Coming off his first All-Star appearance, Chet Holmgren’s grabbing a career-high 21 rebounds is a testament to the work he’s put in behind the scenes, as he continues to grow in only his fourth season with the Thunder.

“I try to put a lot into my body, making sure that I continue to get stronger every time. Continue to stay as healthy as I can. Take care of myself,” Holmgren said. “I definitely think that’s paid off for me, and I’ve gotten better in a lot of different areas, but I think I still got a long way to go with my body; with my game. I don’t want to let one night excite me much. I still got work to do.”

Chet Holmgren on his career-high 21 rebounds: “I try to put a lot into my body, making sure I continue to get stronger every time. Continue to stay as healthy as I can. Take care of myself.

I definitely think that’s paid off for me and I’ve gotten better in a lot of different… pic.twitter.com/hsvOB6tE12

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 36 points, nine assists, two blocks, and two steals in his first appearance in nine games for the Thunder. Oklahoma City improved to 46-15.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s blunt take on missing OT in Thunder win

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t hold back his feelings about missing overtime during Friday’s showdown against fellow MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. After leading the Thunder to erase a 16-point deficit in the second half, Gilgeous-Alexander was forced to miss the rest of the game. He’d reached the minutes allotted for his first game since suffering an abdominal strain.

Still, it didn’t make the process any easier, as Gilgeous-Alexander cheered on the Thunder against the Nuggets from the bench throughout the final period of the game.

“I hate it. Can’t wait for the minutes restriction to be over,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But if I re-injure this injury, none of it will matter. So, that’s kind of how I see it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The post Thunder’s Chet Holmgren reacts to career milestone in win vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Joining Converse as the face of their basketball line in 2020, Gilgeous-Alexander also serves as the brand’s Creative Director, creating concepts for the lifestyle lines as well as having first-hand input into his own signature model. The debut Converse SHAI 001 debuted in September 2025 and has been a force in the signature sneaker landscape.

Releasing in colorways reminding SGA of his loved ones like “Charm Black” or “Masi Blue,” this next “Truffle” colorway represents the richness and rarity of the ingredient, mirroring SGA’s calm, deliberate approach to the game.

Converse SHAI 001 “Truffle”

Converse Shai 001 Truffle pic.twitter.com/jxE2RoyUXu

— DJ Willingham (@DJ_SNEAKERHEAD) February 24, 2026

The Shai-vrolet is too clean

SGA pulled up to the Shai Lounge in a custom 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that matches his new “Truffle” Converse SHAI 001 LUX pic.twitter.com/Qj7Pl7Unkc

— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) February 14, 2026

Converse SHAI 001 Lux “Truffle” https://t.co/nyzwd5DKf2 pic.twitter.com/jidZZQqCKI

— JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) February 25, 2026

The typically monochromatic sneaker returns in a rich brown hue, abandoning the typical mesh material of the uppers and offering a LUX edition with suede all around. The SGA logos are stitched in brown to match the ensemble along with the zipper and lacing system hidden underneath. The shoes arrived in special packaging and limited stock, so fans lucky enough to grab a pair will be met with elevated quality and attention to detail.

The Converse SHAI 001 Lux “Truffle” released on February 28, 2026 via Converse and select Converse outlets. Stock has been reported limited and numerous retailers have already sold out, so finding a pair at this point may come with a premium price increase on the retail market. Nevertheless, this is certainly the most hyped SHAI 001 release we’ve seen since the original debut.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander releases Converse SHAI 001 ‘Truffle’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After Gilgeous-Alexander discussed the plan the Thunder has in place for his first games back from injury, he reacted to Dort’s ejection in the fourth quarter.

“They’re obviously a high-level team. We’re a high-level team. We’ve seen each other a lot in the past couple of years. Might be a little more into the game because we know the opponent. But yeah, it was fun. It was good out there. End-of-season basketball is like that — it’s that physical. So, it’s good to get one of those in the regular season.

“As far as the scrummage, that’s how it usually goes. Something happens, a team roars, the other team roars. Lu got thrown out. Lu’s not that type of guy — Lu’s trying to go out there and win. I didn’t see what happened.”

SGA on Lu Dort’s ejection for scuffle with Nikola Jokic: “Lu’s not that type of guy — Lu’s trying to go out there and win.

I didn’t see what happened” pic.twitter.com/dJReEmNCHn

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

As Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic made his way back up the floor, Lu Dort checked the All-Star center by the knees, which resulted in him falling and getting into Lu’s face. Then, Thunder center Jaylin Williams got in between, and the pushing and shoving happened between Williams and Jokic. Upon review, Dort was hit with a flagrant-2.

Lu Dort with an absolutely dirty play on Nikola Jokic.

No room for this in the NBA.pic.twitter.com/Ft4z5QQwtu

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 28, 2026

The two centers earned double technical fouls.

Why Mark Daigneault sat SGA during overtime in Thunder win

Head coach Mark Daigneault discussed Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after Friday’s hard-fought win in overtime. Although Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t play in overtime for the Thunder, Daigneault had a perfectly good explanation as to why.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury,” Daigneault concluded.

The Thunder will face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The post Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps it 100 about Lu Dort’s ejection appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander approached a 34-minute threshold Daigneault and the Thunder had set for the night. After tallying 36 points, nine assists, two blocks, and two steals in his first game in 24 days, there was nothing else Gilgeous-Alexander could do to impact Friday’s overtime thriller.

“I hate it. Can’t wait for the minutes restriction to be over. But if I re-injure this injury, none of it will matter. So, that’s kind of how I see it”

SGA on not playing in OT vs. Nuggets: “I hate it. Can’t wait for the minutes restriction to be over.

But if I re-injure this injury, none of it will matter. So, that’s kind of how I see it” pic.twitter.com/8RXYnlRfrM

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Thunder starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, returning from a calf injury, was on the same minutes restriction as Gilgeous-Alexander. Thunder All-Star Chet Holmgren, who finished with a career-high 21 rebounds, led the defending champions to victory alongside Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, and Jaylin Williams, who closed out the win for Hartenstein. Alex Caruso also played in overtime.

Mark Daigneault on sitting Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

In a game that involved a scuffle with Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic and resulted in Thunder veteran Lu Dort’s ejection, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault explained his decision to sit reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury.”

The Thunder will travel to face the Mavericks on Sunday.

The post Thunder Shai-Gilgeous Alexander’s immediate reaction to not playing in OT vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Tensions boiled over on Friday when Nuggets center Nikola Jokic ran up the court. Thunder’s Lu Dort backed into Jokic, sending him tumbling to the floor. Jokic stood up and chest-bumped Dort angrily. Jaylin Williams attempted to intervene, and he and Jokic exchanged shoves and grabbed each other’s jerseys before officials and team personnel separated them.

The normally mild-mannered Jokic took a moment to address the tense situation postgame.

“Unnecessary move, and a necessary reaction,” said Jokic. “There is no such thing — I think there’s not supposed to be those things on a basketball floor. So it was just an unnecessary move and a necessary reaction by me.”

Tensions boil over in battle between Nuggets, Thunder

Following a video review, officials upgraded the foul on Dort to a flagrant 2, triggering an automatic ejection with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter. Crew chief James Williams stated the contact was unnecessary, excessive, and carried a high potential for injury. Jokic and Williams each received technical fouls for their roles in the ensuing scrum.

Lu Dort was ejected after appearing to trip Nikola Jokic on this play.

Nikola Jokic and Jaylin Williams both received technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/ZFyNHpigsM

— ESPN (@espn) February 28, 2026

Despite the fourth-quarter scuffle, Jokic would record a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists. Jamal Murray led Denver in scoring with 39 points over 47 minutes.

The Nuggets would ultimately come up short, falling in overtime 121-127.

The Nuggets and the Thunder will face each other two more times before the end of the regular season. With the way things played out on Friday, the last two games between these teams are gearing up to be absolute cinema.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic speaks out after heated altercation with Thunder players appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the win, Daigneault addressed Dort’s fourth-quarter ejection while reminding reporters of how familiar his Thunder team is with the Nuggets, coming off their seven-game series in the Western Conference semifinals.

“That was a chippy game. These are two teams that played each other in a seven-game series. We’re in the same division. We’ve played each other 100 times,” Daigneault said. “They know our playbook. We know their playbook. It’s just what it is. It’s going to be an imperfect game, and things escalate like that sometimes. I know Lu [Dort]. I know [Nikola] Jokic.

“I know J-Will. I don’t think anybody’s trying to hurt anybody; they’re just great competitors. That just boiled over. I think it was nothing more than that.”

Jaylin Williams & Nikola Jokic just went at it here in OKC.

Both could be ejected after Williams came to Lu Dort’s defense. Fight is now under review pic.twitter.com/1zxS2glQJT

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

One could argue that Nikola Jokic took his frustration from Lu Dort’s flagrant-2 out on Williams, who defended his teammate, as most centers do in the NBA. It most likely factored into the referees’ decision to keep Jokic in the game, slapping him and Jaylin with double technical fouls.

Daigneault’s only hope is that if the situation were reversed, Jokic would have been the one heading to the locker room due to a flagrant-2.

“I will say this: If J-Will is running up the floor and gets tripped, we expect a flagrant-2 from this point forward. That’s all,” Daigneault added. “If that’s the precedent, if that becomes a malicious play, and flagrant-2 is the line in the sand on that, we would expect that if it’s J-Will. We would expect that if it was anybody. And if that’s the case, we’re good.”

Mark Daigneault’s honest take on Lu Dort’s ejection after his scuffle with Nikola Jokic: “I will say this: If J-Will is running up the floor and gets tripped, we expect a Flagrant-2 from this point forward.

That’s all.” pic.twitter.com/HFTcdINFdN

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Williams finished with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block off the bench before closing out the Thunder win in overtime.

Mark Daigneault on Thunder’s SGA missing overtime

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault sat Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in overtime of Friday’s win against the Nuggets. Coming off an abdominal injury that forced him to miss the Thunder’s previous nine games, Gilgeous-Alexander was on a minutes restriction that went unannounced ahead of the defending champions’ showdown against the Nuggets.

Daigneault explained what factored into the Thunder’s decision to keep Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench after the fourth quarter.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury.”

Mark Daigneault on sitting SGA in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him to a certain point minutes-wise.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals keyed a 16-point comeback by the Thunder in the second half before the defending champions closed out a win without their reigning MVP in overtime.

The post Mark Daigneault’s take on Lu Dort’s ejection after Nikola Jokic scuffle in Thunder win vs. Nuggets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, Daigneault and Gilgeous-Alexander, making his return after missing the past nine games due to an abdominal injury, set an unannounced minutes restriction that ran its course. Gilgeous-Alexander played just under 34 minutes (33:46) in regulation, which Daigneault pointed to as the end of SGA’s night regardless of the in-game situation.

“He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him at a certain point, minutes-wise,” Daigneault said. “We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein] before the game. Just so we’re all clear in a non-emotional moment, that if we were in that situation, that’s what we would do.

“We obviously did it. I understand it’s a little unorthodox, but, at the end of the day, we’re trying to prioritize the health of our players as they come back from an injury.”

While starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, coming off a calf strain, was under the same restriction, Jaylin Williams finished the game, as Jared McCain started the extra period in place of Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“Unbelievable effort by the guys that were out there. The rest of the team didn’t know we had that conversation,” Daigneault added. “We just subbed the MVP and our starter at the beginning of overtime, and they attacked that game. They deserve a lot of credit for that.”

Mark Daigneault on sitting SGA in OT: “He’s coming off a 24-day injury. There’s a return to play. One of the conditions of getting him on the court tonight is holding him to a certain point minutes-wise.

“We actually discussed that situation with both him and [Hartenstein]” pic.twitter.com/WjoOQwiwO9

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals led a 16-point comeback by the Thunder in the second half. Chet Holmgren finished with a career-high 21 rebounds, 15 points, and three blocks. Jared McCain’s 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting, including a pair of threes, led the bench.

Lu Dort’s flagrant-2 leads to Nikola Jokic scuffle vs. Thunder

Thunder veteran Lu Dort earned a flagrant-2 with 8:03 left in the fourth quarter for tripping Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic, which led to a physical altercation between the MVP candidate and Thunder center Jaylin Williams.

After review, the officials deemed Lu Dort’s foul against Nikola Jokic “unnecessary and excessive,” upgrading his common foul to a flagrant foul penalty two and ejecting him from the game. Williams and Jokic received double technical fouls, while Dort’s night came to an end.

Jokic finished with a dominating triple-double (23 points, 17 rebounds, 14 assists), as the Nuggets fell to the Thunder in a six-point loss in overtime.

The post Thunder’s Mark Daigneault explains why SGA sat out of OT in Nuggets loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Things got very heated, however, with 8:03 remaining in the fourth quarter between Nikola Jokic, Lu Dort, and Jaylin Williams.

Lu Dort unnecessarily moved backwards into the path of Nikola Jokic after a made basket by Oklahoma City, tripping the Nuggets star and sending him to the floor. An irate Jokic immediately stood up and confronted Dort, who had his arms out to the side wondering why the foul was called and why Jokic was coming after him.

That’s when Dort’s teammate, Jaylin Williams, entered the altercation. Both Jokic and Williams grabbed each other’s jerseys and did not let go as players, coaches, and security staff members from both teams tried to separate the two and keep other players from starting more altercations.

Nikola Jokic got into the face of Lu Dort and Jaylin Williams

pic.twitter.com/GvHKxeJM28

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

After review, the officials deemed Lu Dort’s foul against Nikola Jokic, “unnecessary and excessive,” upgrading his common foul to a flagrant foul penalty two and ejecting him from the game.

Both Nikola Jokic and Jaylin Williams were hit with technical fouls, with offset and added no additional free throws for either team.

Dort finished the game with eight points, six rebounds, and five fouls in 28 minutes of play.

The Thunder and Nuggets game did go into overtime after both teams missed shot attempts to retake the lead in the final 10 seconds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 36 points, three rebounds, nine assists, and two steals for the Thunder. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic entered overtime with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists.

More to come…

The post Lu Dort’s flagrant 2 ejection leads to Nikola Jokic, Jaylin Williams altercation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

As SGA was pushing the ball and guarded by Jokic, SGA was seen throwing the ball at Jokic, per ClutchPoints. As a result, he was rendered with a technical foul.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was given a technical foul after throwing the ball at Nikola Jokic

pic.twitter.com/GJR6JpV89f

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

The Thunder entered the game with the best record in the NBA at 45-15 and had won six of their last 10 games. SGA is the defending NBA MVP and is averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists per game.

Furthermore, he is in a tight race for MVP alongside Jokic according to an ESPN poll. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are 37-22 and are ranked fourth in the Western Conference. Also, Jokic is averaging 28.8 points and 10.4 assists per game.

The Thunder are looking to repeat as NBA champions. At the same time, the Nuggets are looking to bounce back from a seven-game loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs last season.

Even with the technical foul, SGA and Jokic have shown mutual respect in various capacities. Jokic openly complimented SGA’s abilities in a TikTok video. Many experts are also anticipating SGA and Jokic going down to the wire in the NBA MVP.

SGA is looking to be the first back-to-back MVP since Jokic in 2021 and 2022.

On Sunday, the Thunder will hit the road to play against the Dallas Mavericks. After that, they will play the Chicago Bulls on the road.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander given technical foul for throwing ball at Nikola Jokic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For the third consecutive season, Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are the two leading candidates for MVP. Before Friday’s matchup, Adelman addressed the league’s 65-game regular-season requirement for NBA awards and how it could affect Jokic and SGA’s tight race.

“The rule wasn’t made for them. They both got hurt. They both always play. So, that part of it — maybe we have to take a look at that. I really mean that. That’s one of the best things about both guys,” Adelman said. “When a fan buys a ticket, they’re going to play. And they’ve done that over the years, and our guy has been doing it for a very long time. Him missing a game, him missing a practice, him missing a workout, is really hard for the guy.

“He’s a routine-based player, which is good for our game, good for fans, and Shai’s the same way. That’s one of the most impressive things about both guys. So, when both guys get hurt, I just don’t see that as rest. I think there’s a difference, and I know why the rule is in — it’s to clean things up. That makes sense to me as well for the fan.”

While the 65-game rule forces teams to play their stars regardless of their record, Nuggets coach David Adelman understands the importance of fans attending games. He just doesn’t think the rule should apply for guys like Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, who rarely miss games intentionally.

“It’s the worst when your bus is parking, and you see kids in jerseys, and they show up, and that guy doesn’t play,” Adelman added. “I see it both ways, but in the spirit of the game, I just think Shai and Nikola have been so good for the league over these years. I would hope that gets taken into account as we go forward.”

David Adelman’s strong take on SGA & Jokic’s MVP race in relation to the NBA’s 65-game rule: “The rule wasn’t made for them. They both got hurt. They both always play. So, that part of it — maybe we have to take a look at that…

There’s a difference and I know why the rule is… pic.twitter.com/IWRsNt7krz

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 28, 2026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns for Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

After missing the previous nine games, Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns from an abdominal injury for Friday’s showdown against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. It’s always must-see TV when Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are going at it.

Coming off of last year’s Western Conference semifinals best-of-7 series, where the Thunder and Nuggets played a Game 7 at the Paycom Center, it should be another playoff-like intensity with SGA and Jokic taking center stage.

The post Nuggets’ David Adelman keeps it 100 about Nikola Jokic, SGA MVP race, 65-game rule appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jokic discussed Topic’s recent return with the Thunder, per DNVR Nuggets.

“I played with him, of course, a little bit when he was with the national team. He’s a really good guy — really talented,” Jokic said. “He’s the future of Serbian basketball. He’s fighting something that is probably more important — most important — and he won it.”

Nikola Jokić on Nikola Topić:

"He's the future of Serbian basketball."

"He's fighting something that is probably more important — most important — and he won it." pic.twitter.com/EZyDAQcusL

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 26, 2026

Jokic calling Topic the future of Serbian basketball is an eye-opening compliment considering the Thunder rookie’s career is just getting started. He’s also off to an impressive beginning in helping the Thunder close out wins against the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavs midst All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence. After missing the previous nine games, SGA will make his return for Friday’s showdown against the Nuggets.

The defending champions went 5-4 without Gilgeous-Alexander. Topic averaged 3.2 points on 43.8% shooting, including 40% from deep, 2.0 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 10.6 minutes in fives games for the Thunder.

Thunder assign Nikola Topic to G League amid SGA’s return

The Thunder assigned Nikola Topic to join the Blue, its G League affiliate, on Friday. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back from missing the past nine games, the Thunder has decided that Topic’s time would be better-suited in getting more reps with the Blue.

The Thunder’s G League affiliate is amidst a four-game home stand at the Paycom Center. The Thunder will embark on a three-game road trip after Friday’s matchup against the Nuggets.

The post Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic ‘future’ take on Thunder’s Nikola Topic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The same cannot be said entirely about Jamal Murray, who has been listed as questionable on the official injury report. Murray is dealing with a severe illness that forced him to exit Wednesday’s win over the Boston Celtics prematurely.

And while the Nuggets are short-staffed, the same is true for the defending champions as well. Despite SGA being taken off the injury list, Jalen Williams, Thomas Sorber, Branden Carlson and Ajey Mitchell are all out.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Jamal Murray injury status vs. Thunder

The Nuggets will hope that Murray can fight through the illness. Murray lasted just eight minutes, scoring two points, before being completely shut down for the evening.

Following the win, Nuggets head coach David Adelman painted a grim picture of his point guard’s health, revealing that the team’s medical staff had aggressively treated the illness pregame to no avail. “He looked awful. They gave him all the medication. It did not help. All kinds of bodily things were happening,” Adelman had said.

