Oklahoma City Thunder: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

NBA Notes: Thunder payroll, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nuggets, Knicks

The Thunder have plenty of talent and draft picks. They also have a looming bill that rival executives don’t expect them to pay in full. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Oklahoma City projects to carry roughly $250 million in salaries next season, accompanied by approximately $200 million in luxury taxes.

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The Thunder's Defense Supports Offensive Struggles

The Thunder continue to do what they do best. The Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night for the squad's home opener of the season.

Chet Holmgren News / Oklahoma City Thunder on SI / October 23

Chet Holmgren Continues Early Season Success vs. Nuggets

Oklahoma City’s opening week is complete after a couple of wins, and its star big was key in moving to 2-0. On Thursday night, the Thunder played their home opener, defeating the Denver Nuggets 96-84.

Oklahoma City Thunder News / HITC / October 23

‘Classy’ – Skip Bayless gives his take on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20-point streak ending

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20-point scoring streak came to an end on Thursday when the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder are now 2-0 after picking up a 96-84 victory but the main talking point coming out of the game has not been the result.

Giannis Antetokounmpo News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'NBA 60-point scorers' quiz

Throughout NBA history, only 40 players have scored 60 or more points during an NBA regular-season game. How many of the 40 can you name in six minutes?

The 'Multi-time NBA MVPs' quiz

The 'NBA franchise 30-point-game leaders' quiz

The '30-point, 10-rebound NBA game leaders' quiz

Oklahoma City Thunder News / TWSN / October 23

The Oklahoma City Thunder Are Becoming a Nightmare for Elite NBA Centers

The Oklahoma City Thunder are not a team centers have wanted to face to start the 2026 NBA season so far. In their first game against the San Antonio Spurs, they held Victor Wembanyama to just 12 points.

NBA News / Yardbarker

Every NBA team's X-factor for the 2026-27 season

Who is the X factor for every NBA player this season? We’re not talking about the go-to guy, like Nikola Jokic or Steph Curry. It could be a big-name player, an all-star, or a bench player, but they are the pivot point for their team.

Oklahoma City Thunder News / Yardbarker / October 23

Thunder's SGA explains why he chose to sub out against Nuggets

Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander explains why he chose to sub out against Nuggets, ending notable streak

With two minutes left and three points to extend his streak, Oklahoma City led 93-76 with 1:43 left, and he asked Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to sub him out.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's record 20-point streak ends in Thunder's win over Nuggets

The 'NBA MVPs' quiz

Oklahoma City Thunder News / EssentiallySports / October 23

'That Guy Is a Bum': Charles Barkley Roasts Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander After Thunder Star’s 141-Game Scoring Streak Ends

Charles Barkley wasted little time poking fun at the performances unfolding in Oklahoma City. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray also struggling offensively, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander became the target of his humor on Inside the NBA.

WNBA News

Enes Kanter Freedom denied entry after refusing WNBA Finals suite

Angel Reese goes viral for postgame dance moves in WNBA Finals

Sophie Cunningham calls out Angel Reese for 'dangerous' play on eve of WNBA Finals

Olivia Miles leads six-player WNBA All-Rookie team

Chet Holmgren News / HITC / October 23

Shaquille O'Neal tells Kenny Smith he'll 'knock' him out after Chet Holmgren interview

Shaquille O’Neal jokingly threatened Kenny Smith by saying he will knock him out after an interview with Chet Holmgren. The four-time NBA champion has predicted that OKC will win the Western Conference and the Finals this season, but he has sensed a potential issue.

Oklahoma City Thunder News / EssentiallySports / October 23

Shai-Gilgeous Alexander’s 3-Word Message on Historic NBA Streak Ending Revealed as Mark Daigneault Highlights Thunder Star’s Sacrifice

The OKC Thunder defeated Denver 96-84, overcoming their star guard’s uncharacteristic struggles. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting from the field.

