OKC Thunder Stay Perfect as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Fuels Comeback Win

Oklahoma City — The Oklahoma City Thunder have electrified the NBA with an 8-0 start that rewrites the franchise record books and positions the young squad as an early contender in the Western Conference. Wednesday’s 126-107 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers not only extended the unbeaten streak, it underscored how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and an army of versatile role players have transformed OKC from promising to powerful overnight. Red-hot offense, top-tier defense Through eight games the Thunder average 122.4 points — third-best in the league — while ranking first in defensive efficiency, according to league tracking data. Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber line of 31.8 points, 7.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game fuels an attack that punishes switches and thrives in transition. Meanwhile, Holmgren’s 2.9 blocks a night and 42 percent accuracy from deep stretch opposing game plans to the breaking point. Depth paying dividends Coach Mark Daigneault’s rotation runs 10-deep, allowing OKC to maintain pace even when stars sit. Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey create secondary playmaking, while rookie guard Nikola Topic has delivered timely bursts off the bench. The result: a league-leading +14.6 net rating and seven double-digit victories. Road resilience signals maturity Six of the eight wins have come outside Paycom Center, including statement triumphs in Denver and Los Angeles. “We’ve embraced hostile crowds,” Gilgeous-Alexander said post-game. “If we defend, share the ball, and trust our habits, location doesn’t matter.” The Thunder have held opponents under 109 points in every road outing, evidence of a defense built to travel. Historic context and what’s next The previous best start in franchise history was 7-0, set by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in 2011-12. Surpassing that mark this early amplifies comparisons — but veterans insist the focus is daily improvement. “Records are cool,” Holmgren noted, “yet we haven’t accomplished anything if we don’t sustain it.” OKC now returns home for a Friday clash with the Portland Trail Blazers, a team the Thunder have beaten nine straight times. A victory would give the franchise its first 9-0 opening and further ignite an already surging fan base. SEO keywords: OKC Thunder undefeated start, Oklahoma City Thunder news, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP, Chet Holmgren blocks, NBA Western Conference standings, Thunder vs Blazers preview