Murray is averaging 25.1 points, 7.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting a highly efficient 48.3% from the field and 42.1% from 3-point range. Further, the Nuggets are already stretched thin.

They will be without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, both of whom are sidelined with right hamstring strains, joining the likes of Tamar Bates and Curtis Jones. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones and Jalen Pickett are listed as questionable, while Julian Strawther is probable to play despite a toe sprain.

Nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Questionable (Illness)

Spencer Jones: Questionable (Right Shoulder Strain)

Jalen Pickett: Questionable (Right Knee Soreness)

Julian Strawther: Probable (Left Great Toe Sprain)

Aaron Gordon: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Peyton Watson: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Tamar Bates: Out (Left Foot Surgery)

Curtis Jones: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Thunder injury report

Thomas Sorber: Out (Right ACL Surgical Recovery)

Ajay Mitchell: Out (Abdominal Strain/Left Ankle Sprain)

Jalen Williams: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Branden Carlson: Out (Low Back Strain)

The post Nuggets star Jamal Murray’s injury status vs. Thunder after ‘all kinds of bodily things were happening’ vs. Celtics appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Williams expressed his frustration with another injury setback during the defending champion Thunder’s regular season, he said, during his All-Star break vlog.

“I pulled my hamstring literally 12 seconds before I was about to come out of the game,” Williams said. “So, I re-aggravated it. Now we’re here. My whole All-Star week I was going to just really just grind, bro. Just kind of spamming getting in shape and staying healthy, and my wrist has never felt this good. That plan has been derailed a lot.”

Williams was looking forward to spending his All-Star break working on his shot, as he’s spent the regular season adjusting to the two surgeries he underwent to repair the torn ligaments in his right wrist. Instead, he spent it rehabbing from a hamstring injury that’s kept him from playing basketball for 16+ days.

“It’s super frustrating because I’m dealing with my hand, which has gotten infinitely better, and that one finally starts to get back to normal, and I pull my hamstring not once, but right when I rehab it after a month,” Williams added. “I pulled it the same week after having two good games, where I look normal again. So, that really sucked. Just get ready for April now to finish out the season strong for real, and healthy.”

With only 22 games left in the regular season, the Thunder’s 45-15 record leads the NBA.

Thunder teammates show out for Jalen Williams’ jersey ceremony

Ahead of facing the Suns, Thunder forward Jalen Williams had his jersey retired by Perry High School, located outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Williams discussed what the special moment felt like alongside his teammates, friends, and family.

“It put it into perspective a little bit more just because I was the first one up there. It’s my high school. I was 14 going there. I didn’t think none of that would happen. It wasn’t even a thought,” Williams said. “So, that definitely brings it a lot into perspective. Just how much it means to me and my family, and there’s a legacy involved in that. Then, having my brother go to that same high school and for him to win their first two rings ever, in the program, is really cool.

“It’s something that kind of goes by. I don’t really think about it. But yesterday definitely brought me back down to earth a little bit. Kind of reminding me of how far I’ve come.”

Williams could make his return by next week.

The post Thunder’s Jalen Williams puts wrist injury into perspective amid hamstring injury recovery appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, all eyes are on the Thunder’s superstar point guard, who has been sidelined since before the All-Star break. And well, OKC fans will be delighted to find that Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is completely off the official injury list for the defending champions, which means that he is set to make his return after previously being cleared.

OKC still have injury concerns with Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Thomas Sorber and Branden Carlson all still out. The same is true for the Nuggets, who still have Jamal Murray listed as questionable alongside a slew of names on the injury list.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander injury status vs. Nuggets

After missing the Thunder’s last nine games due to an abdominal strain, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His return is not just important for the Thunder, but also for his own individual accolades.
The reigning MVP currently has only six games of wiggle room remaining under the NBA’s 65-game minimum rule to remain eligible for end-of-season awards. And considering staggering averages of 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds, he is once again an MVP contender.

Shai’s battle will be against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is currently averaging a triple-double threat of 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. In their only previous meeting this season on Feb. 1, Gilgeous-Alexander torched the Nuggets in the Mile High City, posting 34 points and 13 assists on 68% shooting to lead the Thunder to a 121-111 victory.

Thunder injury report

Ajay Mitchell: Out (Abdominal Strain/Left Ankle Sprain)

Jalen Williams: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Branden Carlson: Out (Low Back Strain)

Thomas Sorber: Out (Right ACL Surgical Recovery)

Nuggets injury report

Jamal Murray: Questionable (Illness)

Spencer Jones: Questionable (Right Shoulder Strain)

Jalen Pickett: Questionable (Right Knee Soreness)

Julian Strawther: Probable (Left Great Toe Sprain)

Aaron Gordon: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Peyton Watson: Out (Right Hamstring Strain)

Tamar Bates: Out (Left Foot Surgery)

Curtis Jones: Out (G League – Two-Way)

The post Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returning tonight? Thunder vs. Nuggets injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

But while the Thunder still have the best record in the league at 45-15, they have looked rockier over the past few weeks, especially with the injuries to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Oklahoma City is eager to defend its championship, but for NBA legend Dwyane Wade, that will not happen, as he predicted on “The Zach Lowe Show” that the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons will face off in this year’s NBA Finals.

“I’ve watched the Spurs, I’ve done a few of their games. Even though I don’t feel like they’re supposed to be ready. They’re supposed to be a team in the next three years, but they just do things sometimes. You look at their roster, you look at their guys, with the right matchups, they’re going to be tough to beat,” said Wade.

The Thunder have lost thrice in four meetings with the Spurs this season, including in the semifinals of the NBA Cup, wherein San Antonio also snapped OKC’s 16-game winning streak.

As for the Pistons, Wade, who works as an analyst for NBC and Prime, said their depth will propel them to the ultimate round.

“I just watched Detroit the other night in New York without (Jalen) Duren and without (Isaiah) Stewart, and I didn’t see them miss a beat. I was like, ‘This team is deep.’ They know their style, they know their game, they know how to win. That’s tough when a team doesn’t have to figure it out,” explained the three-time champion.

The Thunder lost to the Pistons on Wednesday, although they were heavily depleted without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ajay Mitchell.

Oklahoma City will have another tough test on Friday versus the Denver Nuggets.

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For the first time in weeks, Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t on the Thunder’s injury report, clearing his path for Friday’s return against the Nuggets. Jalen Williams (right hamstring), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain), and Branden Carlson (lower back) are ruled out for Oklahoma City.

The Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson due to respective right hamstring injuries. All-Star Jamal Murray is listed as questionable with an illness, and Julian Strawther is listed as probable.

The Nuggets are 4-6 in their last 10 games, coming off a 103-84 blowout win against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

Mark Daigneault on SGA-less Thunder’s ‘mental toughness’

After a win against the Raptors, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault commended his team for its mental toughness in overcoming so many injuries, including those to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell. Without three of its top four scorers, the Thunder followed up its 121-113 win against the Cavs with a nine-point victory against the Raptors.

The Thunder coughed up 20+ point leads in both games, which, for Daigneault, was a testament to his team’s focus to close out a victory against two competitive teams.

“It becomes a very tough game to win when you blow a lead like that, and they come back and tie the game,” Daigneault said. “Even the Cleveland game over the weekend was like that; we had an early lead. They got all the way back in the game. They took a lead. It takes great mental toughness to just get yourself into the next possession.

“Cason was brilliant all night, but he was huge in that stretch. He had four straight points. And then, found Isaiah. So, he accounted for seven points right after the tie that opened the game back up. But great mental toughness by the team.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will look to return to the win column in Friday’s matchup against the Nuggets.

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After the loss, a reporter asked Williams if he knew how many points he had as he inched closer to the 30-point plateau.

“I knew how many points I had, but I was really taking whatever they gave me,” Williams said. “I forced maybe two shots, which were bad shots, and I hate that I shot them. I just took whatever they gave me. My teammates were passing to me, getting me a lot of open looks. Thankfully for them, I got that many points.”

Williams led a shorthanded Thunder team, missing All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, and Alex Caruso. Against the team with the second-best record in the NBA, Williams made a pair of free throws to make it a three-point game (108-105) with 5:06 left in the final frame.

Although that was the closest the Thunder came to pulling ahead down the stretch, the attempt was admirable, nearly erasing the Pistons’ 17-point lead.

“It’s resiliency. We just have a group of resilient guys. We’ve been up 30, we’ve been down 30. We’ve been up 20, down 20. We’ve been in close games throughout the whole game,” Williams said. “We’ve had guys out. So, we’ve been in a lot of different situations. And I think regardless of what situation we’re in, we’re going to go at it the same way. We’re going to go out there and leave it out on the court. We’re going to play defense. We’re going to play hard.

“We’re going to do those types of things. I think the fact that we’re a team where we do the same things regardless of who’s in — that’s what gives us a chance in every game.”

The Thunder’s lead atop the Western Conference standings shrunk to 2.0 games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs.

Mark Daigneault’s ‘unreal’ endorsement for Jaylin Williams

Head coach Mark Daigneault gave Thunder’s Jaylin Williams his flowers on a career milestone of scoring a career-high 30 points. Daigneault says it’s a testament to how his offense has flowed through Williams, who took full advantage of his opportunites against the Pistons’ second-ranked defense.

“He was unreal tonight. Great toughness and obviously great offense — I think that must be a career high for him,” Daigneault said. “We flowed through him against a team that really pressures, similar to what we’ve had to do lately. He was a great help for us again tonight.”

The Thunder will host the Nuggets at the Paycom Center on Friday.

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Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs picked up their tenth straight win with a comeback victory over the Toronto Raptors, despite a relatively quiet game from superstar Victor Wembanyama.

With that win, the Spurs moved to within just two games of Oklahoma City for the number two seed in the Western Conference, a feat that seemed borderline impossible when the Thunder raced out to a blazing 24-1 start to the regular season.

“The Thunder just picked up their 15th loss, already more than they had all of last season.  That’s a sharp shift for a team that opened the year 24–1,” noted ClutchPoints on X, formerly Twitter.

Of course, injuries are a large part of the reason why the Thunder have slipped up a bit, but even before Gilgeous-Alexander went down with an abdominal strain, Oklahoma City was already showing some signs of slippage, with the team losing four out of the five regular season matchups that they have played against San Antonio this season.

The Spurs, meanwhile, are 5.5 games up on the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets for the second spot, meaning it’s looking highly likely that San Antonio and Oklahoma City will be the top two seeds in the West when all is said and done.

Many are already anticipating a Western Conference Finals matchup between the two squads, rekindling the rivalry between the teams of the days when Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook wore Thunder jerseys, while Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard suited up for the Spurs in the mid-2010s.

Thankfully for the Thunder, they won’t see the Spurs again this season until that potential playoff matchup, if it comes to be.

The post Thunder’s stranglehold on No. 1 seed now gravely threatened by Spurs after 24-1 start appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Williams finished with a career-high 30 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal in a 124-116 loss to the Raptors. Daigneault commended Williams for his impressive performance for the Thunder, per The Oklahoman’s Justin Martinez.

“He was unreal tonight. Great toughness and obviously great offense — I think that must be a career high for him,” Daigneault said. “We flowed through him against a team that really pressures, similar to what we’ve had to do lately. He was a great help for us again tonight.”

Asked Mark Daigneault about Jaylin Williams’ toughness tonight:

“He was unreal tonight. Great toughness and obviously great offense. I think that must be a career high for him. We flowed through him against a team that really pressures, similar to what we’ve had to do lately. He… pic.twitter.com/7xYzLWCbYi

— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) February 26, 2026

Thunder’s Aaron Wiggins, who started for All-Star Chet Holmgren, alongside Jaylin Williams, finished with 20 points six assists, and four rebounds. Cason Wallace added 23 points on 9-for-17 shooting, including 3-for-6 from deep, and five assists.

Mark Daigneault’s honest take on Thunder’s ‘mental toughness’

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault commended his team for its resilience amidst beating good teams without leading scorers such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell. Without three of its top-four scorers in Wednesday’s 116-107 win against the Raptors, the Thunder prevailed, which left a lasting impression on Daigneault.

“It becomes a very tough game to win when you blow a lead like that, and they come back and tie the game,” Daigneault said. “Even the Cleveland game over the weekend was like that; we had an early lead. They got all the way back in the game. They took a lead. It takes great mental toughness to just get yourself into the next possession.

“Cason was brilliant all night, but he was huge in that stretch. He had four straight points. And then, found Isaiah. So, he accounted for seven points right after the tie that opened the game back up. But great mental toughness by the team.”

The Thunder will host the Nuggets at the Paycom Center on Friday.

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Thunder’s starting center is ruled out due to a calf injury. Hartenstein is one of three starters ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Pistons. Oklahoma City will face the Pistons, who have the second-best record in the NBA, without its top-four scorers, including Mitchell, and its defensive enforcer in Hartenstein.

Alex Caruso is listed as doubtful with a left ankle sprain for Wednesday’s game.

Mark Daigneault commends Thunder players’ poise

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault appreciates the Thunder’s unsung heroes, such as Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace, as the defending champions have continued to win games against some of the NBA’s better teams without their top scorers. Coming off an impressive victory over the Cavs, Daigneault discussed his team’s resilience in the face of adversity and how it has been an ongoing theme throughout the regular season.

“You can’t control your circumstances. We always want to be fully healthy and have everybody. But when you get dealt a hand, you gotta play it as best you can, and we try to be optimistic,” Daigneault said. “And we try to be a team that leverages the circumstances to our favor, and tries to use it in every situation, even if it’s a challenge to build some momentum. The guys have done an unbelievable job.

“They see these types of things as a challenge. And that’s one of the special things about this group of guys. And they’ve done a great job since the break, certainly, but even going into the break,” Daigneault concluded.

Wallace (27 points) and Joe combined for 49 points, including 10-of-16 from beyond the 3-point arc, 10 assists, and three steals. The two guards got the nod to start in place of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Thunder back-up Jaylin Williams will most likely start for Isaiah Hartenstein alongside All-Star Chet Holmgren in Wednesday’s matchup against the Pistons.

The post Thunder punting Pistons national TV showdown based on injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With the game tied at 101 down the stretch, the Thunder’s defense forced back-to-back turnovers, while Cason Wallace (27 points), who tied his career-high, and Isaiah Joe (22 points) made crucial shots to keep the Raptors at bay. Daigneault addressed his team’s poise after a hard-fought road win.

“It becomes a very tough game to win when you blow a lead like that, and they come back and tie the game,” Daigneault said. “Even the Cleveland game over the weekend was like that; we had an early lead. They got all the way back in the game. They took a lead. It takes great mental toughness to just get yourself into the next possession.

“Cason was brilliant all night, but he was huge in that stretch. He had four straight points. And then, found Isaiah. So, he accounted for seven points right after the tie that opened the game back up. But great mental toughness by the team.”

Wallace (11-for-16) and Joe (six threes) combined for 18-of-30 shots, including 10-for-16 from deep. Alex Caruso led the bench with 16 points.

Mark Daigneault impressed by Thunder’s poise amid injuries

Head coach Mark Daigneault commended the Thunder for its grit in adapting to playing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell for such a long stretch, which extends into January. Similar to Sunday’s matchup, where the Thunder coughed up a 20+ point deficit against the Cavs, the defending champions stayed the course.

For Daigneault, it’s a testament to the Thunder’s ability to adapt and make changes on the fly against the Raptors, which, in many ways, has been the story of the defending champions’ regular season.

“You can’t control your circumstances. We always want to be fully healthy and have everybody. But when you get dealt a hand, you gotta play it as best you can, and we try to be optimistic,” Daigneault said. “And we try to be a team that leverages the circumstances to our favor, and tries to use it in every situation, even if it’s a challenge to build some momentum. The guys have done an unbelievable job.

“They see these types of things as a challenge. And that’s one of the special things about this group of guys. And they’ve done a great job since the break, certainly, but even going into the break,” Daigneault concluded.

Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain) will be re-evaluated this week, while Williams (right hamstring) will wait a week for his. The Thunder will face the Pistons on the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday.

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The Raptors came into the night with a 33-23 record, looking to win their third consecutive game and putting an end to the Thunder’s two-game winning streak.

Oklahoma City led the Raptors at halftime, 60-51, thanks in large part to the big night Cason Wallace was having.

In 17 first half minutes, Wallace recorded 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists while shooting a perfect 7-of-7 from the field and 3-of-3 from the three-point line.

Cason Wallace hitting between the legs snatch-backs & pulling up for 3.

this is special stuff.pic.twitter.com/V8wK8gSk1g

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) February 25, 2026

The first half Wallace had was just the 16th instance since tracking began in 1996-97 that a player had 17+ points, 6+ rebounds, and 4+ assists on 100 percent shooting in a half. He’s also just the sixth guard to record that kind of statline in a half and the first since the 2021 season.

Cason Wallace recorded 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on 100% shooting in the 1st half vs. the Raptors.

It's the 16th instance since 1996-97 that a player had that kind of half and he's the 6th guard to do so — first guard since 2021.

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 25, 2026

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic owns six of the 16 instances. Other players who have recorded the statline include Anthony Davis (2024), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2022), Luke Kennard (2021), Patrick Beverley (2021), De’Aaron Fox (2018), Jeff Teague (2017), Carlos Boozer (2010), Kevin Garnett (2004), and Mark Jackson (2001).

The Oklahoma City Thunder went on to win Tuesday night’s game against the Raptors, 116-107. Cason Wallace finished the game with a career-high 27 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists on 11-of-16 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 from three in 35 minutes of play.

The Thunder are on the front-end of a back-to-back set that will see them take on the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

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Although the team has been able to “hold serve” in the Western Conference playoff race—maintaining their top spot in the conference—Stephen A. Smith believes that the team is in trouble should SGA not return soon. On the latest edition of ESPN’s First Take, the panel discussed the resurgence of the San Antonio Spurs under Victor Wembanyama after their 114-103 victory over the Pistons. While praising the Spurs, Smith cast doubt on the Thunder without Alexander.

“Without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, I don’t have Oklahoma City [Thunder] as a top 8 team,” Smith defiantly said.

Currently, the Thunder have a 6-3 record without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this season, including victories over playoff contenders in the Lakers, the Phoenix Suns, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. But before the All-Star break, they did suffer two straight losses to the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Alexander has had another season worthy of an MVP finish. He’s averaging 31.8 points per game and 6.4 assists per game on 55% from the field and 39% from three. He’s emerged as a steady hand for the Thunder offense when in need of a basket. With Alexander out of the rotation, the Thunder have had to rely on their trademark dominant defense, team basketball, and three-point shooting to maintain their advantage over their recent opponents.

The Thunder are in an interesting stretch of games as they face the playoff-contending Toronto Raptors on the first night of a back-to-back before they play a nationally televised game against the Detroit Pistons, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

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*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Chet Holmgren injury status vs. Raptors

Despite the that fact that 2025-26 has been Thunder forward Chet Holmgren’s first All-Star season, the nagging back injury has flared up from time to time throughout the year. Given Holmgren’s questionable status for Tuesday’s matchup, it’s difficult to gauge whether he’ll play or not.

As the Thunder continues on its regular-season schedule without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and possibly Alex Caruso, who was ruled out of Sunday’s matinee against the Cavs with a left ankle sprain. Caruso is listed as questionable as Holmgren is.

Returning from his first All-Star selection, Holmgren has helped the Thunder secure a pair of wins against the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavs on Sunday. He’s been the defending champion’s defensive anchor, while cleaning the glass in the paint.

