Overview
- The defending champions hold the NBA’s best record at 12-1 with an early point differential around +15 per game, outpacing last season’s historic +12.9 mark.
- Oklahoma City leads the league in defensive rating at 104.5, with Isaiah Hartenstein posting the NBA’s top individual defensive rating and Cason Wallace ranking near the top.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA at 32.5 points per game on 52/35/90 shooting and has stretched his 20-point streak to 84 consecutive games.
- Depth has carried the start despite absences, as Jalen Williams has played one game, Lu Dort has missed six, Chet Holmgren four, and Isaiah Joe the first five.
- Breakout and role contributions include Ajay Mitchell averaging 16.9 points with two-way impact, Wallace leading with 2.3 steals per game, and perimeter threats Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins providing scoring from deep.