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The 2025-26 NBA season has gotten off to an incredible start. There have been star players breaking out. Rookies shining at a level that some didn’t see coming. And there have even been betting scandals that have rocked the entire sports world.
Through all the results on the court, only one squad has remained undefeated through the first two weeks of the year. The team is not who you think it is. One that has dealt with a litany of injuries and a tough stretch of games.
We are talking about the Oklahoma City Thunder. They needed two overtimes to win each of their first two games, and have escaped many close calls en route to a 7-0 start. When the defending MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on your team, wins will come. But the last unbeaten? This is a surprise.
Oklahoma City Thunder Winning Without Their Stars
Of course, when SGA plays for your team, you will be able to amass a lot of wins. His ability to get to the foul line is as impressive as when James Harden used to do it in his Houston Rockets days.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been playing without Jalen Williams for the entire season so far. Alex Caruso suffered a concussion early on and missed a few conetsts. Chet Holmgren has had to miss to the last three games. And, they are yet to see 2nd-year rookie Nikola Topic, who is undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer.
Of course, SGA is putting up his usual numbers. But they are getting help from a number of outlets. The third-leading scorer on the squad this year is a player who played sparingly during his rookie season. Enter Ajay Mitchell, a native of Belgium and graduate of UC Santa Barbara, who has been on a tear.
Mitchell is averaging 17 points per night, and making things happen on the reg. To get this production from somebody who didn’t even appear in half of the games the year prior is huge. And in just his second season, it’s a huge development for the team’s future as they look for players to step up.
Aaron Wiggins, one of the unsung heroes from OKC’s run to the NBA Finals has continued his strong play. In a starting role for four of his seven appearances, he has averaged 13 points per game thus far. Isaiah Hartenstein is averaging a double-double, while also dishing out four assists per night.
A team is only as good as the sum of its parts. Shai s averaging 34-5-6 a night to lead the way. And the fact remains that the supporting cast has stepped up around him. And this one has remained on top.
How long will Thunder Remain Undefeated?
The San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls both suffered their first losses over the weekend, clearing the path for OKC to stay as the final without an L. Victor Wembanyama and Josh Giddey have played amazing basketball for their respective teams, but each finally succumbed to defeat.
A 31-point victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday showcased just how good the Oklahoma City Thunder have been this season. The question of course shifts to how long they will remain without a loss.
The coming week will see the Thunder play four games, all on the road. They face the Los Angeles Clippers in the first 11:00 PM ET start of the year on Tuesday. Following that, is the Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday. The weekend will see battles the Sacramento Kings on Friday, and the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.
Judging by the travel, opponent difficulty, and injury reports — the TrailBlazers seem to have the best chance at ending the perfect start. A 4-2 start amidst some off-court turmoil has shown the poise that Portland has played and the growth within the locker room, too.
Keep an eye on OKC, as SGA and co look to stay perfect.
Zach Weiss Zach Weiss is a sports reporter covering the NBA for Heavy. He also hosts a podcast about the Cleveland Cavaliers, “Across the Cavs,” and serves as a sports broadcaster for various institutions in the Greater NYC Area. He wrote for Knup Sports for six years. More about Zach Weiss
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