The Raptors upset the Thunder in their last meeting in January. Holmgren finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds in a game where Gilgeous-Alexander was available as the Raptors edged out the defending champs in a 103-101 victory. The Thunder may have to avenge that loss without its starting forward.

When it comes to the question if whether Chet Holmgren is playing tonight vs. the Raptors, the answer is maybe.

Thunder injury report

Alex Caruson — Questionable — Left ankle sprain

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — Out — Abdominal strain

Chet Holmgren — Questionable — Low back spasms

Ajay Mitchell — Out — Abdominal strain/left ankle sprain

Thomas Sorber — Out — Right ACL/surgical recovery

Jalen Williams — Out — Right hamstring strain

Raptors injury report

Jakob Poeltl — Out — Back lower straing; injury management

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The contestants were given a clue about SGA, but none of the contestants got the answer. Host Ken Jennings gave them a few seconds before revealing the answer.

Clue: SGA, this guy, won the 2024 to ’25 NBA MVP Award to go along with the scoring title & NBA championship

*Contestants stumped*

Ken Jennings: “SGA is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.”

(via @Jeopardy)
pic.twitter.com/zDqHPV03ce

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 24, 2026

“SGA, this guy [picture shown], won the 2024-25 NBA MVP Award to go along with the scoring title and NBA Championship,” said Jennings.

Who is Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)?

For anyone competing on Jeopardy! in the future, they may want to know who Gilgeous-Alexander is. While only 27 years old, SGA is a four-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA First Team player.

2025 was a breakout year for Gilgeous-Alexander. He was named NBA MVP, and the Thunder won the NBA Finals (SGA was named MVP of the series).

He played in 76 games during the 2024-25 season. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points (a career-high), five rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game.

Through 49 games in the 2025-26 season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. Currently, he is dealing with an injury that has caused him to miss several games.

Even without SGA, the Thunder are rolling. They are 44-14 and in first place in the Northwest Division. The Thunder are also in first place in the Western Conference. They are coming off an eight-point win over the Cleveland Cavaliers and will next play the Toronto Raptors.

SGA was selected with the 11th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Kentucky by the Charlotte Hornets. He never played for the Hornets, though, as he was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Clippers. After a season with the Clippers, he was traded to the Thunder. He has remained with them for the next seven seasons.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder star has missed seven straight games as a result of an abdominal injury he suffered on Feb. 3 against the Orlando Magic. When the Thunder announced this injury, it was said that their MVP would be re-evaluated after the All-Star break.

Initially, the hope was that Gilgeous-Alexander would be cleared to return within the team’s first few games after the All-Star break, but nothing has been said. With five of their next six games on the road, will SGA return from his injury during the Thunder’s upcoming road trip?

Since suffering this injury, the Thunder have gone 4-3, picking up a much-needed key win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. This game marked Gilgeous-Alexander’s seventh consecutive missed game and his ninth overall absence this season.

That means Gilgeous-Alexander can only miss a maximum of eight more games to remain eligible for end-of-season honors and awards. Although he is still in a good spot, that could change immediately if the reigning MVP is unable to return to the court this upcoming week.

This year’s race for the NBA MVP award is heavily contingent on who can remain healthy, as almost all of the players inside the top five of these rankings are nearing the 17 maximum allowed absences to remain eligible.

Previous 2023-24 NBA MVP Rankings: Week 17 | Week 16 | Week 15 | Week 14 | Week 13 | Week 12 | Week 11 | Week 10 | Week 9 | Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets*

Previous ranking: #1

2025-26 season stats: 42 games, 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 10.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 58.4 FG%, 42.1 3P%

In his three appearances after the All-Star break, Jokic has averaged 29.7 points, 15.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from 3-point range. Those are MVP-like numbers for the three-time MVP despite the Denver Nuggets losing two of these games.

The argument for the MVP award right now seems to be focused on availability, as Jokic has played in 42 games compared to Gilgeous-Alexander’s 49 games. Has Jokic done enough in his fewer appearances to justify winning the MVP award over Gilgeous-Alexander, whose team is still the best in the NBA?

That is certainly a big debate many don’t have an answer to at this time, and it’s the main reason why Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury return is so critical to the MVP race.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

Previous ranking: #2

2025-26 season stats: 49 games, 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 55.4 FG%, 39.0 3P%

There are still no updates on when Gilgeous-Alexander may return to the court. Until then, the MVP race is sort of in a holding pattern, as four or five more missed games will put him almost even with Jokic in terms of time missed.

Nonetheless, Gilgeous-Alexander still ranks second in the league in scoring, and the Thunder (44-14) own the best record in the NBA. He may be ranked No. 2 in the NBA MVP rankings right now, but this is really a 1A and 1B situation between him and Jokic.

Neither player is the wrong answer for MVP with seven weeks remaining in the regular season.

3. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons

Previous ranking: #3

2025-26 season stats: 49 games, 25.5 points, 9.8 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 46.3 FG%, 33.8 3P%

What Cade Cunningham has achieved for the Detroit Pistons this season is remarkable. Not only do the Pistons own the best win percentage in the league at this moment, but Cunningham leads the league in total assists, and the only player averaging more assists per game is Jokic.

In his first game out of the All-Star break, Cunningham put on a show against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. The Pistons’ All-Star recorded 42 points for his third 40-point performance of the season, and he also added 13 assists and eight rebounds to his name.

Cunningham has back-to-back double-doubles with 13 assists since the All-Star break. He is firmly in the No. 3 spot in these MVP rankings.

4. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs*

Previous ranking: #5

2025-26 season stats: 42 games, 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 51.1 FG%, 35.7 3P%

Wembanyama has leapfrogged Luka Doncic for the No. 4 spot in the NBA MVP rankings for a few reasons. Aside from the San Antonio Spurs closing in on the Thunder for the best record in the NBA, Wemby has been on a hot streak as of late.

Since his dominant 40-point, 12-rebound double-double against the Los Angeles Lakers before the All-Star break, Wembanyama has averaged 23.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the floor over his last three games.

The Spurs are undefeated in this stretch, and Wembanyama has led his team to eight consecutive wins. That is the longest active win streak in the NBA.

5. Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers*

Previous ranking: #4

2025-26 season stats: 44 games, 32.8 points, 8.5 assists, 7.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 47.1 FG%, 35.5 3P%

There is no denying that this has been the second-best season of Luka Doncic’s career since he finished third in the MVP voting during the 2023-24 season. Not only is Doncic leading the league in scoring, but he’s also leading the league in 3-pointers made and attempted per game, as well as free throws made and attempted per game.

Offensively, Doncic is locked in right now, and the only word to describe his play right now is dominant.

However, Doncic’s ceiling in the NBA MVP race has pretty much been decided this season. He can’t pass Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander so long as their teams remain ahead in the West standings, and Cunningham has locked himself into the No. 3 spot right now.

Between Wembanyama and Doncic, the Spurs’ star has the upper hand both in head-to-head and in terms of his overall impact on his team’s championship aspirations this season. Doncic has missed 12 games this year, meaning he will need to remain healthy this year to qualify for awards and honors.

Just missing the cut

6. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics [Ranked No. 6 last week]

7. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers [Ranked No. 8 last week]

8. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves [Ranked No. 7 last week]

9. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks [Ranked No. 9 last week]

10. Kevin Durant – Houston Rockets [Unranked last week]

*Signals player is in danger of meeting 65-game minimum threshold for awards/accolades.

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McCain is averaging 14.0 points on 50.0% shooting, including 50% from deep on 9-of-18 attempts, 3.5 rebounds in 21.2 minutes in his last four games with the Thunder. He followed up a season-high 21 points in a 105-86 win against the Brooklyn Nets with 10 points, including a pair of threes, three rebounds, and one steal in Sunday’s 121-113 win against the Cleveland Cavs.

Without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe joined the Thunder’s starting lineup, while McCain and Jaylin Williams combined for 20 points to lead the bench. Against a healthy Cavs team led by All-Stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and James Harden, Joe’s 22 points, including six threes and a career-high five steals, led the Thunder to victory.

After the win, Joe addressed how the addition of McCain has opened up creative opportunities for the Thunder’s offense, which is finding ways to win without three of its top four scorers.

“It puts the defense in a dilemma to help or not, and it kind of creates driving lanes, even when they went box-and-1, and they made that run, we were still getting really good looks,” Joe said. “I think Lu got a couple of wide-open shots — J-Will, Chet. The shot didn’t fall, but having that gravity out there, we just try to find ways to either get looks, get shots, and a lot of times it creates opportunities for other people, and other opportunities for everybody else.”

Joe is 33-for-65 from deep (50.8%) in February, including 18-of-31 in his last four games. The Thunder has won four in its last five tries without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Mitchell. At the same time, the Sixers are 1-4.

Jared McCain felt ‘all emotions’ after trade to Thunder

76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey felt confident about trading Jared McCain to the Thunder for a 2026 first-round pick and two future second-round picks. While the 76ers had a bit of a logjam at the guard position with rookie VJ Edgecombe taking on a prominent role over McCain, many fans felt it was too soon to give up on the sophomore guard.

Morey felt differently and wasn’t afraid to say it, as he did, per NBC Sports Philly.

“I’m quite confident we were selling high. Obviously, time will tell, but the only other high point, and we weren’t looking to sell, I’ll be frank,” Morey said. “Teams came to us with aggressive offers for him, and you could say, yeah, that’s because he’s a good player. I agree with that. We thought this return was above, for the future value for our franchise, what we could get. So the only higher point would have been during his run last season. But otherwise, we feel like we did time this well.”

"I'm quite confident we were selling high"

Daryl Morey explains why the Sixers pulled the trigger on trading the No. 16 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jared McCain. pic.twitter.com/DM6qJyzmPk

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) February 6, 2026

McCain couldn’t believe it. He revealed how he found out about his trade days after the deal was made.

“We were all on the bus to the airport, and I just got a call. I had no feeling. I didn’t think it was going to happen, to be honest. There was nothing, and I got the call, and just went and told everybody. I went to Tyrese [Maxey] first, and it was pretty emotional,” McCain said.

However, his confidence never wavered after 76ers’ Daryl Morey gave a hollow goodbye moments after trading McCain ahead of this year’s deadline.

“I allow myself to feel all the emotions. It’s natural. Give myself grace through this process,” McCain added. “But you move quick. I touched down in LA and then had to come straight here. It’s a little bit of both. It’s a balance you’ve got to work through.”

The Thunder will travel to face the Raptors on Tuesday.

The post How Thunder’s Jared McCain has thrived since 76ers GM Daryl Morey’s ‘sold high’ remark appeared first on ClutchPoints.

It all begins with the soundtrack. About an hour before tipoff against the Memphis Grizzlies, Williams sat in the visiting locker room, headphones on, cueing up stuff to match the Gospel Night theme. It’s what felt right for the night. That part of the ritual, it turns out, is never quite the same twice.

“I can’t do the same thing before every game,” Williams told ClutchPoints. “I’ve got to switch it up.”

However, unlike his new teammate Jaren Jackson Jr., who once served as the designated locker room DJ on Beale Street, Williams isn’t about to command the team’s AUX cord. Even suggestions are jokingly being kept to a minimum until Jackson Jr. returns from knee surgery.

“I don’t have anything for (Jaren Jackson Jr.) right now,” confessed Williams. “I don’t have the clout to run the music, so I just sit here and listen to it. Mostly have my headphones on before the game, really.”

What plays through those headphones depends entirely on the moment.

“It depends on the mood,” Williams shrugged. “Before certain games, I’ll throw on some R&B and chill, some old school Anthony Hamilton, some gospel like Kirk Franklin. It really does depend on the mood and what kind of day it is. Like, however I’m feeling before that game, that’s what I’ll play. Sometimes I’m throwing on Nirvana, Green Day, and a bunch of those bands.”

The eclectic mix that defies categorization traces back to his earliest exposure to music.

“I’ve got good music taste,” Williams said defensively as a few teammates eavesdropped. “My music is very diverse, shout out to my mom. She listened to a lot of that old soul stuff.”

Music is truly a window into the soul; it shows in how Williams carries himself. Loose, humble, grounded, yet confident enough to be curious and make mistakes. It’s also the only way to get better at the game. Headphones come off for shootaround, though, as Williams wants to absorb everything. Being able to chat up the coaches and hype up teammates is more important. Everyone knows Williams is there for them, even if his playlist is all over the place.

Those traits are undeniable after just a few minutes with the former first-round pick, so a jump year three leap would not be surprising to anyone in the front office. Still, in a league best known for rap and hip-hop connections, Williams is learning a few new tunes as well.

“LUCKI is my go-to new artist for sure,” Williams shared. “I’m getting into his catalogue, listening to that when I need some new rap.”

The 21-year-old’s support system extends well beyond his mother’s CD binders. At the center stands his brother Jalen, the Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star who just captured an NBA championship.

“Big shout out to my brother (Jalen). He has been my best wingman and biggest inspiration through this whole thing,” Cody noted. “I definitely wouldn’t have made this kind of journey without him. He is a good punching bag. I beat up on him a lot, but he gives me tips on defense.”

Jalen’s ascent from unheralded Santa Clara product to lottery pick to champion has provided a blueprint. Now Cody is beginning to find his footing. Since dropping 18 points on New Year’s Day, Williams has averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 52.5% from the field.

This recent uptick in production is just part of getting comfortable on the job.

“I think I’m getting a real good idea on how I affect the team overall,” Williams explained, “and how I can be effective on the court. It’s just playing to my strengths and weaknesses, especially on the defensive end. Then it’s putting a lot of pressure on the rim offensively. That’s how I can play to my niche and help the team. I feel like understanding my game more as the season has gone on is why I’ve been able to play better.”

Despite the increasing comfort level, some things haven’t changed since his childhood days dreaming of this moment.

“I still get butterflies before the game,” Williams admitted. “I’m just excited to be out there, to have this opportunity to live a dream. I don’t know if that feeling will ever go away, just because I genuinely love what I do. I don’t even call this a job because this still feels like a dream. I still feel like a little kid every time that jump ball. Everything about it is just exciting.”

For a Jazz franchise in the middle of a deliberate rebuild, that kind of enthusiasm from a young cornerstone is exactly what the organization is banking on. If the last several weeks are any indication, the prospect with the headphones and the wide-ranging playlist is beginning to figure out how to turn that excitement into production.

The post Exclusive: Cody Williams goes in-depth on impact of brother Jalen, growth with Jazz core appeared first on ClutchPoints.

However, the Thunder’s two-point deficit was short-lived as its stifling defense continued to string together stops, including Isaiah Joe’s career-high five steals and a game-high 22 points in Sunday’s 121-113 win. Joe addressed his standout performance after the Thunder’s win on Sunday.

“At the end of the day, I stay true to my game, and kind of let it come to me,” Joe said. “Being down bodies, it just allows for more action. Being able to be more aggressive. A teammate asks a little more of you, and everybody who steps out there is kind of answering the call right now. So, I think we all take a little more pride.”

Isaiah Joe on his elite shooting & 5 steals: “At the end of the day, I stay true to my game. Being down bodies, it just allows for more action. Being able to be more aggressive…

Everybody that’s out there is sort of answering the call right now. We all take a little more pride” pic.twitter.com/durXXD1WuJ

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 22, 2026

Joe’s 22 points, including six threes, led seven Thunder players in double figures. Cason Wallace (20 points, 10 assists), who also finished with three steals, Chet Holmgren (17 points, 15 rebounds), who recorded a double-double, and Isaiah Hartenstein, who added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Isaiah Joe’s defense shines in Thunder win vs. Cavs

While Isaiah Joe continued his hot shooting streak, scoring at least two threes in 11 of his last dozen games, he also held his own in defending the Cavs’ leading scoring tandem in Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Against a healthy Cavs team, the Thunder won without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, its leading scorer and All-Defensive forward.

Without Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso, two Thunder guards who each make their presence felt on both ends of the floor, Joe’s contributions went a long way. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault put Joe’s defense against the Cavs into perspective during his postgame media availability.

“With Harden and Mitchell, they’re heavy into matchup hunting, and they’re a seasoned team that’s well coached. If you put a matchup out there that they like, they’re going to have ways to try to get to it,” Daigneault said. “So, you just have to be very, very sound and disciplined in how you handle that. I thought his coverages tonight — they tried to go at him, they tried to go at anybody to get Dort and Cason off those guys.

“The coverages were so tight. The shell behind him was really good. He was a part of that, but that’s him. He’s lighter. He’s not the biggest, strongest guy, but he executes at a high level. He’s fearless. He’s physical. And he plays hard. He plays all of his minutes hard. So, you can have him out in a game like that.”

Mark Daigneault on Isaiah Joe stepping up defensively in guarding James Harden and Donovan Mitchell pic.twitter.com/ZVazYlapJG

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 22, 2026

The Thunder has won four of its last five games without Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Mitchell.

The post Thunder unsung hero steals Cavs’ soul without Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Jalen Williams appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In regards to who would defend Mitchell and Harden, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault revealed that Lu Dort’s defensive assignment on Mitchell won a 6-5 vote among his coaching staff. Cason Wallace spent most of the game in front of Harden. Mitchell scored 20 points but it took him nearly 20 attempts (9-for-19) to get there, as he was 0-for-6 from deep.

Harden tallied 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, nine assists, and five rebounds. Wallace finished with 20 points along a career-high 10 assists as he recorded his first double-double, and three steals. Isaiah Joe’s 22 points led seven Thunder players in double figures, including Dort (12 points, two steals), and Oklahoma City’s entire starting lineup.

The defending champions’ stifling defense forced 17 Cavs turnovers, which the Thunder converted into 31 points en route to an eight-point victory.

Cason Wallace reflects on his elite performance in Thunder win

Thunder guard Cason Wallace understood the assignment ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Cavs. Before facing off against one of the league’s highest scoring backcourt in Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. And while the Thunder’s newest guards in Jared McCain and Nikola Topic acclimate to their new surroundings, Wallace has helped fill the void left in the wake of losing All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, and Alex Caruso.

After the game, Wallace spoke to the media about his approaching ahead of the Thunder’s matinee matchup against the Cavs.

“I come into the game knowing I have a high-level opponent that I have to guard, you know, match minutes with him,” Wallace said. “I got to slow him down first. Then, offensively, we got so many guys that are good at making plays. So, I can make some plays myself on offense, but those guys help me out a lot on that end.”

Cason Wallace on Thunder’s offense and OKC’s defense against Cavs’ Mitchell & Harden: “It felt like we came out hot had a little bit of momentum early in the game… I gotta slow him down first.

Then, offensively, we got so many guys that are good at making play” pic.twitter.com/U65bg0x2bR

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 22, 2026

The Thunder will travel to face the Raptors on Tuesday.

The post How Thunder decided who would guard Donovan Mitchell, James Harden in thrilling win vs. Cavs appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Alex Caruso joins franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Jalen Williams, with all three not expected to play, per the official injury report. Caruso has officially been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain suffered during Oklahoma City’s 105-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

MVP contender Gilgeous-Alexander is sidelined with an abdominal strain while Williams is out with a right hamstring strain. However, that is not the end of the injury woes for the Thunder, with Ajay Mitchell and Thomas Sorber also unavailable for this game.

The Thunder enter this game as the obvious favorites, boasting a 43-14 record. However, they are up against a team most expect to emerge as title contenders, especially after the acquisition of James Harden, who has hit the ground running. That, in addition to the absences, means that OKC might have plenty on their plate against the Cavs.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Alex Caruso, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams’ injury status vs. Cavaliers

Alex Caruso exited Oklahoma City’s 105-86 victory over Brooklyn with the injury, and the Thunder will take a cautious approach given his sheer importance. Caruso remains one of Oklahoma City’s most disruptive perimeter defenders and has a knack of coming good in the postseason.

