The NBA’s Best Team Has Got Even Better—and the Reason Is Their Lowest-Paid Player

The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, improving their regular season record to 18-1. Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the need for the team to improve despite the win, particularly in handling pressure situations as highlighted by veteran guard Alex Caruso's warning about upcoming challenges.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an impressive performance, scoring 40 points while battling illness, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This win marked the Thunder's 10th consecutive victory, showcasing Gilgeous-Alexander's resilience and skill despite his condition.

The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered their third consecutive loss, falling 113-105 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game marked by controversy as Rudy Gobert received a technical foul for an incident involving Isaiah Hartenstein, which fans deemed a flop. This defeat continues a troubling trend for the Timberwolves, who have struggled against both strong and weaker opponents recently.

Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams is set to miss his 19th consecutive game as he continues to recover from an unspecified injury. Head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the challenging nature of Williams' recovery process, with no definitive timeline for his return. The Thunder will compete against the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA Cup game without him.

Alex Caruso has issued a warning to the Oklahoma City Thunder regarding their upcoming challenging schedule, which includes games against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns, while the team may be without star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to injury concerns.

Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder have demonstrated exceptional performance in the 2025-26 NBA season, achieving an impressive record of 17 wins and only 1 loss in their first 18 games. This dominant start has positioned them as serious contenders in the league, showcasing their ability to outperform opponents decisively.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, has been included in the injury report for the Oklahoma City Thunder's upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Cup, raising concerns about his availability. The Thunder will need to adjust their strategy if he cannot play, as they prepare for a critical matchup at Paycom Center.