Chet Holmgren is available after being listed as questionable with lower back soreness for tonight’s game in Dallas. The 7-footer also dislocated his thumb on a block attempt in Saturday’s win over the Hawks but returned to finish with 31 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and six made threes, tying his career high from deep.

Holmgren hasn’t missed a game this season and has been dominant in his second year, averaging 24.7 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 56% from the field and 42% from three.

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Historic Start for Oklahoma City

The Thunder’s perfect record hasn’t come easy. They became the first team in NBA history to open a season with back-to-back double-overtime games, outlasting both Houston and Indiana behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch play and Holmgren’s inside-out dominance.

Thunder radio voice Matt Pinto told Thunder Reporter Steve McGehee from Dallas that the grueling start might actually pay dividends later in the season:

“It taxed the guys, no doubt,” Pinto said. “But I’m really impressed with how the rotation pieces have stepped up. It’s a credit to Mark Daigneault and the system the buy-in, the defense, the disruption, it’s all carried over from last year.”

Oklahoma City currently leads the league in forced turnovers and points off turnovers, continuing a trend from last season’s championship run.

Shai on the Thunder’s Focus and Flow

Despite the hectic start; three games, two double-overtime thrillers, and a growing injury report, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says the Thunder are built for this grind.

“It’s the gauntlet of the NBA season,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Every night’s going to be different. You can’t take any of them for granted we just try to use each game as an opportunity to get better as a group.”

He credited the team’s energy and defensive focus for the 3-0 start, noting how the Thunder “buckled down” against Atlanta to create fast-break chances off turnovers.

“When we get stops and play faster, it helps my flow and the rest of the team’s flow,” he said.

Shai, who’s averaging over 30 points per game, also praised Holmgren’s toughness after the big man played through multiple injuries:

“He just does whatever it takes to win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He’s stronger, faster, more explosive. We’re going to keep putting him in positions to be successful just like he does for us.”AJ Mitchell Steps Up Early

Second-year guard Ajay Mitchell has quickly earned praise for his maturity and poise on both ends of the floor. Pinto noted Mitchell’s defense has stood out:

“He’s in his second NBA season, but he plays like he’s been around for 10 years,” Pinto said. “His defensive growth, guarding at the point of attack, has been huge.”Tough Schedule Ahead

After Monday’s trip to Dallas, the Thunder return home for five games in eight days, starting with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, followed by matchups with Washington (Thursday) and New Orleans (Sunday at 2:30 p.m.) before heading to the West Coast.

Where to Watch

Thunder vs. Mavericks

American Airlines Center, Dallas

Monday, Oct. 27 – 7:30 p.m. CT

Watch on FanDuel Sports Network