The injury becomes even more damaging given Oklahoma City is already without its two primary offensive creators. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams represent a major part of their offensive threat, which puts more pressure on the likes of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Thunder injury report

Out:

Alex Caruso: left ankle sprain

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: abdominal strain

Jalen Williams: right hamstring strain

Ajay Mitchell: abdominal strain / left ankle sprain

Thomas Sorber: right ACL surgical recovery

Cavaliers injury report

Out:

Max Strus: left foot Jones fracture surgery

Riley Minix: G League two-way

Tristan Enaruna: G League two-way

The post Thunder’s Alex Caruso joins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams on injury report vs. Cavs appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Losing three of its leading scorers has shown in Oklahoma City’s inability to reach anywhere near its 119.4 point average without its reigning MVP and two of the Thunder’s top four scorers. It’s a good thing Presti parted with a 2026 first-round pick and two future seconds at the trade deadline to acquire a young guard he’s had eyes for since McCain’s 2024 pre-draft workout with the Thunder.

Presti also believed in a 19-year-old Serbian prospect with an old-school approach to the point guard position despite a season-ending ACL injury. Presti was OK with debuting Topic, whom the Thunder did select at No. 12, in 2025-26. Then, no one could have predicted what followed after one Thunder preseason game. Now, both McCain and Topic are playing in Oklahoma City in unexpected times of their respective careers.

Jared’s trade from the Philadelphia 76ers drove him to tears. Topic is four months removed from a cancer diagnosis. All of this was unexpected, but they both fit the Thunder’s offense like a glove. McCain’s ability to create and spot up for open threes gives Daigneault another scorer to use at his disposal. Topic gives the Thunder a secondary playmaker who can also score in spurts off the bench, which he’s already proven in the first two games of his NBA career.

Chalk it up to another victory for Thunder GM Sam Presti amid coach Mark Daigneault and the defending champions’ quest to win back-to-back titles.

Jared McCain scores season-high in Thunder win vs. Nets

Sophomore guard Jared McCain has made at least one 3-pointer in each of his five appearances with the Thunder. He’s also efficient, connecting on 9-of-20 (45%), including half of his six 3-point attempts in a 105-86 win against the Nets. McCain led the Thunder with a season-high 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting, four rebounds, and one steal. And his presence has also had a positive effect on the defending champions’ supporting cast.

Isaiah Joe, who’s drained at least two threes in five consecutive games, extended his streak to six en route to 11 points, as his hot streak continued in Friday’s win against the Nets. Joe’s shooting at a career-best 41.7% clip from deep this season. However, that percentage spikes to 55.8% on a whopping 19-of-34 attempts in the five games since McCain’s arrival.

Still, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reminded reporters it’s not all about shooting with McCain and Joe, as their increased roles amidst Oklahoma City’s injuries have extended them to doing other things that help with winning.

“It’s not the only thing they do,” Daigneault said. “Jared’s a guy that — he’s dynamic offensively — he’s got more to his game than just spot-up shooting. You could see that tonight. Then, Isaiah Joe rebounded the ball great tonight. We play small with him on the court even though he’s a lighter guy because he’s physical, he executes, and he gets his nose in plays for the ball.

“It’s not just simply leveraging the shoot. It’s being able to put them out there because of the other skills that they bring. But, yeah, we’ve got optionality, and that’s what you want. You never know what you’re going to need. You never know who’s going to be going good. We try to lean into that, obviously, with changing rotations, and lineups, and they give us more options, definitely,” Daigneault concluded.

Since McCain joined the Thunder, Joe is averaging 15.8 points on 49.4% shooting, including 55.8% from deep, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.

“We all have a role to play, and we all kind of know it, and they’ve done a great job of helping me with that. I think we all can create shots for each other once we get the ball moving. Good stuff is going to happen once we get the ball moving,” McCain said. “[We’re] figuring it out as we go. It’s tough to do it without those guys in. We’re figuring it out, though.”

Nikola Topic’s playmaking closes out Thunder win

While Jared McCain and Isaiah Joe’s scoring gave the Thunder a double-digit cushion, Nikola Topic, in only his second NBA game, closed the door in the final frame with playmaking, shooting, and smooth finishes at the rim. For coach Mark Daigneault, Thunder’s Topic is a traditional pure point guard with a pass-first mentality, and the confidence to score when he sees fit.

Daigneault says Topic is a testament to what the NBA’s lacking in its modern-day point guards during the Thunder head coach’s postgame media availability on Friday.

“Basketball doesn’t have a lot of actual pure point guards anymore. There’s unbelievable skill, but the traditional team runners, there’s not a ton of those guys, and that’s what he is: he can run your team,” Daigneault said. “He’s gonna get you organized up the floor. He understands what we’re trying to accomplish even at this extremely early infant stage of his career, and he’s got the passing to go with it.

“He’s got a long way to go. He’s got a lot to learn even offensively in terms of creating advantages, reading the different coverages he’s going to see when the league learns him a little bit; that’ll be a new challenge for him. But he’s off to a great start.”

Topic finished with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists in 11 minutes, as the rookie guard continues to find his footing his the infant stages of his career. Still, Daigneault sees his team benefiting from both McCain and Topic’s impact amidst the Thunder’s title defense.

The post Thunder’s Sam Presti gifts Mark Daigneault two desired first-round picks amid title defense appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For Daigneault, Topic is one of the NBA’s rare pure point guards, he explained, during his postgame media availability, as the Thunder head coach was truly impressed by Topic’s play in only his second game.

“Basketball doesn’t have a lot of actual pure point guards anymore. There’s unbelievable skill, but the traditional team runners, there’s not a ton of those guys, and that’s what he is: he can run your team. He’s gonna get you organized up the floor. He understands what we’re trying to accomplish even at this extremely early infant stage of his career, and he’s got the passing to go with it.

“He’s got a long way to go. He’s got a lot to learn even offensively in terms of creating advantages, reading the different coverages he’s going to see when the league learns him a little bit; that’ll be a new challenge for him. But he’s off to a great start.”

Mark Daigneault says Nikola Topić is one of the few “pure point guards” left in the NBA: “Basketball doesn’t have a lot of actual point point guards anymore…

And that’s what he is: he can run your team. He’s gonna get you organized up the floor. He understands what we’re trying… pic.twitter.com/tHcweGPdys

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 21, 2026

While reminding reporters that Topic is still in the infant stages of his NBA career, the rookie’s impressive start following an ACL injury and a testicular cancer diagnosis, Daigneault put Friday’s performance into perspective.

“That’s his second NBA game. So, to really evaluate him in the context would be unfair,” Daigneault said. “But, he’s obviously a really good player. He’s got a really good sense for the game. He goes in there and acts like he belongs. He shoots the threes. He’s not afraid to drive.”

Topic went 4-for-6 from the floor, including 1-for-2 from deep. He also finished with three rebounds, all in 11 minutes off the bench.

Nikola Topic reflects on ‘awesome’ Thunder win

In only his second game, Thunder rookie Nikola Topic helped his team secure a win, fending off the Nets in the final frame of a 19-point win at the Paycom Center. Jared McCain’s season-high 21 points off the bench led the Thunder in scoring. However, in only his second game, Topic addressed the media in his first postgame press conference of the season.

Topic took the time to thank the Thunder fans for their warm embrace during his NBA debut last week.

“Awesome moment. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life — thanks to the fans,” Topic said. “For sure, I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.”

Still getting back into the swing of things, Topic, who hadn’t played in a basketball game in nearly two years, said it took him a bit to acclimate to playing again.

“It was pretty weird at first. I’m kind of getting back the feel for the game again,” Topic added. “I was out for a while. It was so weird coming back. I was catching myself doing stuff I was never did before. It was pretty tough to adjust to that, but every game was better. First game in the G League. Second game was better. First game here was OK. Second one was better. But I think it will only get better.”

The Thunder will host the Cavs on Sunday.

The post Mark Daigneault’s surprising ‘pure point guard’ take on Thunder’s Nikola Topic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Check our Sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took the road less traveled when joining Converse Basketball in 2020. In addition to becoming the new face of Converse Basketball (a subset of Nike), SGA also earned the title of Creative Director for their basketball line. This has also opened the door for past and future lifestyle ventures, including everyday sneakers and apparel as well.

Typically, we’ve only seen the SHAI 001 in monochromatic colorways with every aspect and panel matching a uniform hue. Here, we see a pattern across the shoe for the first time, an exciting indicator of what could be in store for future concepts.

Converse SHAI 001 ‘Camo’

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a “Camo” Converse SHAI 001 dropping this year pic.twitter.com/iINsvsGDNL

— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) February 17, 2026

SGA was seen wearing an unreleased Camo Converse Shai 001

Thoughts on these?

(via @shaiglalex, timnodelman/IG) pic.twitter.com/1rtEWqaesC

— B/R Kicks (@brkicks) February 18, 2026

EARLY LOOK
Converse Shai 001 ‘Camo’ pic.twitter.com/K3H1B18CyJ

— Sneaker Sense (@sneaker_sense) February 17, 2026

During 2026 All-Star Weekend, Gilgeous-Alexander was spotted rocking an unreleased colorway of his signature SHAI 001 with a camo outfit to go along with the sneakers. The shoe appears in a classic camouflage mix of military green, black, brown, and tan. The primary color is the dull military green throughout the midsole, outsole, back heel, sockliner and mesh upper underneath the zipper.

While there’s no word of an official release date, numerous outlets are reporting a timeframe during the spring season of 2026, potentially set for April 3. The shoes are expected to follow previous releases and come with a standard $130 retail tag, available through select Converse platforms and Nike SNKRS.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander debuts Converse SHAI 001 ‘Camo’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After helping the Thunder secure a 105-86 victory against the Brooklyn Nets, Topic, playing in his first two NBA games, talked about what it was like during his first postgame media availability on Friday.

“Awesome moment. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life — thanks to the fans,” Topic said. “For sure, I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.”

Nikola Topić receives a standing ovation as he checks into the first NBA game of his career.

He also picks up an assist for a nice pass to Jaylin Williams for the easy bucket. Topić off to a great start pic.twitter.com/oJqrXDkPKT

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 13, 2026

Topic admits that returning to the game after being away from it for so long felt odd. However, he managed to put his emotions aside shortly after checking into the first NBA game of his career.

“It was pretty weird at first. I’m kind of getting back the feel for the game again,” Topic added. “I was out for a while. It was so weird coming back. I was catching myself doing stuff I was never did before. It was pretty tough to adjust to that, but every game was better. First game in the G League. Second game was better. First game here was OK. Second one was better. But I think it will only get better.”

Nikola Topić thanks Thunder fans for standing ovation in NBA debut:

“I’ll remember that for the rest of my life” pic.twitter.com/N8xqQELZoc

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 21, 2026

Topic finished with nine points on 4-for-6 shooting, including 1-of-2 from deep, three rebounds, and two assists in 11 minutes. He helped keep the Nets at bay throughout the second half, especially at the start of the fourth quarter when Topic tallied five points and one assist in less than two minutes, which led to a 16-point advantage for Oklahoma City.

Chet Holmgren keeps it 100 about Thunder’s Nikola Topic

All-Star Chet Holmgren reacted to Nikola Topic’s Thunder debut by commending the rookie for his courage. While Holmgren did miss his entire rookie season due to an injury, similar to Topic’s ACL repair that shelved him for the entire 2024-25 campaign, Chet couldn’t begin to relate to Nikola’s testicular cancer diagnosis from October.

Holmgren shared a heartfelt take on Topic’s return to basketball.

“Anybody battling cancer is fighting for their life. I could never begin to understand what that’s like. It just speaks to the strength of [Topić], and who he is as a person,” Holmgren said. “It would have been very justified for him to weigh everybody around him down and sulk, and be mad at the world because the kid he is, he doesn’t deserve that. We’re all just so happy that he was able to battle through that, get back to hooping.

“You see a lot bigger smile on his face when he’s able to be out there with his shoes on. I thought he had a really good game tonight. He could have made 100 shots or missed 100 shots tonight; it was an amazing game for him. Being able to get out there, get some reps under his belt, and now, he can learn from them, we can learn from him, too.”

Topic will play in the third game of his NBA career when the Thunder host the Cavs at the Paycom Center on Sunday.

The post Thunder’s Nikola Topic reflects on ‘awesome’ win after cancer diagnosis appeared first on ClutchPoints.

What’s become a tradition for new players over the years, McCain debuted his bark during his first walk-off interview for the Thunder, per FanDuel TV.

Jared McCain barking in his Thunder postgame interview pic.twitter.com/tdMDjD7PqZ

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 21, 2026

The new Thunder player postgame bark started when Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams initiated it for the fans in attendance and during walk-off interviews, and eventually became a must for all new Thunder players.

Mark Daigneault commends Thunder for key adjustments

Ahead of the Thunder missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams for the next one to two weeks, head coach Mark Daigneault says that while Friday’s win against the Nets wasn’t pretty, his players found a way. The Thunder defense held the Nets to 10 points in the second quarter. Then, found its offensive rhythm in the second half.

For Daigneault, missing Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Ajay Mitchell has disrupted the Thunder’s offensive consistency, which forced the defending champions to adjust on the fly.

“We’re obviously missing some on-ball creators. So, the way we’re trying to create advantages is different right now,” Daigneault said. “But once we create the advantage and once we get the ball ahead, those plays aren’t any different. I thought we had some really good plays. I also thought we had some that we can learn from. We had a lot of turnovers. It wasn’t a clean offensive game.

“It was hard to establish a rhythm with some of those plays, but the guys are being put in good positions. We have to start to build our muscle collectively, obviously, but we also need to continue to build those habits offensively.”

The Thunder will host the Cavs in a matinee on Sunday.

The post Thunder’s Jared McCain goes full-on Scobby Doo after huge game vs. Nets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

On the heels of the Thunder’s announcement that Gilgeous-Alexander will be re-evaluated in one week, he’s expected to miss the next four games. Daigneault discussed the NBA’s 65-game minimum during his pregame media availability.

“There are so many other people that are thinking about these things a lot, and I’m thinking about the Thunder, and I’m thinking about my kids — that’s all I’m really thinking about,” Daigneault said. “So, I don’t know. I’m not going to get in on that. In terms of the decisions, we’re always going to prioritize the well-being of our players — him and everybody else.

“If we’re put in a situation where we have to make a decision on somebody’s health and well-being, we’re going to prioritize that because the downside of that is too grand. Shai understands that. The guys understand that. The 65-game thing, obviously, everybody’s aware of, and we want all of our players to qualify for that.”

It’s a goal Daigneault has set for each of his players. However, it’s from a Thunder team’s standpoint, rather than for the desire to see his players win awards and honors from the NBA.

“Not because of the awards, but because we want to prioritize availability,” Daigneault added. “But when guys got stuff going on, we’re always cautious, and we’re always as conservative as we can be because that’s the best thing for our team, and more importantly, for their individual careers.”

The shorthanded Thunder will face the Nets without Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell.

New injury timetable for Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss at least one more week with an abdominal injury. Ajay Mitchell is dealing with the same injury along with a sprained left ankle, and Jalen Williams will be re-evaluated in two weeks due to a sprained right hamstring.

As Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault noted, the defending champions, ahead of an expected deep playoff run, will always prioritize players’ long-term health over regular-season games and NBA awards. The Thunder appear to be in no rush bring Gilgeous-Alexander back, and the same could be said about Williams and Mitchell.

The post How many more Thunder games can SGA miss before he’s ineligible for NBA awards? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Nets have managed Porter and Demin’s workloads cautiously this season. Neither has appeared in a back-to-back since early December.

Porter has dealt with numerous back injuries throughout his career and suffered a “minor” MCL sprain earlier this season. Meanwhile, Demin missed most of the offseason due to a plantar fascia tear.

Michael Porter Jr. and Egor Demin available for first back-to-back in months

Porter and Demin’s light workloads on Thursday, following an extended layoff during the All-Star break, likely played a role in their availability on Friday. The former played only 20 minutes during the wire-to-wire blowout defeat in Cleveland, while Demin played 26 minutes.

Brooklyn will face an Oklahoma City team missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Abdominal Strain), Jalen Williams (Right Hamstring Strain) and Ajay Mitchell (Abdominal Strain/ Left Ankle Sprain).

The Nets will be without Nic Claxton, who is sidelined after spraining his right ankle during practice on Wednesday. Ziaire Williams will also miss the game due to personal reasons.

Following Thursday’s loss, the Nets are tied with the Washington Wizards for fourth place in the draft lottery standings. They are tied in the win column and two back in the loss column of the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans, who are tied for second.

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A panel consisting of 100 local, national and international media members overwhelmingly believes the 27-year-old guard is the man to beat. Gilgeous-Alexander received 78 first-place votes, eclipsing Nikola Jokic (18), Cade Cunningham (1), Victor Wembanyama (3) and the rest of the field. With a 230-point lead, the consensus is that a player will earn MVP honors in back-to-back seasons for the seventh time since 2006.

Much has changed since ESPN’s initial poll back in December. Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic were locked in a tight battle, with only 15 first-place votes and 43 total points separating the former from the latter. Luka Doncic was also safely in third. Following another injury stint, the NBA’s scoring leader (points per game) lost considerable traction and finished fifth in the second poll. The Los Angeles Lakers’ placement in the Western Conference standings (fifth) could be playing a factor.

The Thunder have maintained first place in the West all season-long (the San Antonio Spurs are close, though). Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player on what many predict will be the league’s first repeat champion in eight years. Durability is also working in his favor.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might simply outlast his competitors

Although the 2025 NBA Finals MVP is currently nursing an abdominal strain, he has only missed seven games to this point of the campaign. Jokic is dangerously close to falling below the mandatory 65-game requirement (can only sit out one more contest), and Wembanyama and Doncic do not have much wiggle room themselves. Cunningham, who has played in 48 of 54 possible games, could emerge as Gilgeous-Alexander’s biggest competition.

It is important to note that these votes were tallied before the Detroit Pistons cornerstone rolled into Madison Square Garden and torched the New York Knicks for 42 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and two blocks. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recovers from his injury, Cade Cunningham has a perfect opportunity to regale voters with his superbly versatile skill set. He is also leading the team that currently boasts the best record in the NBA.

The Thunder and Pistons face off in Little Caesars Arena next Wednesday, but based on the latest update, OKC could be without its top guy for that would-be MVP showcase. Cunningham can still gain favor by dominating, which is something he will need to do plenty of if there is going to be any suspense surrounding this award race.

Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 55.4 percent from the field (career high) and 39.0 percent from 3-point range. The three-time All-NBA First-Team selection is in the midst of a truly masterful stretch, and his trophy collection reflects as much. Assuming he can return to action fairly soon, Gilgeous-Alexander may need to make room for more hardware.

The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP lead grows over Nikola Jokic in latest ESPN poll appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Now, ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel has provided the latest update on both Williams and SGA, alongside young emerging guard Ajay Mitchell.

“Thunder say Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain) will be both be re-evaluated in approximately one week,” reported Siegel on X, formerly Twitter. “Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.”

The Thunder raced out of the gates to one of the best starts in NBA history this year but have since tapered off a bit, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in four out of their five matchups this year.

The good news for Oklahoma City is that they recently added some firepower at the trade deadline by acquiring Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers, not having to give up any players from their roster in the process.

McCain will likely see his name called quite a bit over the coming few games as the team looks to stay afloat with their best two players injured.

