Brooks grabbed the ball and delayed Holmgren’s usual pregame routine, a moment that highlighted Brooks’ agitator reputation as the series began.
Holmgren later explained he didn’t take it personally and acknowledged Brooks has his own persona, noting he still completed his routine and prepared for the game.
In the opening quarter, Brooks chased a loose ball and struck Holmgren in the face, drawing a Flagrant 1 foul and adding to the physical tenor of the matchup.
Once the game started, Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein controlled the interior, with Oklahoma City outscoring Phoenix 52-24 in the paint as the Thunder built a decisive lead. Holmgren altered shots at the rim, including a chasedown block on Devin Booker, and later knocked down a three to beat the buzzer.
Brooks was initially used to guard Holmgren, but the height mismatch proved difficult for Phoenix, signaling a tactical challenge the Suns will face as the series unfolds.
The result underscored Oklahoma City’s focus and execution, showing that calm, disciplined play can prevail even amid pregame disruption and on-court tensions.
