lead despite Phoenix having three players score at least 21 points.
Phoenix Suns Player Statistics
Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks was Phoenix’s leading scorer and one of the most efficient offensive players in the game.
| Stat | Brooks |
| Minutes | 38:23 |
| Points | 30 |
| FG | 12-23 |
| FG% | 52.2% |
| 3PT | 5-9 |
| 3PT% | 55.6% |
| FT | 1-1 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Steals | 0 |
| Blocks | 0 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Plus/Minus | -11 |
Brooks shot 52.2% from the field and an outstanding 55.6% from three-point range. His five made three-pointers were particularly important because Phoenix needed efficient perimeter scoring to keep pace with Oklahoma City’s offense.
The problem was that Brooks’ production did not translate into enough team success.
His -11 plus/minus indicates that Phoenix was outscored by 11 points during his minutes. That does not mean Brooks individually played poorly. In fact, the opposite is closer to the truth. His scoring efficiency was one of the strongest positive elements of Phoenix’s offense.
The bigger issue was that Oklahoma City created enough pressure elsewhere to prevent his scoring from changing the result.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
| Stat | Booker |
| Minutes | 40:04 |
| Points | 22 |
| FG | 7-14 |
| FG% | 50.0% |
| 3PT | 0-3 |
| 3PT% | 0.0% |
| FT | 8-10 |
| FT% | 80.0% |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Turnovers | 5 |
| Plus/Minus | -12 |
Booker’s 50% field-goal shooting was solid, and he converted eight of his 10 free throws. His seven rebounds also showed that his contribution went beyond scoring.
However, his five turnovers became an important part of the game.
Against an Oklahoma City defense that finished with 14 steals, turnovers were especially costly. The Suns could not afford to lose possessions while trying to overcome a Thunder offense that was already operating efficiently.
Booker’s 22 points therefore need to be viewed alongside his five turnovers and -12 plus/minus rather than as an isolated scoring figure.
Jalen Green
Jalen Green scored 21 points in 41:22.
| Stat | Green |
| Minutes | 41:22 |
| Points | 21 |
| FG | 8-23 |
| FG% | 34.8% |
| 3PT | 1-8 |
| 3PT% | 12.5% |
| FT | 4-5 |
| FT% | 80.0% |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Turnovers | 7 |
| Plus/Minus | -12 |
Green’s scoring total looks useful at first glance, but the efficiency tells a different story.
He needed 23 field-goal attempts to score 21 points and made only one of eight three-point attempts. More importantly, he committed seven turnovers.
That combination made his offensive workload expensive for Phoenix.
In a playoff environment, volume scoring can still be valuable, especially when a team lacks reliable alternatives. But when high usage comes with inefficient shooting and frequent turnovers, the overall offensive impact can become negative.
Green’s two steals were useful defensively, but Oklahoma City’s ball security advantage remained decisive.
Royce O’Neale
Royce O’Neale delivered one of Phoenix’s most efficient performances.
| Stat | O’Neale |
| Minutes | 34:13 |
| Points | 16 |
| FG | 4-5 |
| FG% | 80.0% |
| 3PT | 4-5 |
| 3PT% | 80.0% |
| FT | 4-4 |
| Rebounds | 9 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Turnovers | 2 |
| Plus/Minus | -4 |
O’Neale was arguably Phoenix’s most efficient all-around contributor.
He shot 80% from the field, made four of five three-point attempts, converted all four free throws, grabbed nine rebounds, and added four assists and two steals.
His -4 plus/minus was also considerably better than several of Phoenix’s other primary contributors.
The statistical lesson is important: Phoenix did not lose because every player was inefficient. The Suns had several players producing at a high level. The problem was that Oklahoma City generated enough advantages across the entire lineup to outweigh those individual performances.
Oso Ighodaro
Oso Ighodaro recorded seven points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
| Stat | Ighodaro |
| Minutes | 29:27 |
| Points | 7 |
| FG | 3-8 |
| FG% | 37.5% |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Steals | 0 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Turnovers | 2 |
| Plus/Minus | -23 |
The -23 plus/minus was the lowest among Phoenix’s major contributors.