In any case, the Thunder will next hit the floor on Friday evening at home against the Brooklyn Nets, with tipoff set for 8:00 pm ET.

The post Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams get official injury timelines after All-Star break appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Instead, Holmgren discussed the injuries the Nuggets have experienced this season, much like the Thunder’s injury-riddled campaign.

“Denver has a few different players on their roster that made some moves this summer,” Holmgren said. “They were a really good team last year. They’re a really good team this year. They’ve had some injuries, as have we, as have everybody in the league. Hopefully, they can get those guys back, and we can get all of our guys back. At the end of the day, every team wants to play every team fully healthy and at their best. So, that’s what we’re hoping for.”

The Nuggets were without All-Star Nikola Jokic for over a month. The Thunder has missed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the past five games. Oklahoma City has also dealt with injuries to Jalen Williams, who’s missed 30+ games this season; starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who’s sat out 16 games; and Ajay Mitchell, who’s been out since January 21.

Chet Holmgren reacts to new All-Star Game

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren discussed the new All-Star Game format after making his debut at the star-studded event. Holmgren reflected on the career milestone.

“I thought it was good. I thought everybody that was out there was kind of getting after it, playing a good brand of basketball,” Holmgren said. “It felt kind of like, I guess you would say, a pick-up game, and when there’s that level of talent on the floor, it’s always fun, it’s always good.”

He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.

“It was pretty cool. I didn’t know you get a ring for All-Star until I got it,” Holmgren said. “So, it was pretty cool. It comes with a little box with a little video in it. It’s pretty sick, but I think I like our ring from last year a little bit more.”

Holmgren says he cherished the moment of his first All-Star game.

“I’d definitely say during the pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today, I definitely try to take a moment and reflect on how cool of an opportunity this is,” Holmgren added. “I felt like I was pretty in the moment for the most part. Just taking everything in.”

Holmgren and the Thunder will resume their regular-season schedule when they host the Nets on Friday.

The post Thunder’s Chet Holmgren points to health when asked about Nuggets’ growth appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Holmgren talked about his first All-Star Game during his postgame media availability.

“I thought it was good. I thought everybody that was out there was kind of getting after it, playing a good brand of basketball,” Holmgren said. “It felt kind of like, I guess you would say, a pick-up game, and when there’s that level of talent on the floor, it’s always fun, it’s always good.”

He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.

“It was pretty cool. I didn’t know you get a ring for All-Star until I got it,” Holmgren said. “So, it was pretty cool. It comes with a little box with a little video in it. It’s pretty sick, but I think I like our ring from last year a little bit more.”

The Thunder forward took a moment to appreciate the special career milestone of his first All-Star game.

“I’d definitely say during the pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today, I definitely try to take a moment and reflect on how cool of an opportunity this is,” Holmgren added. “I felt like I was pretty in the moment for the most part. Just taking everything in.”

Chet Holmgren on his All-Star leap with Thunder

While fourth-year forward Jalen Williams made his All-Star case for the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, most people would agree it was a no-brainer. Ahead of his first All-Star appearance on Sunday, Holmgren discussed the work he’s put in that’s led to arguably the best season of his career.

“I’d say all the work that isn’t in a game,” Holmgren said. “It’s the prep before games, the shoot arounds in the morning, the work in the summer; all the things that nobody sees—the rehab from injuries. If you didn’t do it, nobody would know about it. But at the end of the day, once you get on the court, that’s where it shows up.”

Holmgren is averaging career bests in points (17.4), field-goal percentage (56%), and rebounds (8.7) per game.

The post Thunder’s Chet Holmgren appreciates All-Star game showcasing ‘good brand of basketball’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For Holmgren, it’s the additional time he puts in to improve his game on his own merit that has led to his becoming the All-Star forward he is today.

“I’d say all the work that isn’t in a game,” Holmgren said. “It’s the prep before games, the shoot arounds in the morning, the work in the summer; all the things that nobody sees—the rehab from injuries. If you didn’t do it, nobody would know about it. But at the end of the day, once you get on the court, that’s where it shows up.”

Holmgren is averaging career bests in points (17.4), field-goal percentage (56%), and rebounds (8.7) per game.

Chet Holmgren reacts to his first All-Star selection

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren is grateful for his first All-Star selection. Before All-Star weekend, Holmgren reacted to heading to Los Angeles after Chet’s first All-Star selection.

“It means a lot. I just have a lot of people I gotta be thankful for — the help that they’ve given me along the way. From family friends, coaches, old teammates, current teammates, the Thunder, the opportunity that they give me, and the position that they put me in. I’m just always forever thankful for that,” Homgren said.

“I always say I’ll never play or chance things of that nature, but that doesn’t mean the gratitude for it, and the understanding of the gravity for it, isn’t there. I’m extremely thankful, and I just feel like I have to keep going, and I have so much [further] to go.”

Holmgren will play for Team USA Stars alongside Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards, Suns’ Devin Booker, Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, Pistons All-Star tandem Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, and Hawks’ Jalen Johnson.

The post The biggest thing Thunder’s Chet Holmgren credits for All-Star leap appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Amid Thunder guard Isaiah Joe’s sizzling hot shooting stretch, his scoring average (10.5 points) has nearly doubled since last week’s trade at the deadline. In the four games McCain has played since joining Oklahoma City, Joe has averaged 20.0 points. He’s also connected on 17-of-31 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc, as Isaiah’s shooting attempts have spiked to 11.2 per game since McCain joined the Thunder.

Isaiah Joe is now averaging 20 PPG since the arrival of Jared McCain, adding McCain as an offensive weapon has opened up looks for Joe. pic.twitter.com/FV2puX3zCm

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 13, 2026

McCain has connected on at least one 3-pointer in each of his four appearances, tallying six threes on 14 attempts, and had his best game yet since joining the Thunder, scoring 13 points on 3-for-9 shooting, including a pair of threes with three rebounds, and two assists in Thursday’s 110-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. On the second night of an away/home back-to-back, the Thunder split the final two games, including its 136-109 win against the Phoenix Suns.

Without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s missed the previous five games due to an abdominal injury, Joe and McCain’s shooting have been a reliable source of offensive production for Oklahoma City. Despite losing half of its last 10 games, the defending champion will enter the All-Star break with the NBA’s best record — 42-14.

Jalen Williams opens up about Jared McCain’s fit with Thunder

Following a 10-game absence, Thunder forward Jalen Williams played alongside Jared McCain for the first time in a 119-110 win against the Lakers on the road. Williams considers McCain a seamless fit for the Thunder’s offense.

“He fits right in. Our team is very easy to fit, especially if you’re young. Our team is really easy to get along with. It’s just one of our super powers,” Williams said. “And he’s a really good kid. It’s crazy because when he was getting drafted, I gave a speech to the lottery room, and he was in there. Basketball is definitely a full circle, but he actually asked me questions. So, he’s good in my book. Nobody else asked me anything, and I’m pretty sure my brother was in there.”

For Williams, it’s a testament to the Thunder organization’s ability to add ideal players, like McCain, who will fit in with the team right away, both on and off the court.

The post How Jared McCain is already impacting Thunder’s offense appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He stuffs the stat sheet as a scorer and an efficient playmaker on one end of the floor, who can defend at a high level on the other. Castle talked about defending Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander in their respective Spurs matchups against the Lakers and Thunder, per ESPN’s NBA Today.

“I take a lot of pride in that. I ask for those matchups. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I feel like I can be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league,” Castle said. “Day in and day out, I’m just trying to prove that.”

"I take a lot of pride in that… I ask for those matchups. I wouldn't want it any other way. I feel like I can be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league."

Stephon Castle on what it’s like defending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/JgigTeCfxW

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

Castle played a significant role in the Spurs’ three consecutive victories over the Thunder in 12 days in December, including their Christmas Day showdown, which turned into a blowout win. Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 22 points on 7-of-19 shooting, including 1-for-6 from deep. In only his second season, Castle is having a breakout campaign for the Spurs.

In a 138-125 win against the Dallas Mavericks, he made NBA history in becoming the youngest NBA player to record a 40/12/12 triple-double. He finished with 40 points, 12 assists, 12 rebounds, three steals, and one block.

Harrison Barnes on Spurs’ Stephon Castle All-Star consideration

While Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry recovers from a knee injury e NBA’s big weekend, Spurs veteran forward Harrison Barnes says Stephon Castle deserved All-Star consideration to replace SGA. Barnes also endorsed the other half of the Spurs’ backcourt in De’Aaron Fox as another option.

Considering the Spurs have the second-best record in the Western Conference, Barnes says either guard should replace Curry.

“It would be criminal if him [Castle] and Fox didn’t get a look. We’re No. 2 in the West,” Barnes said. “I think for what we’ve done, for the teams that are below us that had two All-Stars, I don’t know a case if we’re talking about impact on winning and playing high-level basketball, why either of them shouldn’t be selected and/or highly under consideration for those spots.”

Harrison Barnes advocated that at least one of his two Spurs teammates should have been named an All-Star alternate for Steph Curry:

"It'd be criminal if [Stephon Castle] and [De'Aaron] Fox didn't get a look. … For what we've done, for the teams that have been below us that… pic.twitter.com/Xjf3Fk9uz0

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2026

Although the NBA announced Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram to replace Curry, De’Aaron Fox will replace Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo in Sunday’s All-Star

The post Spurs’ Stephon Castle gets 100% real on defending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard walked into the Intuit Dome on Friday night and completely outclassed the field to win the NBA Celebrity 3-Point Contest. While the event featured a mix of influencers, athletes, and entertainers, it was clear from the first rack that McCain was operating on a different level than his competition.

McCain faced off against a diverse lineup that included streamer PlaqueBoyMax, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and comedian Druski. Despite the star power on the court, the outcome felt decided before the clock even started.

Jared McCain beats PlaqueBoyMax in the NBA Celebrity 3-Point Contest

pic.twitter.com/zwm1f0IeUF

— Hater Report (@HaterReport) February 14, 2026

McCain, who was recently traded to Oklahoma City from the Philadelphia 76ers, has been shooting 38.3 percent from beyond the arc this season and brought that professional touch to the LED half-court. He moved through the racks with a practiced rhythm, leaving his opponents in the dust.

The contest provided plenty of viral moments, specifically when Druski struggled with his form, and Caleb Williams finished at the bottom of the leaderboard behind the comedians. However, McCain stayed focused on the task at hand. Since joining the Thunder, the 21-year-old has found his rhythm quickly, averaging 9.3 points in his first few games with the team while shooting over 42 percent from deep in that short span.

Some fans joked that including a current professional in a celebrity shooting contest was essentially a “cheat code.” As the All-Star weekend continues, McCain has set a high bar for the professional shooters who will take the court for the main event on Saturday night.

The post Thunder’s Jared McCain unsurprisingly wins NBA Celebrity 3-Point Contest appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Still, Daigneault says the mid-season hurdles are advantageous for the rest of his Thunder team, which he says is best for his team after Thursday’s 110-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

“We started 24-1. Since that point to now, I actually think that stretch has probably been better for us than starting 24-1 and kind of cruising in a rhythm the way that we were early,” Daigneault said. “I’m happy we played well. It obviously gave us a good cushion and positioned us well as we come down the stretch. But in terms of building the best team we can be, and strengthening ourselves, improving through the season, we’ve had to face adversity.

“We’ve had to solve a lot of problems. We’ve had to be high adaptive; we’ve had to draw on a lot of different players, and a lot of different roles. And typically, that stuff is an investment, and can pay dividends down the road if you approach it the right way.”

The Thunder’s cushion atop the Western Conference standings had trimmed down to a 3.0-game lead over the second-placed San Antonio Spurs (38-16). Missing two of its three leading scorers, starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, and backup guard Ajay Mitchell, the Thunder’s defense has given up 110+ points in four of its last five games without Gilgeous-Alexander.

Mark Daigneault is confident that the Thunder’s recent lulls will ultimately make his team better in the long run, as Oklahoma City gears up for what it hopes will be another deep postseason run in pursuit of winning back-to-back titles.

Mark Daigneault prefers Thunder struggles over 24-1 start

The defending champions’ historic 24-1 start proved unsustainable after the Thunder lost four of their next six games. Hopes of watching the Thunder tie or beat the 2016 Warriors’ 73-9 regular-season record for best in NBA history quickly dissipated. Perhaps best for Daigneault and the Thunder, whose plans for 2025-26 extend beyond setting a regular-season record.

In the end, growing into the best team it can be will always top the Thunder’s list of priorities. For Daigneault, the Thunder’s current hurdles will help them do just that, and more, when you add the often demanding regular-season schedule, including the second night of an away/home back-to-back before the All-Star break.

“Despite the outcome tonight, I’m pretty pleased with the way that we’ve handled those adversities,” Daigneault said. “We’ve played a very condensed schedule—most games in a month’s span after Christmas. We endured injuries during that time; we had a lot of ups and downs. And those things, as long as you use them as fuel and as long as you use them productively, can be good for you. So, that’s our challenge.”

The All-Star break will give Thunder players a much-needed break. While there’s no guarantee that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams will be back from their respective injuries, the defending champions will continue to lean on their depth, along with the lessons learned from losing six of their last 11 games.

“The circumstances are what they are. You can’t change the circumstances. You have complete control over how you manage them; how you handle them,” Daigneault added. “This team has always done a great job of that. I think we’ve done a great job. As we come down the stretch, we don’t know what’s coming. We’ve got to continue to have that mindset.”

The Thunder will play at home in three of its first five games post-All-Star break.

The post How Mark Daigneault kept it 100 about Thunder’s recent struggles appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The journey, however, took Dieng on a trek across the United States. Then, into Canada, then, back into the States, and concluded with a long car ride toward Milwaukee, his final destination.

“It was crazy,” Dieng told ClutchPoints. “I was in San Antonio with the Thunder. Then, got traded to the Hornets. So, I stayed like four hours in my room. Then, the Chicago trade happened. So, I flew to Chicago. Did my physical in the night and in the morning. Then, I was supposed to play with Chicago in Toronto. So, I took a plane to Toronto. Then, as soon as the plane took off, I saw the trade to Milwaukee.

“So, I had to land in Toronto, go back to Chicago, and drive to Milwaukee. It was really crazy, but I’m excited to be here.”

Dieng traveled over 2,333 miles to be there, and it paid off. With Antetokounmpo nursing a right calf injury amidst a 22-30 Bucks record in the dog days of the NBA’s 82-game regular season, Dieng’s 17 points, including five threes, and three rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench, helped Milwaukee secure a 116-108 win against the Orlando Magic.

Deing says Bucks head coach Doc Rivers helped alleviate the pressure that most players joining a team mid-season feel by telling the fourth-year forward to be himself, trust his instincts, and it paid off in the form of a breakout performance.

“He just told me to just play the way I play, make the right decisions,” Dieng said. “And I told him I’d do anything to help the team win.”

The advice helped Dieng settle into his new home, as did the support of Giannis’ brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and the rest of the Bucks organization, which Ousmane said has eased the transition to his new team. Still, heading back to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder, his former team, was a fitting follow-up to his first breakout performance with the Bucks. It set the stage for a career-best performance on Thursday.

Ousmane Dieng’s career night lifts Bucks in his return to OKC

Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng scored a career-high 19 points in a 110-93 win against the Thunder. Facing off against his former team was an emotional night, Dieng admits. However, it didn’t disrupt his focus: the familiarity and warm welcome from Thunder fans when the PA announcer called out Ousmane’s name during the starting lineup introduction at the Paycom Center led to his best performance.

In a 110-93 win against the Thunder, Dieng finished with 19 points on 7-for-12 attempts, including 3-of-6 from deep, 11 rebounds, six assists, four blocks, and one steal. Coming off stuffing the stat sheet against the Thunder, it’s hard to believe Dieng was feeling a lot of different emotions before tip-off.

“A lot of everything; nervous, excited, but it was fun,” Dieng said. “I liked it. I played four years with those guys. So, it was really fun.”

Ahead of Dieng’s return to the Paycom Center on Thursday night, Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham, filling in for head coach Doc Rivers, discussed how much he’s enjoyed working closely with Dieng.

“Really good kid, man, in the short amount of time I’ve been around him,” Ham said. “A great vibe to him, asks all the right questions, stood right next to him on his first day of practice. And just talking about the offense and different dynamics, the defense, you know? High IQ, soaking in everything, taking one step at a time, and loves to work. We’re excited about him.”

Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham, filling in for Doc Rivers’ pregame media availability, talks about what he’s liked from Ousmane Dieng, so far pic.twitter.com/FGvRJ3eplH

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 12, 2026

For Dieng, his two breakout performances with the Bucks are a byproduct of being given an increased role on a team that wasn’t readily available on the Thunder. Behind All-Star Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams in head coach Mark Daigneault’s depth chart, Dieng was eager to prove himself as an everyday NBA player. He wasted no time in doing so in his first week with the Bucks.

“I feel like it’s just an opportunity. I put in the work,” Dieng added. “I know what I can do. I’m just able to show it right now. It’s great.”

Dieng tallied a combined 36 points on 13-of-22 shooting, including 8-for-14 from deep, 14 rebounds, six assists, four blocks, and one steal in his last two games with the Bucks. He’s in the final year of his four-year rookie contract, worth $6.6 million for the 2025-26 season, and will enter the summer as a restricted free agent.

The post Exclusive: Ousmane Dieng’s ‘crazy’ trade path leading to prime breakout with Bucks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Jazz were recently fined $500,000 for sitting the players late in games, which they considered conduct detrimental to the league. The Jazz then announced that Jackson would miss the rest of the season as he undergoes surgery on his left knee.

Some around the league think that the Jazz are purposely tanking, and they’re calling them out for it. One of the rumored teams that has been telling stories about the Jazz is the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.

“Oklahoma City is going through back channels to put pressure on the Jazz to play the season out in order for them to get the pick,” Jones said on KSL Sports.

The Thunder will get the Jazz’s pick if it lands outside of the top-8.

“It’s OKC going through back channels, planting stuff, planting stories, in order to pressure the Jazz into playing the season. The Jazz are going to do whatever they can to keep the pick. Just from being around here for the last 36 hours, I don’t think they care one bit about what people are thinking of them.”

The Jazz have been near the bottom of the standings for the past few years, but they’ve gotten better talent-wise this season. After acquiring Jackson at the trade deadline, it was evident that they were trying to turn a corner, but they also knew the logistics of trying to keep their pick.

It’s obvious the Thunder want the pick, so if it is true that they’re planting stories, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise.

The post NBA rumors: Insider claims Thunder are ‘planting stories to pressure Jazz’ amid tanking allegations appeared first on ClutchPoints.

As someone who also missed his entire rookie season due to injury, Holmgren clarified how that’s where his comparisons to Topic’s setbacks end, as the 2024 12th overall pick was diagnosed with testicular cancer back in October. Four months removed from three rounds of chemotherapy, Topic checked into his first NBA matchup on Thursday, which left a lasting impression on Holmgren.

“Anybody battling cancer is fighting for their life. I could never begin to understand what that’s like. It just speaks to the strength of [Topić], and who he is as a person,” Holmgren said. “It would have been very justified for him to weigh everybody around him down and sulk, and be mad at the world because the kid he is, he doesn’t deserve that. We’re all just so happy that he was able to battle through that, get back to hooping.

“You see a lot bigger smile on his face when he’s able to be out there with his shoes on. I thought he had a really good game tonight. He could have made 100 shots or missed 100 shots tonight; it was an amazing game for him. Being able to get out there, get some reps under his belt, and now, he can learn from them, we can learn from him, too.”

