{"id":605559,"date":"2026-02-16T02:24:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T02:24:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/605559\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T02:24:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T02:24:46","slug":"okc-all-star-break-where-does-the-thunder-stand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/605559\/","title":{"rendered":"OKC All-Star Break: Where Does the Thunder Stand?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finally reaching the All-Star Break, OKC has some things to figure out moving forward if they plan to repeat as NBA champions by June. We\u2019ve seen how they were really struggling to find ways to win without the bulk of their roster, and now they\u2019ve got plenty of time to rest.<\/p>\n

Entering the All-Star Break with a 42-12 record, it does raise some alarms for Oklahoma City. For one, they are yet to play at full strength. They\u2019re also yet to achieve full synergy on the roster, as seen by that tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Then there\u2019s the big problem of their big three still yet to play together consistently.<\/p>\n

OKC All-Star Break: Where Does the Thunder Stand?<\/p>\n

So far, there are some positives and negatives to take away from the Thunder\u2019s campaign. Sure, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> is still pacing to win back-to-back MVPs, and Chet Holmgren<\/a> has finally been named an All-Star. However, not everything does seem to be on the right track. There are plenty of issues worth addressing. This just shows how much OKC really needed the All-Star Break.<\/p>\n

The Positives<\/p>\n

Holmgren\u2019s case as an All-Star<\/a> and even Defensive Player of the Year was a sure-fire. Many critics were anticipating it right from the start of the season. We\u2019ve seen the Thunder flare up some bigger minutes for Isaiah Joe<\/a>, who\u2019s been scorching hot since the Trade Deadline. The acquisition of Jared McCain<\/a> is also proving to be a win<\/a> as the guard is starting to show his full potential.<\/p>\n

For starters, Holmgren is averaging 17.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 29.2 minutes per game. He\u2019s been a menace for the Thunder so far, and his 56% shooting from the field is definitely a sight to behold. Sure, he\u2019s got some inconsistent games, but he\u2019s also found a way to thrive when it matters most.<\/p>\n

Chet Holmgren All-Star, All-Defense and DPOY in the same season pic.twitter.com\/Bq8lT5fSQq<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 \ud835\ude4e\ud835\ude60\ud835\ude6e\ud835\ude5a\ud835\ude59 \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa (@SkyedOKC) January 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Joe was also starting to show some impressive stretches. OKC has a dire need for his shooting, and in the last five games,<\/a> Joe is averaging 16.0 points on 44% shooting, including a strong 50% from deep. Even Lu Dort is starting to bounce back from his poor shooting stretch to begin January.<\/p>\n

The Negatives
\n\"FebFeb 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Kennard (10) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

By now, the injury narrative for Oklahoma City is completely a disaster. We\u2019ve seen the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a>, Jaylin Williams<\/a>, Alex Caruso<\/a>, Jalen Williams<\/a>, and Ajay Mitchell<\/a> all miss key games for the season. Even SGA himself is on the injury list right now and will not be playing in the All-Star Game. Believe it or not, the Thunder don\u2019t have the best record in the league by the All-Star Break.<\/p>\n

Detroit stands with a 40-13 record, while the Thunder are sitting at 42-14. That\u2019s good for the first seed in the West, but only three games ahead of their fierce rivals, the San Antonio Spurs. The injuries aren\u2019t that big of a negative anyway. This allowed the OKC bench to thrive and figure out ways to win themselves.<\/p>\n

okc has had so many injuries but it is still incredible that with how many people (me included) were saying that okc was a historically great regular season team that could potentially win 75 games, and now detroit has a better win percentage than them at the all-star break pic.twitter.com\/8JTaVPnVrx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 arsh (@dunkerjatt) February 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Perhaps the biggest negative here is that the Thunder\u2019s big three are yet to fully sync. Last season, it was Chet who had to play catch-up with Shai and J-Dub<\/a>. However, this year\u2019s injuries are quite alarming, considering both SGA and Williams are out with respective injuries. In fact, they\u2019ve only played 21 games together with a 14-7 record<\/a>. This is a huge difference that should change when they return from the All-Star Break.<\/p>\n

Can OKC Figure Things Out?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s not panic right away. The Thunder went 44-10 last season heading into the All-Star Break. This year\u2019s OKC squad is only two games behind the same team that won the NBA Finals last June. The 2024-25 squad only had Chet as the injured player for a longer stretch. The fact that this year\u2019s team is only two games behind says a lot about the Thunder\u2019s hopes for a winning stretch soon.<\/p>\n

Yes, the Thunder can figure out their hiccups moving forward. They\u2019ve shown some flaws and signs of struggling in the first half of the season. However, this also means that they\u2019re definitely coming in hot with a better pace in their next games. That\u2019s a great deal of expectations from the defending champions.<\/p>\n

Featured Image: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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