His five assists and eight rebounds were useful, but Oklahoma City’s size and defensive activity limited his offensive efficiency. Ighodaro’s ability to contribute as a passer was valuable, yet Phoenix needed more scoring from its frontcourt rotation.
Collin Gillespie
Collin Gillespie contributed seven points, six rebounds, and six assists.
| Stat | Gillespie |
| Minutes | 29:02 |
| Points | 7 |
| FG | 3-9 |
| FG% | 33.3% |
| 3PT | 1-5 |
| 3PT% | 20.0% |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Turnovers | 2 |
| Plus/Minus | -14 |
Gillespie’s six assists were useful, particularly because Phoenix needed secondary playmaking behind Booker.
His two steals also showed defensive activity.
However, his shooting numbers were modest, and Oklahoma City’s pressure prevented Phoenix from turning its passing into enough efficient scoring opportunities.
Khaman Maluach
Khaman Maluach played 18:33 and finished with four points and two rebounds.
He shot 2-for-3 from the field and finished with a team-best +10 plus/minus among Phoenix players with significant minutes.
That plus/minus is interesting because it demonstrates how different individual stretches can be from the final team result. Maluach’s minutes were comparatively productive, even though his offensive role was limited.
Ryan Dunn
Ryan Dunn played 7:41 and recorded one point and one rebound.
He attempted no field goals and had one turnover.
Rasheer Fleming, Amir Coffey and Jamaree Bouyea
Each played only 25 seconds and recorded no meaningful statistical production.
Phoenix Players Listed as DNP
Grayson Allen and Haywood Highsmith were listed as DNP by coach’s decision.
Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams were listed as inactive.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Statistics
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the central figure in the game.
| Stat | Gilgeous-Alexander |
| Minutes | 38:15 |
| Points | 37 |
| FG | 13-25 |
| FG% | 52.0% |
| 3PT | 2-5 |
| 3PT% | 40.0% |
| FT | 9-9 |
| FT% | 100% |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| Plus/Minus | +16 |
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points on 13-for-25 shooting while making all nine of his free throws.
The nine assists are just as important as the scoring.
Phoenix could not simply focus on stopping his scoring because he was also creating opportunities for teammates. That forced the Suns to make difficult defensive choices.
If Phoenix sent additional attention toward him, Oklahoma City had capable secondary scorers. If Phoenix defended him more traditionally, Gilgeous-Alexander could continue attacking individual matchups.
His +16 plus/minus reflects the overall influence of his minutes.
The performance also represented a major response after Game 1. In the series opener, he had scored 25 points on 5-for-18 shooting. In Game 2, he improved dramatically to 13-for-25.
Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren produced 19 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks.
| Stat | Holmgren |
| Minutes | 32:27 |
| Points | 19 |
| FG | 7-12 |
| FG% | 58.3% |
| 3PT | 3-6 |
| 3PT% | 50.0% |
| FT | 2-3 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Steals | 0 |
| Blocks | 4 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| Plus/Minus | +6 |
Holmgren’s value was particularly visible on defense.
Four blocks changed the geometry of the game. Phoenix had to account for his presence around the rim, while his ability to shoot from outside prevented the Suns from treating him as a traditional interior-only defender.
He also made three of six three-point attempts.
That combination of rim protection and perimeter scoring is one reason Oklahoma City’s frontcourt was so difficult to attack.
Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams scored 19 points in just 23:19.
| Stat | Williams |
| Minutes | 23:19 |
| Points | 19 |
| FG | 7-11 |
| FG% | 63.6% |
| 3PT | 2-3 |
| 3PT% | 66.7% |
| FT | 3-5 |
| Rebounds | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Plus/Minus | +17 |
Williams was extremely efficient before leaving the game in the third quarter with a left hamstring injury.
His 63.6% field-goal percentage and 66.7% three-point percentage were outstanding.
His +17 plus/minus was also the best mark among players from either team who played substantial minutes.
That is especially notable because he did not need a huge workload to influence the game. His efficient scoring allowed Oklahoma City to maintain offensive pressure without relying entirely on Gilgeous-Alexander.
Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein recorded nine points and 10 rebounds.
| Stat | Hartenstein |
| Minutes | 22:09 |
| Points | 9 |
| FG | 3-6 |
| FG% | 50.0% |
| FT | 3-4 |
| Rebounds | 10 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Steals | 1 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Plus/Minus | +7 |
Hartenstein led the game in rebounds with 10.
His contribution was not built around high scoring volume. Instead, he gave Oklahoma City interior stability, second-chance opportunities, and physical defense.
His one steal, one block, two assists, and only one turnover made the performance even more complete.
Ajay Mitchell
Ajay Mitchell finished with 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
| Stat | Mitchell |
| Minutes | 29:02 |
| Points | 14 |
| FG | 5-12 |
| FG% | 41.7% |
| 3PT | 1-5 |
| 3PT% | 20.0% |
| FT | 3-4 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Plus/Minus | +9 |
Mitchell’s five assists and five rebounds made him more than a scoring option.
His two steals also fit Oklahoma City’s broader defensive approach.
Luguentz Dort
Dort scored nine points while making three of seven three-point attempts.
He also recorded one steal, committed no turnovers, and finished +12.
That is an excellent example of a low-turnover defensive role producing significant team value without requiring a large scoring total.
Alex Caruso
Caruso scored seven points and added two rebounds, one assist, and three steals.
His three steals were tied for the highest individual total in the game.
He also committed no turnovers.
Isaiah Joe
Isaiah Joe scored six points, making two of seven three-point attempts.
He finished with one rebound, one steal, and one turnover.
Cason Wallace
Cason Wallace did not score, going 0-for-2 from the field and 0-for-2 from three.
Yet he contributed six rebounds, two assists, and three steals without committing a turnover.
This is one of the clearest examples of why box-score analysis should not focus exclusively on points.
Jaylin Williams
Jaylin Williams did not score and finished 0-for-2 from the field.
He contributed one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block.
Oklahoma City Players Listed as DNP
Jared McCain, Nikola Topić, Aaron Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams were listed as DNP by coach’s decision.
Thomas Sorber was inactive.
Team Shooting Comparison
The team shooting numbers were relatively close.
Phoenix shot 39-for-85, or 45.9%.
Oklahoma City shot 43-for-91, or 47.3%.
That is only a 1.4 percentage-point difference.
The three-point numbers were also close:
- Phoenix: 11-for-31, 35.5%
- Oklahoma City: 14-for-40, 35.0%
Interestingly, Phoenix actually had the slightly better three-point percentage.
That makes the final result even more revealing.
The Thunder did not win simply because they shot dramatically better from outside.
They won because their overall offensive volume, defensive pressure, turnover advantage, rim protection, and third-quarter execution created more total value.
The Turnover Battle Changed the Game
One of the biggest numbers in the box score is 21 turnovers for Phoenix compared with 10 for Oklahoma City.
That is an 11-possession difference.
In playoff basketball, possessions are extremely valuable. When one team repeatedly gives away possessions while the opponent protects the ball, the impact can become much larger than a basic field-goal percentage comparison suggests.
Phoenix had three players with five or more turnovers or close to that level of ball-security problems:
- Jalen Green: 7 turnovers
- Devin Booker: 5 turnovers
- Several other Suns players added additional turnovers
Oklahoma City had only 10 total turnovers as a team.
The Thunder also recorded 14 steals.
That combination created a difficult environment for Phoenix’s offense.
The Third Quarter Was the Turning Point
The scoring by quarter explains the momentum shift.
| Quarter | Phoenix | Oklahoma City |
| 1st | 29 | 30 |
| 2nd | 28 | 35 |
| 3rd | 20 | 35 |
| 4th | 30 | 20 |
| Final | 107 | 120 |
Phoenix trailed by only one point after the opening quarter.
The second quarter expanded the Thunder advantage.
Then came the decisive third quarter.
Oklahoma City outscored Phoenix 35-20 in the third.
That 15-point advantage was effectively the difference between the teams.
Phoenix responded by winning the fourth quarter 30-20, but the comeback started too late.