Chet Holmgren’s heartfelt response to Nikola Topić’s NBA debut: “Anybody who’s battling cancer is fighting for their life. I could never begin to understand what that’s like.

It speaks to the strength of [Topić], who he is as a person… the kid he is, he doesn’t deserve that” pic.twitter.com/U1KwVvr3JQ

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 13, 2026

Chet Holmgren commends Thunder rookie Nikola Topic

As Chet Holmgren and the Thunder adapt to Nikola Topic’s approach as a secondary playmaker, Holmgren sees how the Thunder rookie will only improve from here on out. With Topic’s NBA debut with the Thunder under his belt, it’s a significant step in his first NBA season.

“He’s a unique player. I feel like on the team, he’s probably the most pass-first guy, Holmgren said. “He’s out there really trying to put guys in advantage situations, and then look to score second. We kind of got to learn that when he’s on the floor, and learn to play with him a little bit. As we get better with him and he continues to get better, I think it’s going to be really good.

“But all that stuff is secondary. First of all, we’re just happy he’s back to good health, and that he’s out there,” Holmgren concluded.

Holmgren’s double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) and two blocks led the Thunder starters in Thursday’s loss to the Bucks. Isaiah Joe’s 17 points, including four threes, off the bench led the Thunder in scoring.

The post Thunder’s Chet Holmgren gets real on reality of Nikola Topic’s return from cancer diagnosis appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Then, Topic entered the game toward the end of the first quarter against the Bucks to a standing ovation. Daigneault was elated and couldn’t have been happier for Topic and his family as they navigated an uncertain path toward Topic’s first NBA game with the Thunder.

“Thrilled for him. He’s obviously been through a ton of adversity in his life in his last couple of years. He’s a young guy that all he wants to do is play basketball, and that’s been taken from him a couple of different times,” Daigneault said. For him to work himself to this point, get himself on the floor, is a great accomplishment. I loved watching the team respond to him both during and after the game, and I can’t help but think of his family, as well.

I have young kids at home, and it’s pretty hard to even think about what his family has gone through at all. It hasn’t been just him. He’s got a wonderful family that loves him very much that was through this with him the entire time. So, I’m thrilled for them, and certainly a very feel-good night for his family, for him, and for our team des

pite the fact that we didn’t play our best game.”

Mark Daigneault on Nikola Topić’s NBA debut for the Thunder: “Thrilled for him. He’s obviously been through a lot of adversity in his life the last couple of years…

For him to work himself to this point, get himself on the floor, is a great accomplishment… can’t help but think… pic.twitter.com/lTHL3GH5A3

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 13, 2026

Topic finished with two points, one assist, and one rebound in 12 minutes against the Bucks on Thursday.

Mark Daigneault reacts to Nikola Topic’s Thunder debut

While head coach Mark Daigneault was ecstatic for prospect Nikola Topic’s Thunder debut in Thursday’s game against the Bucks, he knows Topic is still far from 100% following three rounds of chemotherapy.

Still, Topic’s Thunder debut is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

“What’s important to remember is he played two very short stretches of Blue minutes earlier this week. This was just a unique pocket to get him in with our team, with very little expectations from a performance standpoint,” Daigneault added. “He’s in the infant stages of returning to full game shape. What chemotherapy does to your body is really remarkable. It’s crazy what it does to you physically.

“The road back from that is different for everybody, and it’s highly challenging. If his peak athleticism is a 10 out of 10, he’s not even close to that right now in terms of conditioning, athleticism, strength, all the things that do to your body. It would be unfair to evaluate him in this context. We’re just happy he got out there tonight and is on that track back. That’s the most important thing,” Daigneault added.

The Thunder dropped its third game in five tries in a 110-93 loss to the Bucks at the Paycom Center.

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After the loss, Daigneault pointed to the Bucks’ defense disrupting the Thunder’s offense early and often throughout the night, as Milwaukee’s lead ballooned to its largest of the night, 24 points.

“We weren’t able to really get any offensive rhythm tonight for whatever reason,” Daigneault said. “I thought there were a lot of possessions we weren’t very organized, which sets you back at the beginning of possessions. Milwaukee did a great job; obviously, they outplayed us the whole night. But, obviously, it just wasn’t our best night. But I thought our process let us down on a lot of plays.”

While the Bucks’ defense held the Thunder to under 40% from the floor (37.3%), they drained 17 threes amid a well-balanced attack. Seven Bucks players scored in double figures, including a team-high 19 points from the former Thunder forward acquired ahead of last week’s trade deadline.

AJ Green connected on six threes en route to 17 points. Bobby Portis added a double-double (15 points, 12 rebounds), and Kyle Kuzma chipped in 14 points. Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who earned his first All-Star nod ahead of this weekend’s festivities, led Oklahoma City with 16 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

The Thunder were also missing their starting center, Isaiah Hartenstein, his backup in Branden Carlson, and backup guard Ajay Mitchell.

Mark Daigneault talks about Nikola Topic before Thunder debut

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault discussed Nikola Topic’s long road to making his NBA debut. After Topic forfeited his rookie season with an ACL injury, the 2024 first-round pick was diagnosed with testicular cancer after the Thunder’s first preseason game in October.

For Daigneault, Topic’s remarkable journey set the stage for an unforgettable night at the Paycom Center.

“He’s done an incredible job in the face of a lot of different obstacles and adversities,” Daigneault said. “For a young person, he’s shown tremendous resilience and optimism, professionalism, consistency, steadiness; he’s an impressive young guy. And before that, he did an ACL [injury]. Then, turned around and had another more significant setback. I’m incredibly happy for him to be able to dress tonight.”

Mark Daigneault on Nikola Topić’s NBA debut: “He’s done an incredible job in the face of a lot of different obstacles and adversities.

For a young person, he’s shown tremendous resilience, and optimism… I’m incredibly happy for him to be able to dress tonight” pic.twitter.com/qvog1tBYwa

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 12, 2026

The Thunder enter the All-Star break with the NBA-best record — 42-14.

The post Thunder’s Mark Daigneault reveals biggest reason for stunning Bucks upset appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Topic entered the league when the Thunder selected him 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, he has yet to make his debut due to serious injuries and ailments. He tore his ACL that kept him out of the 2024-25 campaign and dealt with testicular cancer treatment throughout a chunk of this ongoing season.

Fortunately for the talented prospect, he finally recovered as he stepped onto the Thunder court for the first regular-season debut in his career. Oklahoma City fans made sure to give him a huge round of applause for his resilience through the hardships he’s experiences.

Thunder rookie Nikola Topić checks in for his first official NBA game

Topić overcame a torn ACL and testicular cancer before being able to make it into an NBA game

(via @Joe_Sway) pic.twitter.com/Qrc2Pc2Za2

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 13, 2026

How Nikola Topic, Thunder played against Bucks

Nikola Topic scored his first points and even recorded a rebound and an assist in his debut. However, the Thunder entered the All-Star break with a 110-93 blowout loss to the Bucks.

Oklahoma City was short-handed as the team was missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams due to injury. Milwaukee still took advantage as the visitors won all four quarters throughout the matchup.

Three players scored in double-digits for Oklahoma City in the loss. Isaiah Joe led the way with a stat line of 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. He shot 5-of-11 from the field, including 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Chet Holmgren came next with 16 points and 13 rebounds, Jared McCain had 13 points and three rebounds, while Luguentz Dort, Kenrich Williams and Alex Caruso scored nine points each.

Oklahoma City fell to a 42-14 record on the season but maintain the top spot in the Western Conference standings. They are three games above the San Antonio Spurs and 6.5 games above the Denver Nuggets.

The Thunder are officially on rest mode due to the upcoming All-Star Weekend festivities in Los Angeles. They will resume next week when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. ET.

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Ahead of Thursday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, Daigneault confirmed Topic’s availability during his pregame media availability.

“He’s done an incredible job in the face of a lot of different obstacles and adversities,” Daigneault said. “For a young person, he’s shown tremendous resilience and optimism, professionalism, consistency, steadiness; he’s an impressive young guy. And before that, he did an ACL [injury]. Then, turned around and had another more significant setback. I’m incredibly happy for him to be able to dress tonight.”

Although Topic is available for the Thunder, Daigneault wouldn’t confirm whether the prospect will get a chance to check into the game tonight.

“In the Blue games, he played short minutes. It’s his first live action in a long, long time,” Daigneault added. “The purpose of getting dressed tonight was just to get him used to a game day in uniform for the first time. So, we’ll see how it goes, but it’s a huge accomplishment for him to get to this point.”

Mark Daigneault on Nikola Topić’s NBA debut: “He’s done an incredible job in the face of a lot of different obstacles and adversities.

For a young person, he’s shown tremendous resilience, and optimism… I’m incredibly happy for him to be able to dress tonight” pic.twitter.com/qvog1tBYwa

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 12, 2026

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault could turn to Topic amid his guard’s foul trouble, or toward the end of a lopsided game.

G League coach reacts to Thunder prospect Nikola Topic debut

Thunder’s G League affiliate Blue head coach Daniel Dixon, who’s spent time with Nikola Topic during summer league, was impressed by the prospect guard’s return. For Dixon, Topic’s approach fit in with the rest of his teammates.

“It was awesome. For him, there were probably a ton of emotions he was going through. Having something taken away from you that you love from a young age cannot be easy,” Dixon said. “Just to see his resilience and him to know that the whole organization is behind him — we’re pushing him forward — I’m just really proud of him. Just seeing him crack a smile being out there on the court again.

“Doing what he enjoys, doing what he loves to do, being out there with his teammates. There were so many positive things just from him stepping on the floor, stepping in between those lines, and competing. He did a really good job.”

Topic followed up his 7-point debut by leading the Blue to a back-to-back win with 22 points, including four threes, four assists, and two steals.

The Nikola Topić G League Highlight Tape in light of the news that the Thunder guard’s available for his NBA debut.

Nikola Topić was diagnosed with testicular cancer four months ago. He played in his first two G League games this week

29 PTS
10-17 FG
4-9 3PT
11 AST
3 REB
36 MIN pic.twitter.com/Qnc1Sh3MXg

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 12, 2026

Topic and the Thunder will host the Bucks at the Paycom Center on Thursday.

The post Thunder prospect Nikola Topic’s NBA return gets ‘incredible’ Mark Daigneault update appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Thunder (42-13) host the Bucks (22-30) at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video, and Topic was not listed on the team’s latest injury report.

The 20-year-old guard recently returned to game action in the G League and showed encouraging signs in limited minutes. In his second contest with the Oklahoma City Blue on Wednesday, Topic scored 22 points while adding four assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. He shot 7-for-12 from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range in 20 minutes, helping lead the Blue to a 127-118 victory over the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

Topic made his G League debut Monday and averaged 14.5 points, 5.5 assists, 1.5 rebounds and one steal across two appearances. He shot 58.8% from the field and 55.6% from beyond the arc while playing 18 minutes per game.

His return to competition comes nearly four months after receiving a testicular cancer diagnosis. Topic had already been working his way back from an ACL injury that sidelined him last season before undergoing three rounds of chemotherapy.

Nikola Topic is AVAILABLE tonight and in line to make his NBA debut vs. the Bucks, 4 months after being diagnosed with testicular cancer pic.twitter.com/H0xIjVuP9r

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026

Nikola Topic set for potential NBA debut after cancer diagnosis

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Topic’s perseverance earlier this week before Oklahoma City’s 119-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Great accomplishment,” Daigneault said. “Can’t say enough about him as a guy. His mental toughness, maturity, resilience. And to think of where he’s been — he sat out with an ACL last year — he hasn’t played a lot of basketball over the last two years. And he comes off a one-year rehab and immediately has a very surprising diagnosis, and goes through chemotherapy — three rounds of it.

“So, for him to work himself back to the court is just an unbelievable accomplishment, like I said. And we’re just incredibly happy for him. His teammates have been very supportive during this process.”

Daigneault added that the focus remains on Topic’s well-being rather than immediate production.

“We’re all just collectively thrilled that he’s back playing basketball. I know he’s missed it a great deal,” Daigneault said. “And this is just so good for him, mentally. We’re not evaluating the performance right now. It’s just a great accomplishment that he’s out there right now.”

If he appears Thursday, Topic’s debut would mark a remarkable milestone for one of Oklahoma City’s youngest prospects as the Thunder look to close out the first half of their season before All-Star Weekend begins Friday at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

The post Thunder’s Nikola Topic available to make NBA debut after cancer diagnosis appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Williams is ruled out for the Thunder’s second leg of a back-to-back ahead of the All-Star break. The defending champions will host the Bucks at the Paycom Center.

Williams returned from a 10-game absence in the Thunder’s 119-110 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. He finished with 23 points and three rebounds before Wednesday’s 28 points, five assists, and four rebounds against the Suns. Williams’ right hamstring injury is the same ailment that forced a 10-game absence ahead of his return against the Lakers.

Will Thunder lose Jalen Williams for a significant amount of time?

Because Thunder forward Jalen Williams missed 10 games with the same right hamstring injury suffered on Wednesday, the defending champions could be without their All-Defensive forward when the regular season resumes after the All-Star break. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault commended Williams’ impressive 28-point performance in their win over the Suns, noting how consistent Jalen’s scoring can create opportunities for his teammates.

Without All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s reinsertion of Williams back into the fold was seamless despite a 10-game absence. He picked up right where he left off in helping the Thunder secure two wins on the road, but will now suffer another setback amidst an injury-riddled season.

Williams has missed 30 regular-season games thus far. The Thunder enter Thursday’s matchup against the Bucks with the NBA’s best record — 42-13.

The post Jalen Williams ruled out for Thunder-Bucks game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He’s shooting at a 50% clip from deep in February, averaging 3.5 threes a night. For Joe, his elite shooting of late is a byproduct of the Thunder’s offense, which has capitalized on outside touch amidst its four wins in six tries this month.

“The connectivity of the team. Everybody’s playing together,” Joe said. “Obviously, shots are going in, but I just think that comes with the style of play. We’re moving the ball. Everybody’s feeling the energy of the game, getting the flow, and it shows out there.”

Joe’s 21 points led a Thunder bench that combined for 74 points in Wednesday’s win against the Suns.

“We have a winning mindset, and we understand that in order to win games with the pieces that we have, we have to play a certain brand of basketball, and that just comes with moving the rock, and everybody getting a feel,” Joe said. “Keeping the ball ahead of the defense is something that we talk about, and we just go out there and execute that to the best of our ability.”

Isaiah Joe has connected on 28 of his last 58 3-point attempts throughout the Thunder’s previous eight games. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his fourth consecutive game due to an abdominal injury. Oklahoma City is 2-2 in its last four outings.

Mark Daigneault reacts to Jalen Williams’ 28 points in Thunder win

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault commended Jalen Williams’ 28-point performance in the Thunder’s 27-point win against the Suns on the road. The night after high school jersey retirement ceremony just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, Williams went a perfect 11-for-11 from the floor en route to 28 points. He finished 11-for-12 in three quarters, 20 minutes to be exact.

In only his second game back from a 10-game absence due to a hamstring injury, Williams dominated the Suns, which Daigneault thought was a touching finish to a special two-day span for his starting forward.

“He was cooking. That was impressive. He was in a great flow,” Daigneault said. “I thought he had a great blend of attacks, including some passes that were really, really good. He was doing a great job. It was an unbelievably complete game. It completes a really memorable trip for him with the high school jersey retirement last night.

“Then, for him to play in his hometown the way he did in front of his people is pretty special. So, I’m incredibly happy for him. We’re certainly thrilled to have him out there. He’s doing a great job.”

The Thunder will host the Bucks at the Paycom Center on Thursday.

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Williams scored 28 points on 11-of-12 shooting in three quarters, leading seven Thunder players in double figures, as Daigneault reflected on how great a two-day span it’s been for his starting forward.

“He was cooking. That was impressive. He was in a great flow,” Daigneault said. “I thought he had a great blend of attacks, including some passes that were really, really good. He was doing a great job. It was an unbelievably complete game. It completes a really memorable trip for him with the high school jersey retirement last night.

“Then, for him to play in his hometown the way he did in front of his people is pretty special. So, I’m incredibly happy for him. We’re certainly thrilled to have him out there. He’s doing a great job.”

Williams checked out of the game toward the end of the third quarter with what looked like a reaggravation of his hamstring injury, which forced him to miss 10 games before his return against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder has yet to provide an update on Williams. Still, his 28-point performance against the Suns was done in only 20 minutes.

He also finished with five assists and four rebounds. Isaiah Joe continued his hot shooting streak with 19 points, including six threes off the bench, and Chet Holmgren added 13 points and four rebounds against the Suns.

Jalen Williams on jersey retirement ceremony amid Thunder trip

Over 60 members of the Thunder organization, including players, coaches, and staff, attended Jalen Williams’ high school jersey retirement ceremony at Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona. After Williams returned from a hamstring injury during the Thunder’s two-game road trip, Jalen’s jersey retirement ceremony took place the night before Wednesday’s game against the Suns, as head coach Mark Daigneault noted after Wednesday’s win.

For Williams, it was a heartfelt reminder of where his basketball career began, during the champion’s fourth season with the Thunder.

“It put it into perspective a little bit more just because I was the first one up there. It’s my high school. I was 14 going there. I didn’t think none of that would happen. It wasn’t even a thought,” Williams said. “So, that definitely brings it a lot into perspective. Just how much it means to me and my family, and there’s a legacy involved in that. Then, having my brother go to that same high school and for him to win their first two rings ever in the program is really cool.

“It’s something that kind of goes by. I don’t really think about it. But yesterday definitely brought me back down to earth a little bit. Kind of reminding me of how far I’ve come.”

The Thunder will host the Bucks in its final game before the All-Star break.

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Williams looked like he reaggravated that same injury. Yet he opted to finish out shooting a free throw before heading back to the locker room.

Jalen Williams then proceeded to miss his first FG in the next play, and asked to be subbed out.

Williams made his way to the locker room right away. https://t.co/YchQpVZBan

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026

Williams walked out having scored 28 points in 20 minutes of action. That output spearheaded the 136-109 romp by the world champion Thunder.

But again, the NBA champion’s health has resurfaced into question. Fans are wondering if this newest lower leg injury will force him to miss even more extensive action.

Jalen Williams honored before Thunder vs. Suns

Williams received a jersey retirement ceremony before the game.

His high school Perry High in Gilbert, Az., honored him by raising his jersey. Even his entire OKC teammates attended the event.

“I didn’t think none of that would happen. It wasn’t even a thought,” Williams said regarding his high school retiring his uniform. “So, that definitely brings it a lot into perspective. Just how much it means to me and my family, and there’s a legacy involved in that. Then, having my brother go to that same high school, and for him to win their first two rings ever, in the program, is really cool.

“It’s something that kind of goes by,” Williams continued. “I don’t really think about it. But yesterday definitely brought me back down to earth a little bit. Kind of reminding me of how far I’ve come.”

The Thunder have created quite the team-oriented atmosphere during their string of dominance. Now OKC must rally around Williams one more time amid this latest setback.

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Williams addressed the special night after Thunder’s morning shootaround.

“It put it into perspective a little bit more just because I was the first one up there. It’s my high school. I was 14 going there. I didn’t think none of that would happen. It wasn’t even a thought,” Williams said. “So, that definitely brings it a lot into perspective. Just how much it means to me and my family, and there’s a legacy involved in that. Then, having my brother go to that same high school, and for him to win their first two rings ever, in the program, is really cool.

“It’s something that kind of goes by. I don’t really think about it. But yesterday definitely brought me back down to earth a little bit. Kind of reminding me of how far I’ve come.”

