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Defending Champion Thunder Open 7-0, Chase Franchise-Best 8-0 Start at Clippers

A torrid Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paired with real depth keeps Oklahoma City perfect despite injuries.

Overview

  • The Thunder face the Clippers on the road with a chance to start 8-0 for the first time in franchise history.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 33.6 points with six 30-point games, drawing public acclaim from DeMarcus Cousins as a generation’s top scorer.
  • Oklahoma City has navigated absences for Jalen Williams and intermittent games missed by Chet Holmgren and others, using four different starting lineups.
  • Coach Mark Daigneault says the group has leaned on depth to win tight contests, including two double-overtime games, and to “grind out” less fluid nights.
  • The 7-0 opening follows last season’s title run, places OKC in rare company with back-to-back 7-0 starts, and extends the team’s post-October 2024 record to 94-22.