Short-Handed Thunder Stay Perfect, Rally Past Kings for Fifth Straight Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to show why they’re the reigning NBA champions. On Tuesday night, head coach Mark Daigneault’s team erased a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat the Sacramento Kings 107–101, improving to 5–0 to open the 2025–26 season. The win underscored the depth and discipline of a roster that’s thriving even without several key contributors.

Oklahoma City entered the game severely short-handed. Starting forward Chet Holmgren sat out with a lower-body injury, joining a growing list of unavailable players that includes All-Star Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, and Kenrich Williams—all yet to play this season. Still, the Thunder once again found ways to adapt and execute when it mattered most.

The victory was emblematic of the culture Daigneault has built in Oklahoma City—a focus on collective effort, situational awareness, and poise under pressure. “The biggest thing is exposing the guys to different situations and encouraging critical thinking,” Daigneault said. “There aren’t enough timeouts to make every decision, so it’s about preparing the team to think on the fly.”

That preparation showed against Sacramento. The Thunder closed the game on an 11–4 run, relying on sound execution and balanced scoring to secure their hardest-fought win since the double-overtime thrillers that opened their season.

1. Shai Leads, Supporting Cast Steps Up

All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again served as Oklahoma City’s steadying force. He finished with 31 points, orchestrating the offense and delivering key buckets in crunch time. His composure and ability to control tempo kept the Thunder competitive even when Sacramento appeared poised to pull away. But it was the team’s supporting cast that defined the win. Aaron Wiggins, starting in place of Jalen Williams, contributed 18 points, six assists, and three blocks—an all-around performance that embodied the next-man-up mentality. Off the bench, rookie Ajay Mitchell provided a spark with 18 points and two steals, continuing his impressive early-season rise. Lu Dort added 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals, providing his usual defensive toughness. Collectively, the Thunder had four players in double figures, a testament to the system’s flexibility and depth. “We’re not a finished product,” Daigneault admitted. “But we’ve had good execution in those situations for the most part again tonight.” The team’s ability to sustain effort despite fatigue and lineup changes stood out once again. The Thunder’s defensive rotations tightened in the fourth quarter, holding the Kings to just 17 points over the final eight minutes—a stretch that sealed the win.

2. Ajay Mitchell’s Rapid Rise

Few players have made a bigger early-season impression than Ajay Mitchell. The 2024 second-round pick has emerged as a vital piece of Oklahoma City’s rotation, averaging 18.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds through five games. His poise and maturity have made him one of Daigneault’s most trusted options off the bench. Teammates and coaches alike have praised Mitchell’s approach to the game. Forward Isaiah Hartenstein highlighted his steadiness and confidence before Tuesday’s matchup, saying, “He’s very mature. That’s what I saw from day one. He has confidence and approaches the game the right way.” Mitchell’s veteran-like demeanor, despite being a rookie, has allowed him to adapt quickly to the NBA pace. His ability to read defenses, attack mismatches, and make timely passes has eased the burden on Gilgeous-Alexander and stabilized the second unit. For the Thunder, Mitchell’s emergence is both a pleasant surprise and a reflection of the franchise’s developmental strength. Oklahoma City continues to find contributors deep in the draft—players who buy into the system and perform when called upon.

3. A Champion’s Mindset

Even with injuries piling up, Oklahoma City continues to perform with championship composure. The Thunder have found different ways to win—through defense, timely shooting, and resilience late in games. Their 5–0 start speaks less to dominance than to consistency and mental toughness. Daigneault’s emphasis on adaptability and shared responsibility has turned challenges into opportunities. Each game has tested new combinations and rotations, forcing young players to step into meaningful roles earlier than expected. The upcoming matchup against the Washington Wizards on Thursday will provide another test of that depth. With several stars still sidelined, the Thunder’s ability to maintain focus and energy will be key to sustaining momentum. As October closes, Oklahoma City looks every bit like a team capable of defending its title—balanced, cohesive, and confident in its identity.