The Oklahoma City Thunder are trending towards making history after registering 24 wins in 25 games to open the 2025-2026 NBA season. The mark ties the record for the best start to a season.
The Thunder delivered their latest display of brilliance by blasting through the Phoenix Suns for a 138-89 win in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
OKC punched its ticket in the NBA Cup semifinals on the back of reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 28 points and eight assist outing in 27 minutes.
Chet Holmgren added 24 points and eight rebounds in 25 minutes in the big win that had Suns’ guard Grayson Allen ejected for shoving.
Speaking after the win, Thunder swingman Jalen Williams, who registered 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in 23 minutes reflected on the win saying,
Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against Ryan Dunn 30 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the Emirates NBA Cup – Quarterfinals game (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
“Winning is never boring. There was a time where some players on our team were getting blown out. So I think a lot of guys have that in the back of their mind.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup Quarterfinals (Photo by Martin McGrew/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Even me, my first year we weren’t winning a ton — we were solid, but I think I have that in the back of my mind. And you can’t get bored with the process” according to ESPN.
Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKC Thunder will take on the San Antonio Spurs in the semifinals on Sunday, December 14.