This is an important lesson when evaluating the phoenix suns vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats. Looking only at final scoring totals can hide when the game actually changed.
The third quarter was where Oklahoma City turned a competitive game into a comfortable lead.
Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Was So Difficult to Contain
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 37 points were the headline, but his nine assists made the performance even harder to defend.
A scoring guard can sometimes be contained through aggressive help defense.
But excessive help creates passing opportunities.
That is exactly where a player with nine assists becomes dangerous.
Gilgeous-Alexander also shot 52% from the field and made all nine free throws.
He did not rely on one scoring method.
He combined efficient field-goal shooting, free throws, playmaking, and controlled possession management.
That made him the offensive engine of the Thunder.
Why Dillon Brooks’ 30 Points Were Not Enough
Brooks produced 30 points on 12-for-23 shooting and made five three-pointers.
That is an excellent offensive performance.
But basketball is a five-player game, and scoring efficiency alone cannot compensate for a team-wide possession deficit.
Phoenix committed 21 turnovers.
The Thunder had 14 steals.
Oklahoma City also recorded six blocks compared with one for Phoenix.
Those defensive events made it harder for the Suns to convert their scoring opportunities into a sustained offensive rhythm.
Brooks did his part offensively.
The team-level statistics explain why it was not enough.
Devin Booker’s Statistical Impact
Booker’s 22 points were accompanied by seven rebounds and four assists.
His 50% shooting was efficient.
However, the five turnovers stand out.
Against a defense that generated 14 steals, every avoidable turnover carried extra weight.
Booker’s 8-for-10 free-throw shooting was another positive.
His challenge was not simply scoring enough points. Phoenix needed its primary creator to generate efficient offense while also limiting the possessions Oklahoma City could turn into transition opportunities.
The Importance of Plus/Minus
Plus/minus can be misleading when used alone, but it can become useful when combined with other statistics.
Phoenix’s most notable plus/minus numbers included:
- Khaman Maluach: +10
- Royce O’Neale: -4
- Dillon Brooks: -11
- Jalen Green: -12
- Devin Booker: -12
- Collin Gillespie: -14
- Oso Ighodaro: -23
Oklahoma City’s leading marks included:
- Jalen Williams: +17
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: +16
- Luguentz Dort: +12
- Ajay Mitchell: +9
- Isaiah Hartenstein: +7
- Chet Holmgren: +6
Jalen Williams’ +17 was the strongest individual plus/minus in the game.
That is especially impressive because he played fewer than 24 minutes.
The number reinforces how productive Oklahoma City’s lineup was during his time on the court.
Rebounding Was Closer Than the Final Score
Phoenix actually won the total rebounding battle 44-40.
That is important because it shows that Oklahoma City’s victory was not based on simply dominating the glass.
Phoenix had enough rebounding production to compete.
O’Neale grabbed nine rebounds, Ighodaro had eight, and Booker had seven.
For Oklahoma City, Hartenstein had 10 and Holmgren had eight.
The Thunder’s advantage came elsewhere.
Turnovers, steals, blocks, and efficient scoring had a much greater influence on the final result.
Oklahoma City’s Defensive Activity Was the Difference
The Thunder finished with:
- 14 steals
- 6 blocks
- 10 turnovers committed
Phoenix finished with:
- 7 steals
- 1 block
- 21 turnovers committed
That is a dramatic difference in defensive disruption.
Oklahoma City was not merely preventing shots.
The Thunder were actively creating mistakes.
Caruso and Wallace each recorded three steals. Mitchell and Green had two steals for their respective teams. Holmgren added four blocks.
That defensive activity helped Oklahoma City control the middle portion of the game.
What the Game Says About Phoenix’s Offense
Phoenix scored 107 points and shot 45.9% from the field.
Those numbers are good enough to win many NBA games.
But playoff basketball requires more than simply reaching an acceptable scoring total.
Phoenix needed to protect the ball.
The Suns also needed more consistent scoring efficiency from their high-volume creators.
Green’s 8-for-23 shooting and seven turnovers were particularly costly.
Booker’s 7-for-14 shooting was much more efficient, but five turnovers offset some of that positive shooting value.
