Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s : The Oklahoma City Thunder marked a milestone with a hard-fought 113-105 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 26, 2025, in a thrilling NBA Cup contest held at the Paycom Center. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 40 points even while battling illness, underscoring his pivotal role in propelling the Thunder’s success this season.
Thunder’s 10th Straight Win and Best Season Start in Years
This victory marks the Thunder’s incredible tenth consecutive win, improving their record to 18-1, the best start after 19 games since the Golden State Warriors’ historic 24-0 start in the 2015-16 season. Oklahoma City’s dominance this season includes winning every game by a minimum of 13 points, but the Timberwolves provided one of their toughest challenges yet in this closely contested NBA Cup match.
Key Moments and Game Flow
The Thunder commanded the early quarters, leading 24-17 after an explosive 8-1 run in the first quarter. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gained momentum in the second quarter, scoring nine points during an 11-2 Thunder run that pushed their lead to 12. However, Minnesota fought back fiercely, closing the gap and even taking the lead briefly in the closing minutes of the game.
With less than six minutes remaining, Timberwolves‘ Naz Reid hit a corner three-pointer that put Minnesota ahead for the first time since the opening quarter. Anthony Edwards continued Minnesota’s surge, closing the Thunder’s advantage to just one point with just over a minute left on the clock.
Clutch Plays Secure the Win for Thunder
Responding quickly, Chet Holmgren nailed a critical three-pointer followed by a strong drive to the basket from Jaylen Hoard. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed defensively by contesting a key layup and securing a rebound, then drew a foul, leading to three important free throws that gave the Thunder a safe margin.
The Timberwolves’ struggle at the free-throw line was a decisive factor in the final outcome, shooting only 59.5% and missing 15 attempts, which hampered their ability to complete a late comeback. In contrast, Oklahoma City capitalized on their chances, maintaining control in the last moments to keep their winning streak alive.
Standout Performances Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander
Besides SGA’s 40 points, Isaiah Hartenstein added 15 points and was a force on the boards. Ajay Mitchell contributed 13 points off the bench, while Chet Holmgren finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. These balanced contributions allowed the Thunder to sustain their high level of play and maintain competitive intensity against a tight Timberwolves defense.
For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards scored a team-high 31 points, with 14 of them coming in the fourth quarter as he pushed hard to close the game’s deficit. Despite the valiant effort, the Timberwolves fell short for the third consecutive game, struggling to contain Oklahoma City’s relentless offense.
Implications and Upcoming Matchups
The Thunder, now 3-0 in the NBA Cup, have positioned themselves firmly atop the Western Conference’s Group A, setting up a high-stakes group stage finale against the Phoenix Suns. Minnesota’s 2-2 record in the tournament puts them in a precarious position as they fight to stay alive in the competition.
This matchup underscores the rising challenge Oklahoma City poses to Western Conference contenders, showcasing their championship potential while maintaining strong defensive and offensive efficiency. The Timberwolves will need to address their free-throw struggles and late-game defensive lapses to turn their fortunes around in upcoming games.