Now, Cody Williams, Jalen’s brother, who led Perry to two state titles, is in his second season playing for the Utah Jazz. Williams’ Thunder teammates joined him for the ceremony.

“It’s really cool. I think we’ve been trying to plan to do that for pretty close to since I’ve been in the NBA,” Williams said. “So, it was cool to have a day in Arizona where we could do it. Did not expect the turnout at all that we had. It was super cool, obviously. My teammates, Thunder staff, coming out there meant a lot; something I don’t take for granted. Then, obviously, having my friends and friends there, too, is really special.

“The second time kind of puts it into perspective. The lives I’ve touched, whether it’s on the court or off the court, I got to see a lot of people that probably never saw me play. But I remember seeing them throughout high school. It was really cool to connect with everybody. You don’t always get the chance to see everybody when you go back home. So, it was cool to kind of make my rounds,” Williams concluded.

.@okcthunder requested over 60 spots for players, coaches, & staffers at @jdubwttp’s Perry High School jersey retirement.

Shows you the love the Thunder have for Jalen Williams.@Sports360AZ @PerryPumaMBB #NBA #OKCThunder #JalenWilliams #OKC pic.twitter.com/cW1UAPRGZY

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) February 11, 2026

Williams returned from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the Thunder’s previous 10 games before Monday’s win against the Lakers.

Jalen Williams’ silver lining return to Thunder

Thunder forward Jalen Williams returned for the Lakers’ road matchup before heading to his hometown outside of Phoenix, Arizona. Before facing the Suns, Williams talked about what the past three weeks were like for him, as he nursed a hamstring injury coupled with the torn ligaments in his surgically-repaired right wrist.

“It feels great. The three weeks [were] actually great for me. That was the first time that I shot like that since April 8th of last year,” Williams said. “So, that was really dope. My hand feels good. I just got jammed up with Ayton, and that was pretty much it. It’s honestly the best it’s been since then. A lot of the reps I was able to do while I was out. That really helped out a lot.”

Williams connected on a career-high 11-for-13 free throws in the Thunder’s nine-point win against the Lakers.

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Thunder fans would argue Joe has done enough to earn an invite to this week’s dunk and 3-point contest at All-Star Saturday Night. Before dunking over James, Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero was Joe’s previous poster victim. However, it’s Joe’s shooting that’s been his staple for the Thunder over the years, and this season is no different, especially since Gilgeous-Alexander’s abdominal injury.

Joe is averaging 14.6 points on 44.2% shooting, including 44.1% from deep, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in February. In his previous seven games combined, He’s connected on a whopping 22 threes (22-for-50) at the same rate (44%). I-Joe is good for at least three triples a game in February.

His 19 points led the Thunder’s bench production in a 119-110 win against the Lakers. Thunder’s Isaiah Joe has been one of Daigneault most reliable scorers, especially ahead of Jalen Williams’ return on Monday.

Jalen Williams’ silver lining amid return in Thunder win

Thunder starting forward Jalen Williams returned from a 10-game absence in a 119-110 win against the Lakers. Williams recovered from a hamstring injury before scoring 10 of his 23 points to will the Thunder to a victory on the road.

After the game, Williams revealed how the unexpected rest, following his return from a 19-game absence to start the season, rejuvenated his approach.

“It feels great. The three weeks [were] actually great for me. That was the first time that I shot like that since April 8th of last year,” Williams said. “So, that was really dope. My hand feels good. I just got jammed up with Ayton, and that was pretty much it. It’s honestly the best it’s been since then. A lot of the reps I was able to do while I was out. That really helped out a lot.”

The Thunder will look to close out its quick two-game road trip without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on a high note in Wednesday’s matchup against the Suns.

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Then, he followed it up with a dominating performance in the second meeting of the Blue’s back-to-back games against the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Topic finished with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 4-for-7 from deep, four assists, two rebounds, two steals, and one block in 20 minutes.

Nikola Topić in the second G League game of his career:

22 PTS
7-12 FG
4-7 3PT
2-3 FT
4 AST
2 REB
2 STL
1 BLK
20 MIN

OKC Blue defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce 127-118 pic.twitter.com/Wqzz0SW6D4

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 11, 2026

For Blue head coach Daniel Dixon, Topic leading his team to a hard-fought victory in only his second game is an impressive feat.

“A ton of resilience from him. He’s just very tough, I think, mentally. So, you’re seeing him battle through different things. Tonight was just another example of that,” Dixon said. “A back-to-back. His first experience. With him, we just try to take it one step at a time. And today I thought he put one foot in front of the other and did a great job for us. He gave us a big lift. Just overall, I’m really proud of him. I know this was a big two games for him.”

Dixon, who was the head coach of the Thunder’s summer league squad, talked about the time spent with Topic throughout the offseason.

“I’ve been around him since summer league, and he’s shown a set of skills that is very unique,” Dixon added. “Just like all of our guys, the system skills are always very important. So, his system skills are continuing to improve on both ends of the floor. So, we’re really proud of his development.”

In his first two games in the G League, Topic has combined for 29 points on 10-for-17 attempts, including 5-of-9 from deep, 11 assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. Thunder GM Sam Presti attended both games.

Mark Daigneault reacts to Nikola Topic’s G League debut

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault commended Nikola Topic taking a big step in returning to basketball, nearly four months removed from his testicular cancer diagnosis. Daigneault reacted to the news before the Thunder’s matchup against the Lakers on Monday.

“Great accomplishment,” Daigneault said. “Can’t say enough about him as a guy. His mental toughness, maturity, resilience. And to think of where he’s been — he sat out with an ACL last year — he hasn’t played a lot of basketball over the last two years. And he comes off a one-year rehab and immediately has a very surprising diagnosis, and goes through chemotherapy — three rounds of it.

“So, for him to work himself back to the court is just an unbelievable accomplishment, like I said. And we’re just incredibly happy for him. His teammates have been very supportive during this process.”

For Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, it’s an exciting time to see Topic playing again.

“We’re all just collectively thrilled that he’s back playing basketball. I know he’s missed it a great deal,” Daigneault added. “And this is just so good for him, mentally. We’re not evaluating the performance right now. It’s just a great accomplishment that he’s out there right now.”

Asked Mark Daigneault about Nikola Topic playing for the OKC Blue tonight:

"Great accomplishment. I just can't say enough about him as a guy. His mental toughness, maturity and resilience. … We're all just collectively thrilled that he's back playing basketball. I know he's… pic.twitter.com/w8JKnbYBLY

— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) February 10, 2026

The Thunder will face the Suns on the road on Wednesday.

The post Thunder prospect Nikola Topic shines in second game since cancer diagnosis appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Topic finished with seven points on 3-of-5 attempts, seven assists, and one rebound in 16 minutes of a 137-135 win in overtime. Daigneault, amidst the Thunder’s two-game road trip, reacted to Topic’s making his debut for the Blue, per The Oklahoman’s Justin Martinez.

“Great accomplishment,” Daigneault said. “Can’t say enough about him as a guy. His mental toughness, maturity, resilience. And to think of where he’s been — he sat out with an ACL last year — he hasn’t played a lot of basketball over the last two years. And he comes off a one-year rehab and immediately has a very surprising diagnosis, and goes through chemotherapy — three rounds of it.

“So, for him to work himself back to the court is just an unbelievable accomplishment, like I said. And we’re just incredibly happy for him. His teammates have been very supportive during this process.”

For Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, it’s an exciting time to see Topic playing again.

“We’re all just collectively thrilled that he’s back playing basketball. I know he’s missed it a great deal,” Daigneault added. “And this is just so good for him, mentally. We’re not evaluating the performance right now. It’s just a great accomplishment that he’s out there right now.”

Asked Mark Daigneault about Nikola Topic playing for the OKC Blue tonight:

"Great accomplishment. I just can't say enough about him as a guy. His mental toughness, maturity and resilience. … We're all just collectively thrilled that he's back playing basketball. I know he's… pic.twitter.com/w8JKnbYBLY

— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) February 10, 2026

Although the Thunder assigned Topic to its G League affiliate, Blue head coach Daniel Dixon says the organization’s long-term plans will remain in-house, including minutes restrictions and whether its prospect guard will rejoin the Thunder anytime soon.

Topic played in one Thunder preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets before his cancer diagnosis.

G League coach ’emotional’ response to Nikola Topic’s debut

Thunder GM Sam Presti showed his support for the 12th pick in the 2024 draft by attending Nikola Topic’s G League debut on Monday. Before Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reacted to Nikola’s G League debut, Blue head coach Daniel Dixon shared a heartfelt response to Topic’s debut during his postgame media availability.

“It was awesome. For him, there were probably a ton of emotions he was going through. Having something taken away from you that you love from a young age cannot be easy,” Dixon said. “Just to see his resilience and him to know that the whole organization is behind him — we’re pushing him forward — I’m just really proud of him. Just seeing him crack a smile being out there on the court again.

“Doing what he enjoys, doing what he loves to do, being out there with his teammates. There were so many positive things just from him stepping on the floor, stepping in between those lines, and competing. He did a really good job.”

Dixon added that Topic had spent so much time around his Blue teammates before Monday’s game and that his presence helped ease him into his debut.

“One of the best things he’s done over the past few days is implement himself into the group, and he’s done a really good job of that,” Dixon added. “Getting to know the guys. He’s been willing to do anything and everything, and I think that just speaks to who he is as a person. I have a ton of respect for him. Just the way that he battled tonight.”

Blue head coach Daniel Dixon on Nikola Topić debut: “It was awesome. For him, probably a ton of emotions that he was going through…

I’m just really proud of him. Just seeing him crack a smile being out there on the court again… he did a really good job” pic.twitter.com/jWZMUgz87h

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 10, 2026

Topic followed up his debut performance by leading the Blue to a 127-118 victory with 22 points, including four threes, four assists, and two steals against the Skyforce on back-to-back nights at the Paycom Center.

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During a recent discussion about the “TikTok era” of the NBA while on the ‘Hoopin n Hollerin’ podcast, Williams questioned whether the young guard’s social media presence is distracting him from the grind.

“Should he delete the TikTok account? It is a big deal,” Williams said. “If I’m in the locker room and I come out of that motherf***ing shower and I see Buddy over there doing a TikTok dance in motherf***ing locker room, that’s a problem. Maybe that’s why they don’t want vets in the locker room because it’s a TikTok era now.”

Jason Willams talking about Jared McCain and his TikTok distracting his game

“Should he delete the TikTok account? It is a big deal. If I’m in the locker room and I come out of that motherfu*king shower and I see Buddy over there doing a TikTok dance in motherfu*king locker… https://t.co/vUUa2NLmkV pic.twitter.com/hrKpa8et9x

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 10, 2026

Williams even brought up Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James to illustrate the hierarchy of the league. He argued that James has earned the right to do whatever he wants, while McCain needs to focus on his longevity.

“Do you realize Bron is the best of the best? He can TikTok whenever… This boy right here can’t do nam of that,” Williams added. “If he wants to stay in the NBA for 10, 11 years, he better get his sh*t together.”

The timing of the criticism follows a major change of scenery for the former Duke University standout. The Philadelphia 76ers traded Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 4 in exchange for draft picks. Since joining the Thunder, McCain has struggled to find a consistent rhythm in the rotation.

In Monday’s 119-110 victory over the Lakers, McCain logged 14 minutes off the bench, tallying seven points and three rebounds while shooting 3-of-6 from the floor. That followed a quiet performance against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 7, where he managed just five points and two rebounds in 14 minutes of action.

While McCain’s bubbly personality and painted nails have made him a social media icon, critics like Williams believe the focus should remain on the box score.

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Some great examples of enforcers are Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, and Charles Oakley. While the enforcer role isn’t as common in the modern NBA, especially because the league has cracked down on physical altercations, there are a few left of the dying breed. That was on display in the Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets game on Feb. 9. While fights were breaking out, Isaiah Stewart rushed to the defense of his teammates to get involved in yet another squabble, proving he won’t let the role of enforcing go extinct. So, what other active players play the enforcer role well?

5. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

Zach Edey was a polarizing player coming out of Purdue. The 7-foot-4 big man was a force in college. He won back-to-back Naismith College Player of the Year awards, something that hadn’t been done since Ralph Sampson in the early ’80s. Many didn’t think Edey’s interior-oriented game would work in the NBA, though. Scouts were worried about Edey’s foot speed, a lack of a perimeter game, and limited passing ability out of double teams.

It ended up not mattering, though, as Edey immediately became one of the best rookies last season. His size was too much for opposing players to handle, as Edey was a force on the glass and as a paint scorer during his first season. Edey also established himself as an enforcer for the Memphis Grizzlies. In addition to his 7-foot-4 height, Edey weighs 305 pounds. Nobody wants to mess with that, nor could they if they really wanted to.

While he doesn’t have tons of NBA tape yet, Edey has already stepped up to his teammates’ defense on multiple occasions throughout his young career. That is admirable, considering Edey’s young age. Unfortunately, Edey has been limited to just 11 games in year two. He has had ankle problems, something that is extremely worrisome for a man of his size. Hopefully, Edey can get healthy and return to the court to be a big body that nobody wants to mess with.

4. Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

Historically, winning teams had enforcers to take on the dirty work. That has been proven true in the modern NBA, too. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending NBA champions, and they have an enforcer in Lu Dort. The Canadian forward is solid as a rock and can’t be moved from his space. He is built like a football player, and sometimes he plays like it.

The Thunder win a lot of games, and they rely on Dort to make sure opposing teams don’t take their frustrations out on players like reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Enforcers can get a little dirty sometimes, too, and Dort is no exception. In addition to being a ball of muscle, he has become known for tripping opponents and ensuring the players that he plays against walk away with a few extra bumps and bruises.

Dort is a rare player who can truly guard positions one through five. He doesn’t need the spotlight; he is just going to do whatever it takes to ensure his team’s success. Sometimes he crosses the line, but he is certainly one of the league’s best enforcers.

3. Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns

Dillon Brooks is getting the flowers he deserves this year with the Phoenix Suns. Brooks was long viewed as the NBA’s most annoying pest and one of the biggest villains in the league. Fans have seemingly come around on him this year, though. After being traded from the Houston Rockets as part of the Kevin Durant deal, Brooks has played perhaps the biggest role in the Suns being better than expected.

Brooks has never been one to shy away from irritating opposing stars. His rivalry with LeBron James is iconic. He defends the all-time great NBA player well, and he certainly gets under his skin. Brooks constantly irritates other stars, too. He plays through the whistle and knows how to use his body to create just a little bit of extra contact. He does it without it seeming too obvious, too.

Brooks’ antics led to him becoming hated with the Memphis Grizzlies, but his gritty style has become admired in Phoenix. It helps that he is having a career year scoring the ball, too. Brooks is averaging 21.1 points per game, but his insistence on annoying opponents hasn’t slowed down. Brooks is the king of rage-baiting and certainly one of the best enforcers in the NBA.

2. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Whether Draymond Green is an enforcer or a dirty player can be debated. He has had tons of egregious moments throughout his career. His spinning punch on Jusuf Nurkic, the stomping of Domantas Sabonis’ chest, and the chokehold he put on Rudy Gobert all come to mind. Players that Green matches up against tend to end up on the hardwood more often than not.

There is no doubting that Green will always have his teammates’ backs, though. Green thrives when games get physical. He also plays with a finesse player in Stephen Curry, and he makes sure that Curry isn’t on the receiving end of too much contact or any physical altercations.

Considering his Golden State Warriors have won four championships, Green has proven that the enforcer role is still a necessary one in the NBA. Green isn’t just out there to cause chaos, though. Although his offensive game is limited, like many enforcers before him, he is one of the best defenders in NBA history. Green can guard inside or outside and has a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name. He is also a solid playmaker on offense for a big man. Green knows how to get his teammates involved. He has been doing it with Curry, the best shooter in NBA history, and a point guard who likes to play off the ball, for the entirety of his career.

1. Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons

“You don’t expect me to stay on the bench,” Isaiah Stewart said. “The f*** was I drafted to Detroit for?” The big man known as Beef Stew made his role clear after his most recent altercation. Despite being on the bench when punches were flying and pushes were happening, Stewart rushed onto the court to come to his teammates’ rescue.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, “[Jalen] Duren and Stew consider themselves to be brothers. If you run two guys at one guy and you’ve already crossed the line, human instinct tells him to protect his little brother.” Bickerstaff was not only not surprised that Stewart rushed the court and attacked Miles Bridges, but he also borderline applauded it.

Stewart is willing to sacrifice ejection if it means protecting his teammates, which is evidenced by his eight career times being thrown out. This was far from the first time that Stewart has stepped up as an enforcer for the Pistons. Fans will remember when Stewart was bloodied up and chasing after LeBron James like a madman.

Stewart plays one of the most physical brands of basketball in the NBA. Everything he does is reminiscent of the Bad Boy Pistons of old, and he has carried on the legacy of an elite enforcer in Detroit quite well.

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After the game, Williams told reporters that missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury was a good way to rest his surgically-repaired right wrist, the injury that forced him to miss the first 19 games of the season. Despite grimacing after absorbing a hard foul by Lakers center Deandre Ayton, Williams says his wrist is feeling better than it ever has since last season’s initial ligament tear, he said, per The Oklahoman’s Justin Martinez.

“It feels great. The three weeks [were] actually great for me. That was the first time that I shot like that since April 8th of last year,” Williams said. “So, that was really dope. My hand feels good. I just got jammed up with Ayton, and that was pretty much it. It’s honestly the best it’s been since then. A lot of the reps I was able to do while I was out. That really helped out a lot.”

After a slow start in the first half, Williams finished 6-for-17 from the floor with three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. He led seven Thunder players in double figures, including reserves Isaiah Joe’s 19 points (4-for-8 from three), and Alex Caruso (17 points); whose 36 points combined, Oklahoma City’s second unit.

Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds), Cason Wallace added a dozen points, six assists, and two steals, and Jaylin Williams added 11 points off the bench.

How Thunder teammates helped Jalen Williams amid injury

Thunder forward Jalen Williams says his team’s production from the supporting cast made his return as smooth as he could have imagined after missing 10 consecutive games. Williams’ return ahead of the Thunder’s road trip was ideal for a team missing its reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

For Williams, being around his Thunder teammates helped ease the path of recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out for three weeks.

“The biggest support is that it’s very fun to see them, while I’m not playing, still play well. That gives me a lot of confidence,” Williams said. “To go in there and not feel like the weight of the world is on me; that’s nice. We just all get along so well. Going into practice, playing, not playing, just being around them is a blessing. It’s just really cool to be around that group of guys.

“They may not have to say anything encouraging. Just the energy that they’ve had throughout this season makes it fun for me to go into work and just be around basketball, whether I was playing or not.”

Williams and the Thunder’s road trip continues against the Suns on Wednesday.

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Recently, McCain was trying to get into the Thunder’s facility but was encountering a little trouble, so he enlisted the help of none other than league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to get him where he needed to go (via MrBuckBuck on X, formerly Twitter, per ESPN on TikTok).

ESPN on TikTok: "Shai had to help Jared McCain get into the Thunder's building." pic.twitter.com/TRpe4s2bb1

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) February 10, 2026

While he may want to find a more efficient way to get to the Thunder’s building, it seems that team chemistry is already starting to develop between McCain and his new Thunder teammates.

On Monday evening, the Thunder picked up a narrow win over the Los Angeles Lakers on the road, with Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to be sidelined due to an abdominal strain that will keep him out through the All-Star break.

In this game, Jalen Williams took over down the stretch for the Thunder, punishing the Lakers whenever they opted to switch one of their many subpar defenders onto him in the fourth quarter, getting to the basket and also torching Los Angeles from midrange, looking much more like the 2025 version of himself on the heels of his recent hamstring injury.

