Thunder Brace for Tough Stretch as Rematch With Timberwolves Looms

The Oklahoma City Thunder are preparing for one of their most demanding stretches of the young season, and they may have to do it without their MVP. As the defending champions get set for a Western Conference Finals rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves, questions remain about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s availability.

With the Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns visiting before Oklahoma City heads west to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors, the Thunder enter a stretch that could test both their depth and discipline.

Veteran guard Alex Caruso believes the only way to survive a stretch like this is to double down on what has already made OKC the league’s most dominant team through 18 games. Consistency, he says, is the standard — especially with opponents capable of exposing any complacency.

Caruso emphasized that Oklahoma City’s strong start, while impressive, still leaves room for growth. And with several playoff-caliber matchups ahead, he views this week as a crucial measuring point for how committed the Thunder truly are to refining their habits.

1. Relentless Momentum

The Thunder enter Wednesday night riding a nine-game winning streak, one fueled by both offensive balance and defensive pressure. During that run, Oklahoma City hasn’t won a single game by fewer than 13 points, a reflection of its league-best +16.9 average scoring margin. That figure surpasses last season’s +11.6 mark — already the best in NBA history — and signals how sharply OKC has burst out of the gate at 17-1. Even with the weight of expectations that follow defending champions, the Thunder have shown little sign of regression. Caruso credited the fast start but insisted the next step is maintaining intensity regardless of opponent or circumstance. He believes the upcoming slate will reveal how committed the team is to sustaining championship-level standards night after night. The rematch with Minnesota, featuring All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, adds a layer of intrigue. Their first meeting since Oklahoma City clinched the West in Game 5 last spring is also the Thunder’s latest opportunity to measure themselves against a rising conference rival.

2. A Standard, Not a Scoreboard

Head coach Mark Daigneault has been equally impressed with the team’s approach. To him, the Thunder’s record matters less than the effort indicators he sees on film and in real time — the plays that show a team competing to its identity, not the scoreboard. He pointed to a moment in Utah as emblematic of that mindset: big man Jaylin Williams diving into the stands for a loose ball while the Thunder led by 30. For Daigneault, those details prove the team’s commitment to habits rather than outcomes. Another example came from sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, who tracked down two transition back-tips during the same blowout. Those hustle plays, Daigneault said, reinforce that effort remains non-negotiable, regardless of the margin. The coach believes such consistency is essential if Oklahoma City wants to maximize its potential during a season where expectations — and stakes — continue to escalate.

3. Eyes on the NBA Cup

Even with a loaded schedule and an MVP battling uncertainty, the Thunder’s focus now shifts to the NBA Cup matchup with Minnesota. The tournament game brings its own urgency, with both teams seeking momentum in a competitive group. Oklahoma City understands the Timberwolves remain one of the few teams capable of matching their physicality and discipline. That makes the rematch more than just another regular-season test — it’s an early-season barometer for two of the West’s fiercest contenders. Caruso views the upcoming slate as an opportunity rather than a burden. With heightened competition and multiple road challenges ahead, he believes the Thunder can further sharpen the habits needed for another deep postseason run. Whether Gilgeous-Alexander suits up or not, Oklahoma City appears determined to approach the week with the same standard it has set since opening night — one built on resilience, depth, and relentless effort.