Charles Barkley News / NBA on ClutchPoints / October 23

Charles Barkley dubs Thunder ‘team to beat’ after disposing of Nuggets

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not his usual efficient self, but the Oklahoma City Thunder still hacked out the win against the Denver Nuggets, 96-84, at Paycom Center on Thursday.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The 25 best NBA players to never play in college

Typically, the path to the NBA for most players is to spend at least a season in college to get high-level basketball and important development under their belts.

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The 'World Series managers' quiz

The 'Last 300-yard game by NFL team' quiz

The 'ALCS MVPs' quiz

The 'Most NBA games played' quiz

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander News / Field Level Media / October 23

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's record 20-point streak ends in Thunder's win over Nuggets

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored just 17 points to snap an NBA-record streak but the Oklahoma City Thunder knocked off the Denver Nuggets 96-84 at home Thursday.

NBA News / Fadeaway World / October 23

Thunder Player Ratings: Shai’s Poor Shooting Is Covered By Exceptional Teamwork In Win Against Nuggets

The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t need the typical scoring performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to take down the Denver Nuggets. Instead, they relied on their defensive pressure and collective effort to secure a 96-84 victory, turning a game of inefficient shooting into a statement about their ability to win in different ways.

Oklahoma City Thunder News / Yardbarker / October 23

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has historic streak snapped in win over Nuggets

For the first time in 141 regular season games, two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was unable to reach 20 points in a game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's record 20-point streak ends in Thunder's win over Nuggets

Thunder rookie emphatically rejects Victor Wembanyama with early Block of the Year candidate

2026 NBA Rookie Scale Extension Recap

The 'NBA MVPs' quiz

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander News / NBA on ClutchPoints / October 22

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise challenges the NBA’s rush to judge young stars

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had reasons to look around and wonder when his turn would come. Luka Doncic already collected All-NBA honors. Trae Young took Atlanta into the conference finals.

Jared McCain News / Oklahoma City Thunder on SI / October 22

Jared McCain's Big Night From Deep Helps Lift Thunder over Spurs

OKC’s rising star set the tone for the season on Tuesday night. The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their season on Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals.

Oklahoma City Thunder News / HITC / October 22

Shaquille O'Neal says OKC have a 'secret weapon' who'll win them the Western Conference

The Oklahoma City Thunder are widely viewed as the team to beat in the Western Conference this season, and Shaquille O’Neal is one of many who are backing them.

Cason Wallace News / Stadium Rant / October 21

Cason Wallace Extension: Why The Thunder Are Paying $139 Million

The Cason Wallace extension gives the Oklahoma City Thunder five additional seasons with their All-Defensive guard for a reported $139 million. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the agreement Sunday, October 18, 2026, citing confirmation from Wallace’s agents.

NBA News / Larry Brown Sports / October 23

Thunder rookie emphatically rejects Victor Wembanyama with early Block of the Year candidate

They don’t call him “Wemby Stopper” for nothing. Oklahoma City Thunder rookie big man Aday Mara lived up to that nickname, at least during a play, in Tuesday’s game against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Oklahoma City Thunder News / NBA Analysis Network / October 21

‘It felt important’… Bill Simmons reacts to Aday Mara performance for OKC vs Victor Wembanyama

Aday Mara produced a signature moment on his NBA debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s most recent draft pick from the 2019 Paul George haul from the LA Clippers was the #12 selection of Aday Mara in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Jared McCain News / Athlon Sports / October 20

Thunder Guard's Unusual Reaction To NBA Trade Reveals Emotional Side Fans Rarely See

Professional athletes experience trades differently, but Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain has found an unusual way to share some of the most personal moments of his basketball career.

Oklahoma City Thunder News / TWSN / October 20

Thunder’s Massive Extension To A Role Player Could Backfire

As it stands, the Oklahoma City Thunder are still one of the favorite teams to come out of the Western Conference in next year’s playoffs. They still have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and a fully healthy Jalen Williams to lead them back to title contention.

Cason Wallace News / Field Level Media / October 19

Thunder sign G Cason Wallace to contract extension

Coming off the best season of his young career, shooting guard Cason Wallace signed a multiyear contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team announced Monday.

NBA News / Larry Brown Sports / October 19