OKC Thunder Strikes Daily

November 29, 2025 • Sports

Hosted by Big Dill

About This Episode

Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: I want to hear daily OKC Thunder news. If they played a game then give me the highlights.

Transcript

Welcome to "OKC Thunder Strikes Daily" on Big Dill Sports! I’m Dillon, your host, here to break down all the excitement from last night’s thrilling matchup. The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to an incredible start this season, extending their record to 19-1 after a nail-biting win against the Phoenix Suns, 123-119. This victory wasn't just another notch in their belt; it marked their 11th straight win and secured their spot in the knockout round of the NBA Cup. Let's dive into the details!

The game was electric from start to finish. The Thunder held a 15-point lead early in the fourth, but the Suns weren't backing down. They clawed back, coming within a point, thanks to Oso Ighodaro’s slam dunk. It was a moment where the tension was palpable, especially since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was on the bench at the time. But once Shai returned, he was unstoppable, scoring 15 points in the final minutes, including clutch free throws that sealed the win.

Speaking of Shai, let's spotlight his phenomenal performance. He notched 37 points on efficient shooting with eight assists and only a single turnover. His consistent brilliance ties him with Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak of consecutive 20+ point games in NBA history—92 games, folks! Talk about a ‘big dill’! His leadership was crucial in guiding the Thunder through those nail-biting moments.

The supporting cast stepped up too. Chet Holmgren was a force, contributing 23 points and eight rebounds. Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams added 14 points each, providing key support, especially with Jalen Williams shaking off some rust in his season debut. It was Jalen’s first game back following wrist surgeries. While he struggled with his shot, his eight assists and defensive effort were invaluable.

Now, hats off to the Phoenix Suns. Despite the loss, they pushed hard. Collin Gillespie led the charge with 24 points, and Devin Booker followed with 21. Dillon Brooks and rookie Mark Williams also made significant contributions. The Suns capitalized on their bench depth but were hindered by 18 turnovers—turnovers that gave the Thunder a decided edge in a close game.

Statistically, the Thunder shot 48.3% from the field and were sharp from beyond the arc as well. They converted turnovers into points with incredible efficiency, which was a game-changer. Meanwhile, the Suns controlled the boards with 60 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to tip the scales in their favor.

Looking ahead, the Thunder are poised to continue their remarkable run into the NBA Cup’s knockout rounds. Their next challenge is a road game against the Portland Trail Blazers. As for the Suns, they’re gearing up to host the Denver Nuggets. It's going to be a critical phase for both teams as they push deeper into the season.

That wraps up today’s episode. Remember, every game, every play, the Thunder are proving why they're a team to watch. Thanks for tuning in to Big Dill Sports. I’m Dillon, always here to bring you the latest on our favorite teams and players. Until next time, keep your eyes on the court and enjoy the game!

## Game Overview
On November 28, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder extended their historic start to a 19-1 record by edging the Phoenix Suns 123-119 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The victory marked the Thunder’s 11th straight win and clinched their spot in the knockout round of the inaugural NBA Cup after finishing 4-0 in West Group A ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)). The defending NBA champions have already surpassed the best 20-game starts in franchise history, cementing themselves as early favorites to repeat in the Western Conference.

## Late-Game Drama in OKC
The contest was tight throughout, with the Thunder holding a 15-point lead early in the fourth quarter before the Suns chipped away, pulling within one point with just over three minutes to play on a dunk by Oso Ighodaro ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)). Much of Phoenix’s rally unfolded while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sat on the bench to start the period, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Upon his return, Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 15 points over the final 6+ minutes, including a pair of clutch free throws with 4.7 seconds left, to seal the win ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)).

## Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Stellar Night
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again proved indispensable for the Thunder, finishing with 37 points on efficient shooting and adding eight assists against only one turnover ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)). His late-game surge was powered by 4-for-5 shooting in the final frame, underscoring his role as the team’s closer. With this outing, Gilgeous-Alexander extended his streak of consecutive 20+ point games to 92, tying Wilt Chamberlain’s record for the second-longest such streak in NBA history ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)). His ability to perform under pressure continues to define Oklahoma City’s dominant season.

## Supporting Cast Steps Up
Complementing Gilgeous-Alexander, center Chet Holmgren delivered a strong all-around performance with 23 points and eight rebounds, including several timely buckets to maintain separation during key stretches ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)). Defensively versatile guard Cason Wallace and forward Jaylin Williams each chipped in 14 points, providing essential scoring balance when Jalen Williams struggled from the field ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)). Despite missing Isaiah Hartenstein (right ankle soreness) and losing Ajay Mitchell to a left knee contusion in the first quarter, head coach Mark Daigneault received critical contributions from his depth unit.

## Jalen Williams’ Season Debut
All-Star guard/forward Jalen Williams made his long-awaited return from offseason right wrist surgeries, logging 29 minutes in his first game since late October ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/thunder-star-jalen-williams-wrist-making-season-debut-vs-suns--flm-2025-11-28/?utm_source=openai)). Although he shot just 3-for-12 from the field (25.0%), Williams displayed his playmaking chops with eight assists and maintained a plus-minus rating indicative of his defensive activity ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)). His presence, even in a rusty offensive outing, bolsters a Thunder roster that began the campaign 18-1 without him and now looks even more formidable ahead of a critical Western Conference road swing.

## Phoenix Suns’ Effort
The Suns, who fell to 12-8 but still advanced as the best second-place team from the West, never backed down despite the loss. Collin Gillespie led Phoenix scorers with 24 points, while Devin Booker added 21 points and eight rebounds. Dillon Brooks contributed 19 points, and rookie center Mark Williams posted a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)). Phoenix outpaced OKC in bench scoring but committed 18 turnovers that the Thunder converted into a 29-12 advantage in points off miscues, proving decisive in a game decided by just four possessions ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/thunder-edge-suns-11th-straight-win-move-19-1--flm-2025-11-29/)).

## Statistical Breakdown
A look at the box score reveals the Thunder shot 48.3% from the field (42-of-87), including 46.9% (15-of-32) from beyond the arc, and dominated free-throw shooting at 85.7% (24-of-28) ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20251128_PHO%40OKC?utm_source=openai)). Oklahoma City also won the assist battle, 27–20, and forced Phoenix into 18 turnovers while committing only 10 themselves ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20251128_PHO%40OKC?utm_source=openai)). In contrast, the Suns managed 45.7% field-goal accuracy (42-of-92) and 34.1% from three (15-of-44), but offset that with 60 total rebounds. The Thunder’s ability to convert turnovers into high-efficiency scoring was the statistical edge in a heated late-season cup test.

## Looking Ahead
With the NBA Cup group stage complete, the Thunder await their first knockout-round opponent, having secured a top seed from West Group A ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-roundup-luka-doncic-burns-mavs-lakers-sweep-nba-cup-group--flm-2025-11-29/?utm_source=openai)). Oklahoma City will look to carry this momentum on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, while the Suns return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401809817?utm_source=openai)). As the NBA Cup shifts into single-elimination play, the Thunder’s combination of veteran leadership and emerging depth will be crucial in their quest to capture the league’s new mid-season crown.

OKC Thunder Strikes Daily