Thunder vs Clippers : The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive start to the 2025-26 NBA season by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 126-107 on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. This win extended the Thunder’s season-opening winning streak to an incredible eight games, setting a franchise record. Let’s dive deep into the key moments, standout performances, and what this game means for both teams moving forward.
Thunder’s Dominant Performance
The Thunder overcame an early surge from the Clippers to seize control of the game in the second half. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the star of the night, delivering a near triple-double with 30 points, 12 assists, and 4 rebounds. Gilgeous-Alexander was incredibly efficient, shooting 9 of 14 from the floor and an impressive 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.
Isaiah Joe also came up big for the Thunder, adding 22 points, while Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins contributed 12 points each. The team executed well on both ends of the floor, especially shutting down the Clippers’ attempts to regain momentum after building an early lead.
Clippers’ Struggles and Key Players
The Clippers started strong but gradually lost steam as the game progressed. James Harden was the top scorer for Los Angeles with 25 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. John Collins added 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the high-scoring Thunder.
The Clippers were without key players Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Bradley Beal (knee), who have been sidelined due to injuries. Their absence clearly affected Los Angeles’ defensive and offensive balance, contributing to their struggles during the game.
Game Flow and Key Moments
- After trailing by 13 points in the first half, the Thunder took the lead for good with
- just under four minutes left in the third quarter. Aaron Wiggins hit a crucial three-pointer
- to give Oklahoma City an 81-78 lead, sparking a decisive run.
The Thunder closed the third quarter with an 8-2 run and began the fourth quarter with an 11-0 spurt, pushing their lead to 105-86. This dominant stretch effectively sealed the victory, showcasing the team’s depth, energy, and momentum.
What This Win Means for the Thunder
- With an 8-0 record, the Thunder are the only unbeaten team remaining in the
- NBA this season, a remarkable achievement that highlights their cohesion
- and relentless drive. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and consistent
- production remain the backbone of this young team’s success.
This winning streak strengthens Oklahoma City’s confidence as they face upcoming challenges, including a game at Portland and further intense matchups in the Western Conference.
Clippers Looking Ahead
The Clippers now drop to a 3-4 record and face the challenge of regrouping without Leonard and Beal. The team will need contributions from players like James Harden, John Collins, and Derrick Jones Jr., who scored 16 points against the Thunder, to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Their next game at Phoenix will be critical to reversing their home losing skid and stabilizing their season after consecutive losses.
Exciting Season Continues
- The Thunder’s victory over the Clippers represents a thrilling chapter in the 2025-26
- NBA season. With the Thunder maintaining their undefeated streak and the
- Clippers striving to rebound, fans can look forward to more high-stakes
- competition and compelling narratives as the season unfolds.
