For the first time in eight years, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be part of the NBA’s Christmas Day slate. In its history, most agree it’s one of the more prestigious days of the regular-season marathon. As games are played throughout the entire day, people across the country get to form their first real opinion of teams across the league.

After being snubbed last year, the Thunder are part of the 2025 Christmas Day schedule. They will host the San Antonio Spurs as they hope to get their first win in three tries against the young squad.

Last time out, the reigning NBA champion had its worst performance yet in a 130-110 loss on Dec. 23.

This will be the first of likely several Christmas Day games for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Along with the rest of the Thunder. Here’s what they had to say as they look ahead to the national TV appearance:

Mark Daigneault

“It’s a big day in the NBA. The guys are excited to play on that slate of games. It’s one of 82 at the end of the day. It is an elevated circumstance because of the attention on the game and the noise around it. Those are good experiences for anything and certainly for us. That’s the kind of noise you have to cut through in the playoffs if you’re fortunate enough to get there. We learned that over the last couple of years as we’ve gotten there. The more you can condition yourself for the circumstances, the better you can handle them.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

“It’ll be fun. Playing on Christmas Day in itself is a dream come true. I watched the NBA games growing up every single Christmas, so that’ll be super fun. I can’t wait to experience. And against a really good basketball team. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

Jalen Williams

“It’s dope. If you’re a sports fan, you grew up watching sports on Christmas. We’re the cool game. 1:30, presents are already opened. Everybody is watching the games now. I’m really looking forward to that. My family will be out here. That’s a really cool moment for me. I have a lot of memories of different rivals playing on Christmas and just trying to hurry up to open the gifts to watch the games.”

Lu Dort

“Honestly, it’s great. Myself as a kid, I used to watch all the games on Christmas. To be part of one will be really exciting — especially since we got an early game. That’s one of the games being watched the most.”

Isaiah Joe

“It’s fun. It’ll be my first Christmas Day game, so I’m excited. I think the rest of the guys are as well. We get to be home for Christmas and play in front of our fans and family.”

Kenrich Williams

“It means a lot. Growing up, you’re used to watching the games on TV. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to play on Christmas. Also, be at home and be with my family. It’s an honor and a privilege.”