McCain hasn’t had any explosive scoring nights for the Thunder just yet since the trade from Philadelphia, but he is still a more than capable shooter who can space the floor and get hot in a hurry, as well as being able to create his own offense on occasion.

In any case, the Thunder will next hit the floor on Wednesday evening on the road against the Phoenix Suns for their final game before the break.

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His return was perfectly timed for the defending champions, who have been navigating a difficult stretch while missing All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Williams helped the Thunder snap a two-game skid and maintain their lead atop the Western Conference standings with a gritty performance against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The highlight of the night was Williams’s aggression when attacking the basket.

According to Law Murray on X, Jalen Williams scored 23 points while making 11-of-13 free throws, both of which were game-highs, and the 11 made free throws also marked a new career-high for the young forward.

When asked about his frequent trips to the charity strip, Williams provided a funny explanation regarding the absence of the team’s primary star.

“If you want me to be honest, Shai’s not out there, so I get some of the calls now…”

Complementing Williams’ performance was a stellar effort from the Thunder’s bench, particularly Isaiah Joe.

Joe, who has seen increased minutes during this injury-riddled stretch, finished with 19 points and provided the highlight of the game by soaring over LeBron James for a massive two-handed dunk.

The collective effort from the rotation, including energy players like Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins, ensured the Thunder did not taper off against a veteran Lakers squad.

With Williams back in the fold and the role players stepping up, Oklahoma City heads into its next matchup against the Suns with renewed momentum before the upcoming All-Star break.

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While it is almost impossible to fill the shoes of Gilgeous-Alexander, Joe can definitely get buckets in different ways.

Joe was fearless in attacking the rim against the Lakers. In the second quarter, he made a nifty cut to the basket, receiving a give-and-go pass from Isaiah Hartenstein. Joe then exploded for the two-handed flush, soaring over LeBron James.

ISAIAH JOE OVER LEBRON JAMES pic.twitter.com/o0JZw3kr8o

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

Peep Alex Caruso’s reaction after the impressive play.

The Thunder rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Lakers, 119-110, and snap their two-game skid.

Joe tallied 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 27 minutes off the bench.

He will continue to play a pivotal role for the Thunder, as Gilgeous-Alexander is sidelined until after the All-Star Weekend due to an abdominal strain. The 26-year-old Joe has embraced being the team’s spark plug, providing instant scoring. He is averaging 10.2 points in 21.0 minutes.

Joe is one of the shock troopers of the Thunder, along with Caruso, Ajay Mitchell, and Aaron Wiggins. They impact the game with their two-way energy, making sure that they do not taper off when the starting unit gets a rest.

Jalen Williams, meanwhile, returned against the Lakers, scoring 23 points on 6-of-17 shooting. He missed 10 straight games due to a hamstring strain.

Oklahoma City will face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday before getting a much-needed break.

The post Thunder’s Isaiah Joe goes over LeBron James for huge throwdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the game, coach Dixon addressed Topic’s courageous debut after a 137-135 overtime win against the Sioux Falls Skyforce for the Blue.

“It was awesome. For him, there were probably a ton of emotions he was going through. Having something taken away from you that you love from a young age cannot be easy,” Dixon said. “Just to see his resilience and him to know that the whole organization is behind him — we’re pushing him forward — I’m just really proud of him. Just seeing him crack a smile being out there on the court again.

“Doing what he enjoys, doing what he loves to do, being out there with his teammates. There were so many positive things just from him stepping on the floor, stepping in between those lines, and competing. He did a really good job.”

Daniel Dixon expressed his admiration for Topic after the Thunder prospect’s cancer diagnosis.

“One of the best things he’s done over the past few days is implement himself into the group, and he’s done a really good job of that,” Dixon added. “Getting to know the guys. He’s been willing to do anything and everything, and I think that just speaks to who he is as a person. I have a ton of respect for him. Just the way that he battled tonight.”

Topic finished with seven points on 3-for-5 shooting, including 1-for-2 from deep, seven assists, and one rebound in 16 minutes of the Blue’s 137-135 overtime win. While Dixon had plenty of good things to say about Topic, he wouldn’t share the team’s plans regarding Nikola’s time in the G League or if Topic is on a minutes restriction.

The Thunder organization will keep those plans in-house with Topic.

Thunder rookie Brooks Barnhizer excited for Nikola Topic

Thunder rookie Brooks Barnhizer spent a lot of time with Nikola Topic from summer league play to ramping up for Nikola’s G League debut with the Blue. After scoring the game-winning shot in overtime, Barnhizer talked about Topic’s impact.

“I’ve been around [Topic] a lot with summer league, being young guys, being [together] the last couple of weeks, ramping up with workouts and stuff,” Barnhizer said. “It’s just so cool to see him not only that he was able to go out there and be him, but the attitude towards it, joking around on the bench. You can tell he was very excited to play basketball. I think it just rubbed off on the guys tonight.

“Everybody was having a lot of fun just playing with him. He gets a lot of people a lot of easy shots. He’s just an overall great kid.”

Barnhizer finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

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Reaves answered the call in the most emphatic way possible, closing out the first quarter with a monster poster dunk that sent the Los Angeles crowd into a frenzy.

AUSTIN REAVES ELEVATES FOR THE JAM pic.twitter.com/klY61rH2wM

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

With less than five seconds remaining in the opening period, LeBron James handled the ball at the top of the key. Seeing a lane develop, he passed the ball off to a cutting Austin Reaves. The 27-year-old guard didn’t hesitate, slicing between two Oklahoma City Thunder defenders and elevating for a powerful one-handed jam just as the buzzer sounded. The slam capped off a strong start for the Lakers, who trailed 31-30 going into the second quarter.

The highlight play is a continuation of what has been a career-best stretch for Reaves. Despite coming off a recent injury himself, he entered tonight’s contest averaging 30.7 combined points, rebounds, and assists over his last three games. With the offense running through him and LeBron James in Doncic’s absence, Reaves has seen his usage rate skyrocket.

As the game enters the second half, the battle remains tight. LeBron James is nearing another double-double with 18 points and seven assists, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are staying afloat behind a resurgent Jalen Williams.

However, the story of the night so far is the “Hillbilly Kobe” showing off some serious bounce. The Lakers are looking to extend their four-game winning streak, and if Reaves keeps playing with this kind of aggression, they might just topple the best team in the West.

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Encore without the hangover

The Thunder began the 2025-26 season playing like a dynasty determined to form rather than a champion satisfied with one ring. Any fears of a title hangover were obliterated almost immediately as OKC stormed to a historic 24-1 start. They tied the 2015-16 Warriors for the best 25-game opening in NBA history.

Everything about their profile screamed sustainability. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander elevated his MVP case to another stratosphere. He is currently averaging a career-high 31.8 points per game while maintaining elite efficiency and late-game composure. The offense hummed, but it was defense that cemented Oklahoma City’s supremacy. Anchored by Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder currently boast the league’s No. 1 defensive rating at 107.3. His physical interior presence frees Chet Holmgren to operate as a roaming weakside disruptor. That’s arguably the most devastating defensive pairing in the NBA.

By early February, the Thunder sat atop the Western Conference at 40-13. They wielded a staggering +11.9 net rating that dwarfed the rest of the league. They were flat out overwhelming opponents on both ends.

Injuries shift calculus

Yet championship seasons rarely follow smooth scripts. Just 48 hours before the trade deadline, Oklahoma City’s aura of invincibility took a hit when SGA was sidelined with a significant abdominal strain. Suddenly, the Thunder’s margin for error narrowed.

The injury list didn’t stop there. Jalen Williams was managing a hamstring issue, while Nikola Topic remained unavailable. The timing forced Presti into a philosophical crossroads. He could either double down on internal depth, or leverage Oklahoma City’s unmatched draft capital for immediate reinforcements.

The Thunder opted for subtle reinforcement rather than seismic change. They acquired sharpshooter Jared McCain from Philadelphia to stabilize the depleted backcourt. However, they notably passed on adding veteran frontcourt depth. That omission has since become the defining debate of their deadline strategy.

Calculated, conservative

Oklahoma City’s moves were precise but restrained. McCain arrived in exchange for a Houston-via-OKC first-round pick and three second-rounders. That deal aimed more for long-term flexibility than present contribution. Ousmane Dieng was moved in a salary-clearing maneuver, too. The team quietly acquired the draft rights to Balsa Koprivica in a cap-related stash transaction.

On paper, analysts labeled the Thunder deadline efficient. No overpays, desperation, or panic. That said, championship defense often demands excess insurance instead of efficiency.

Core mistake

If the Thunder fall short of repeating, the defining narrative may center on their failure to acquire a high-impact veteran center.

Sure, the McCain addition addressed short-term guard depth in Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence. However, the frontcourt remained precariously thin. Behind Holmgren and Hartenstein, Oklahoma City relies on Jaylin Williams and small-ball configurations featuring Kenrich Williams. That’s workable in February. It’s dangerous in May.

Playoff basketball is attritional. Matchups become bruising. Rotations tighten. And in a Western Conference suddenly fortified by elite size, the Thunder’s lack of a third reliable playoff-caliber big looms as a structural vulnerability.

Health roulette in the paint

The Thunder are effectively betting their title defense on the health of two players with physically taxing roles. Holmgren’s wiry frame has held up admirably, but his rim-protection responsibilities are immense. Hartenstein’s physical style invites contact nightly.

One injury or even foul trouble in a playoff series would force Oklahoma City into undersized lineups against teams built to punish them inside. The regular season allows schematic creativity. The playoffs punish it.

Free agency cloud

There is also a looming contractual subplot. Hartenstein holds a $29 million club option for the 2026-27 season. League insiders already view him as a potential free-agency target, particularly for frontcourt-needy contenders like Dallas.

By not acquiring another starting-caliber big now, Oklahoma City has doubled its risk exposure. They must rely on Hartenstein’s health for a repeat title run while simultaneously preparing for the possibility of losing him this summer.

A rental acquisition, someone capable of absorbing playoff frontcourt minutes, would have insulated both scenarios. Instead, the Thunder chose continuity over contingency.

Championship math, asset preservation

The broader deadline landscape only sharpens the critique. Across the league, contenders moved aggressively. James Harden landed in Cleveland. Darius Garland shifted to the Clippers. Trae Young was dealt to Washington in a franchise-altering swing.

Oklahoma City possessed the draft capital to outbid nearly every suitor in the league. Yet they resisted the gravitational pull of the market.

That restraint is philosophically consistent with Presti’s long-game stewardship. Still, championship windows are temporal, not theoretical. When you are defending a title with the league’s best record, discipline can blur into passivity.

Presti’s calculus is understandable, of course. Oklahoma City’s core is young, cost-controlled, and positioned to contend for years. Burning premium assets for a short-term rental contradicts the franchise’s sustainability model.

On the other hand, repeating as champions is historically rare. Injuries, variance, and matchup chaos can close windows faster than projected. Asset preservation has value, but banners carry more. The Thunder had an opportunity to turn a dominant roster into an unassailable one. They chose instead to trust internal resilience.

Discipline under the microscope

The Thunder didn’t make a reckless trade or mortgage their future. They didn’t panic.

That said, championship management isn’t judged on restraint but on rings. Oklahoma City remains the title favorite, powered by elite defense, MVP brilliance, and systemic cohesion. Yet if their repeat bid falls short due to frontcourt fatigue or injury attrition, the postmortem will be clear. The Thunder protected tomorrow when they might have needed to insure today.

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Before he was assigned for a stint with the Blue, Topic rejoined his Thunder teammates in pregame shootaround. Then, the Thunder announced Topic was headed to the Blue ahead of his debut against the Sioux Falls Skyforce at the Paycom Center.

Nikola Topić ahead of his G League debut with the Oklahoma City Blue.

The Blue will face the Sioux Falls Skyforce pic.twitter.com/HqHu1yqWaa

— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) February 10, 2026

Topic, who was projected to be a top lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, slid down to 12 for the Thunder after he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. He spent all of last season rehabing before making his summer-league debut for the Thunder in Las Vegas.

Topic averaged 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds across six games for the Thunder in summer league. He played in one preseason game before his cancer diagnosis.

Nikola Topic makes G League debut after cancer diagnosis

Amid Thunder guard Nikola Topic’s cancer diagnosis before his NBA debut, he’ll get his first feel of G League basketball as a member of the Oklahoma City Blue. Before Topic’s testicular cancer diagnosis, he reflected on what sitting out his entire rookie season was like, and the lessons learned while watching from the sidelines.

“It was hard, you know? I didn’t play a basketball game for a very long time, and that was really hard,” Topic said. “But, as you go through that process, you learn something about yourself that you didn’t know you had. You didn’t know how strong you were and how human bodies are strong. I’ll say I took the positives from it and learned from it.”

Topic’s G League stint is an exciting development for the first-round pick.

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Jokic missed a month’s worth of action after suffering a hyperextended left knee with a bone bruise, an injury that has left him with just one more allowed absence to meet the 65-game minimum mark. The Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP has played in five straight games since returning from injury, but now Gilgeous-Alexander is out for at least two weeks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s reigning MVP suffered an abdominal strain during the team’s 128-92 win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, and he has missed two straight games as a result. Gilgeous-Alexander will miss at least three more games, as the team said he will be out through the All-Star break, which officially begins on Feb. 13.

So, with Gilgeous-Alexander now out and possibly set to miss time once play resumes in late February, could Jokic use this opportunity to springboard himself back to the top of the standings?

Although he missed four weeks of action and is dangerously close to being ineligible for awards and accolades, Jokic’s numbers and ability to elevate his team are why many still believe he should be the MVP this season.

Now that Gilgeous-Alexander is out, perhaps there is an opportunity for Jokic to not only make up ground in this race but also potentially overtake SGA heading into the final handful of weeks of the season.

As of right now, before the All-Star break, it’s still Gilgeous-Alexander at the top of the MVP rankings.

Previous 2023-24 NBA MVP Rankings: Week 15 | Week 14 | Week 13 | Week 12 | Week 11 | Week 10 | Week 9 | Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

Previous ranking: #1

2025-26 season stats: 49 games, 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 55.4 FG%, 39.0 3P%

Gilgeous-Alexander has only missed four games so far this season, so he is not yet in danger of being excluded from awards and honors. That is why he still lives at the top of these NBA MVP rankings.

However, the Thunder have been vulnerable as of late, and Gilgeous-Alexander had some average performances by his standards before his abdominal injury.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander did extend his streak of scoring at least 20 points to 121 straight games before his injury, meaning he should be able to break Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 125 consecutive games with 20-plus points upon returning to the court.

2. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets*

Previous ranking: #2

2025-26 season stats: 37 games, 28.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 59.4 FG%, 42.5 3P%

Since returning from his knee injury, Jokic has not lost a step in this race for the MVP award.

Over his last five games, Jokic is averaging 24.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the floor. After missing a month’s worth of action, Jokic is still the same MVP candidate he was earlier in the year, which is why he has a chance to make up some serious ground on SGA with the reigning MVP being out with an abdominal injury.

Count out Jokic at your own risk, because this guy has a real shot at winning his fourth MVP this season.

3. Luka Doncic – Los Angeles Lakers*

Previous ranking: #3

2025-26 season stats: 42 games, 32.8 points, 8.6 assists, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 47.3 FG%, 34.5 3P%

There was no ground made up by Luka Doncic in the race for the MVP award this past week, as he put together some underwhelming offensive performances and will miss his second straight game on Monday night with a left hamstring injury.

This will be Doncic’s 10th missed game, which now raises the question of whether he will be able to finish the year in good standing with the 65-game minimum rule.

As far as Doncic’s overall MVP resume goes, the Los Angeles Lakers are now just one full game behind Jokic’s Nuggets in the standings, which could eventually sway the minds of some voters at the end of the season with these three stars in the West battling for position.

4. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons

Previous ranking: #5

2025-26 season stats: 45 games, 25.1 points, 9.7 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 45.9 FG%, 32.0 3P%

Cade Cunningham may not be putting up the same numbers as those before him on these MVP rankings on a nightly basis, but the Detroit Pistons are winning, and Cade is finding ways to impact the game in more ways than just scoring.

Not only has Cunningham been one of the league’s best facilitators when it comes to dishing out assists, but he’s also become one of the best two-way guards in the entire NBA. He is a big reason why the Pistons are one of the best defensive teams this year.

With wins over both Denver and New York this past week, Cunningham is certainly making a strong MVP case with the Pistons at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

5. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs*

Previous ranking: #6

2025-26 season stats: 38 games, 23.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 50.7 FG%, 36.0 3P%

Victor Wembanyama has rejoined the MVP conversation and is back inside the top five. Although he has missed 14 games this year, Wemby is still in good standing with the 65-game minimum and actually gains an extra absence because of the San Antonio Spurs playing in the NBA Cup championship game.

That could wind up working in Wembanyama’s favor not just for All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, but possibly for the Defensive Player of the Year and MVP awards.

The Spurs are 3.5 games back of SGA’s Thunder for the best record in the West, and San Antonio already defeated Oklahoma City four times this year. In fact, they picked up another win against the defending champions on Wednesday, a game where Wemby had 22 points and 14 rebounds. He followed up this performance with 29 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and two steals.

Wembanyama is now tied for sixth with 24 double-doubles this season, and he is tied for the league lead in blocks (103). If the Spurs can potentially pass the Thunder in the standings, Wembanyama will continue moving up the MVP rankings.

Just missing the cut

6. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics [Ranked No. 4 last week]

7. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves [Ranked No. 7 last week]

8. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers [Unranked last week]

9. Jamal Murray – Denver Nuggets [Ranked No. 8 last week]

10. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks [Ranked No. 9 last week]

*Signals player is in danger of meeting 65-game minimum threshold for awards/accolades.

The post ClutchPoints’ NBA MVP Mondays: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury impacts race appeared first on ClutchPoints.

At the team’s morning shootaround, Caruso talked about what Williams’ return from a hamstring injury means for the Thunder, per The Oklahoman’s Justin Martinez.

“It’s exciting, obviously. We’d love to have everybody healthy, but anytime you get one person back, especially Dub, just because the energy he creates, the gravity that he pulls when he’s on the floor, makes it easier for other guys. And he’s a great teammate, he’s a lot of good energy. So, it’s fun to play with. So, we’re excited to have him back.”

The Thunder have lost five of its last 10 games without Jalen Williams. Without Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell, the Thunder traded for Jared McCain before the deadline, adding another scorer to coach Mark Daigneault’s backcourt. Still, amid injuries, Williams gives the Thunder back one of its most reliable scorers, who can facilitate, and defend opposing team’s best players, to relieve All-Star Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt.

Alex Caruso addresses Lakers fans ahead of Thunder matchup

While Thunder veteran Alex Caruso is nearly six years removed from winning a championship with the Lakers, he’s anticipating a warm welcome ahead of Monday’s matchup at Crypto.com Arena. When a reporter asked Caruso if coming back to Los Angeles still brings back memories of his time with the Lakers.

“This far removed from playing in LA, not really,” Caruso replied. “Obviously, I’ll still probably get a good reception just because of things I was able to accomplish here. I think the amount of effort and energy I put into playing for the team that I was on from my couple of years here in LA, that goes a long way with this crowd, much like the Oklahoma City crowd, and Chicago — sports fans in general.

“But, yeah, it’s always nice coming back here and getting a warm reception.”

The Lakers have won their last three games.

The post Alex Caruso’s ‘exciting’ take on Jalen Williams’ return to Thunder appeared first on ClutchPoints.