Brooks and O’Neale were efficient, yet their production could not fully overcome the possession problems.
What the Game Says About Oklahoma City’s Depth
The Thunder received 19 points from both Holmgren and Williams, 14 from Mitchell, nine from Hartenstein, nine from Dort, and seven from Caruso.
That distribution matters.
Gilgeous-Alexander did not need to score 50 points.
Instead, Oklahoma City received enough secondary production to make his 37 points decisive rather than merely necessary.
The Thunder also got meaningful defensive contributions from players who did not score much.
Wallace had six rebounds and three steals.
Caruso had three steals.
Holmgren had four blocks.
That balance made Oklahoma City’s performance much more sustainable.
What These Stats Mean for the Series
The 2-0 series lead put Oklahoma City in a strong position.
The Thunder had won both opening games at home.
Game 1 ended 119-84, while Game 2 ended 120-107.
That means Oklahoma City had already demonstrated two different ways to beat Phoenix.
The first win was a major defensive and scoring margin.
The second win was more competitive for much of the game but featured a decisive third-quarter run.
For Phoenix, the statistical priorities were clear.
The Suns needed to reduce turnovers, maintain offensive efficiency, and find ways to prevent Oklahoma City from creating large mid-game runs.
The series was not simply about stopping Gilgeous-Alexander.
Phoenix also had to account for Holmgren’s shooting and rim protection, Williams’ efficient scoring, Hartenstein’s rebounding, and Oklahoma City’s perimeter defenders.
The Most Important Numbers to Remember
If a reader wants a quick statistical summary, these numbers tell most of the story:
37: Gilgeous-Alexander’s points.
30: Brooks’ points for Phoenix.
22: Booker’s points.
21: Phoenix turnovers.
10: Oklahoma City turnovers.
14: Oklahoma City steals.
6: Oklahoma City blocks.
15: Oklahoma City’s third-quarter scoring advantage.
13: Final winning margin.
2-0: Oklahoma City’s series lead after Game 2.
The combination is more meaningful than any single number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the top scorer in Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the game’s leading scorer with 37 points. He also recorded nine assists and five rebounds while shooting 13-for-25 from the field.
Who led the Phoenix Suns in scoring?
Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 30 points. He shot 12-for-23 from the field and made five of nine three-point attempts.
How many points did Devin Booker score?
Devin Booker scored 22 points. He also had seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 7-for-14 from the field.
What was the final score?
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns 120-107, winning by 13 points.
How did Oklahoma City take a 2-0 series lead?
The Thunder combined efficient scoring with strong defensive pressure. They forced Phoenix into 21 turnovers, recorded 14 steals and six blocks, and outscored the Suns 35-20 in the third quarter.
Who had the most rebounds?
Isaiah Hartenstein led all players with 10 rebounds. Phoenix’s top rebounder was Royce O’Neale with nine.
Conclusion
The phoenix suns vs oklahoma city thunder match player stats from Game 2 show that Oklahoma City’s 120-107 victory was built on much more than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 37 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander was outstanding, combining efficient scoring with nine assists and five rebounds. Chet Holmgren added 19 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, while Jalen Williams scored 19 points on highly efficient shooting before leaving in the third quarter. Isaiah Hartenstein provided 10 rebounds, and Oklahoma City received useful contributions throughout its rotation.
Phoenix had legitimate individual success. Dillon Brooks scored 30 points, Devin Booker added 22, Jalen Green scored 21, and Royce O’Neale produced an especially efficient 16-point performance.
The decisive difference was the overall possession battle.
Phoenix committed 21 turnovers compared with only 10 for Oklahoma City. The Thunder converted their defensive pressure into 14 steals and added six blocks. They then used a 35-20 third quarter to create the separation that Phoenix could not erase.
The final score therefore reflects a broader statistical pattern. Phoenix could score efficiently in stretches, but Oklahoma City was more consistent at controlling possessions, generating defensive events, protecting the basketball, and distributing offensive responsibility.
With the Thunder leading the series 2-0, the numbers from Game 2 provide a clear picture of why Oklahoma City controlled the early stages of the matchup.
