OKC Thunder Strikes Daily

**Record-Breaking Start Intensifies**
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their historic 2025–26 campaign by improving to a staggering 24–1 mark, matching the Golden State Warriors’ 2015–16 record for the best 25-game start in NBA history. Their 16th consecutive victory on Wednesday, a 138–89 rout of the Phoenix Suns, extended the longest winning streak in franchise annals and underscored their league-best +17.5 point differential through 25 games ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/rolling-thunder-okc-improve-24-1-tighten-grip-wins-record-chase-2025-12-11/?utm_source=openai)). With reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, the Thunder have averaged an astounding 126.8 points per game while conceding just 106.2 points, the lowest defensive mark in the league ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/preview/_/gameId/401809838?utm_source=openai)).

**Dominant Quarterfinal Triumph**
In the NBA Cup quarterfinal at Paycom Center, Oklahoma City blew the Suns off the floor early, outscoring Phoenix by double digits in three of four quarters en route to a 138–89 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 28 points, 8 assists and 2 rebounds in just 26 minutes, shooting 11-of-15 from the field, while Chet Holmgren chipped in 24 points and 8 rebounds ([action247.com](https://www.action247.com/nba-recap-phoenix-suns-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-12-10-25/?utm_source=openai)). The Thunder connected on 22 three-pointers, with 12 of the 13 players who saw the court hitting at least one triple, underscoring Oklahoma City’s depth and shooting prowess ([nba.com](https://www.nba.com/news/starting-5-dec-11-2025?utm_source=openai)).

**Statistical Breakdown of the Blowout**
OKC’s offensive onslaught began with a 38–23 advantage in the first quarter, followed by identical 36-point efforts in both the second and third quarters. Phoenix managed only 48 points by halftime and could not muster a serious comeback in the fourth, finishing with 89 total points. The Thunder shot 59.1% overall and 50% (22-of-44) from beyond the arc, while the Suns struggled to 39.3% from the field and 28.9% on threes ([action247.com](https://www.action247.com/nba-recap-phoenix-suns-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-12-10-25/?utm_source=openai)). Oklahoma City also dominated the glass, outrebounding Phoenix 53–38 and logging 32 assists to just 18 turnovers, reflecting their unselfish ball movement.

**Balanced Contributions Fuel Success**
Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, the Thunder received significant production from their supporting cast. Jalen Williams poured in 15 points and 6 rebounds, Aaron Wiggins added 12 points, and Kenrich Williams contributed 10 points including two critical late three-pointers that quelled any Suns rally ([action247.com](https://www.action247.com/nba-recap-phoenix-suns-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-12-10-25/?utm_source=openai)). Their bench outscored Phoenix’s reserves 48–31, a testament to head coach Mark Daigneault’s rotational flexibility and the roster’s depth—a key factor as the team balances regular-season dominance with a deep NBA Cup run.

**Return of Key Personnel**
OKC enters Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal bolstered by the return of two rotation players. Center Isaiah Hartenstein (six-game absence) and guard Cason Wallace (ankle) were both upgraded to probable and are expected to rejoin the starting lineup against San Antonio ([oklahoman.com](https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2025/12/12/okc-thunder-cason-wallace-isaiah-hartenstein-injury-update-san-antonio-spurs-nba-cup-semifinals/87739465007/?utm_source=openai)). Hartenstein’s presence inside will help stabilize the Thunder’s defense and rebounding—he averaged 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game prior to injury—while Wallace’s perimeter defense and secondary ball-handling provide necessary support on the wing.

**Spurs’ Star Returns, Threat Looms**
Across the bracket, the San Antonio Spurs welcome back rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama (left calf strain) after a 12-game absence, listed as probable for Saturday’s semifinal in Las Vegas. Wembanyama, last season’s unanimous Rookie of the Year, is averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.6 blocks this year, and his 7-foot-4 wingspan and rim-protection will test Oklahoma City’s interior attack ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/spurs-star-c-victor-wembanyama-calf-could-return-vs-thunder--flm-2025-12-12/?utm_source=openai)). While the Spurs have managed a 9–3 record without him, his return instantly upgrades their defensive ceiling and rim-running offense.

**NBA Cup Semifinal Preview**
The Thunder, listed as 9.5-point favorites with an over/under of 225.5 points, will look to exploit their league-leading defense (106.2 PPG allowed) and 14.2 made threes per game versus a Spurs squad yielding 106.6 points and 13.4 opponent threes ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/preview/_/gameId/401809838?utm_source=openai)). Oklahoma City’s ability to mash the glass—44.7 rebounds per game compared to San Antonio’s 43.1—could shape the contest’s rebounding battle, while turnovers and transition buckets stand to swing momentum given both teams’ uptempo styles.

**Historic Head-to-Head Edge**
In recent matchups, the Thunder hold an 8-2 advantage over the Spurs dating back to last season, including a decisive 123–115 road win on December 1, when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 26 points and Chet Holmgren added 19 despite foul trouble ([sportingpedia.com](https://www.sportingpedia.com/2025/12/01/oklahoma-city-thunder-extends-winning-streak-with-123-115-triumph-over-portland/?utm_source=openai)). San Antonio’s defensive adjustments to contain the Thunder’s perimeter shooting and quick-strike offense will be critical, but Oklahoma City’s balanced attack—six players averaging double figures in scoring—poses perhaps the toughest assignment in the NBA’s in-season tournament.

**Looking Ahead to the Finals**
A victory over the Spurs would book the Thunder a Tuesday title-game date in Las Vegas against either the New York Knicks or Orlando Magic. Either way, OKC has already demonstrated its capacity to pivot seamlessly between regular-season excellence (24–1 start) and the high-stakes environment of the NBA Cup, where their +17.5 point differential and depth chart suggest they are the team to beat ([thesportsleader.com](https://www.thesportsleader.com/2025/12/12/victor-wembanyama-returns-as-spurs-face-thunder-in-nba-cup-semis/?utm_source=openai)). As the reigning NBA champions, they have the pedigree—and now the personnel—focused on capturing both the Cup and maintaining their historic run through the all-star break.

**Conclusion**
Thursday’s NBA Cup semifinal against San Antonio represents yet another milestone in an already remarkable season for the Thunder. With a record-tying start, a 16-game winning streak, full depth restored, and an MVP caliber leader in Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City sits on the cusp of both Cup glory and continued regular-season dominance. As they prepare for Saturday’s showdown, the narrative remains consistent: high standards, relentless execution, and a roster built to excel in any setting.