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Thunder Announce Unfortunate News After 20 Games Played

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 9:02 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder have now won 11 straight games, beating the Phoenix Suns on Friday to improve to 19-1 on the season. They are only the fifth team in NBA history to start a season with 19 wins in the first 20 games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing like the MVP that he is, averaging 32.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

With their incredible start, OKC is well on track to be the third team ever to finish with at least 70 wins in a season. Only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (73-9) and the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10) have achieved the feat before.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) warms up before a game.© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Despite their success so far, however, it wasn't all positive for them. On Friday, center Isaiah Hartenstein unexpectedly landed on the injury report due to right ankle soreness and missed his first game of the season.

Now, the team has revealed more bad news on Hartenstein's injury, as he has reportedly sustained a right soleus strain, per the Thunder PR and as reported by Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

As a result, Hartenstein is set to miss at least 10 to 14 days. He will be re-evaluated after that before the Thunder decide on the next steps in his recovery.

The Thunder say Isaiah Hartenstein will be sidelined at least 10 to 14 days due to a right soleus (calf) strain.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 30, 2025

Before missing the Suns game, Hartenstein started for the Thunder in all 19 games they had played as their center. He averaged 12.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals.

Chet Holmgren moved to the center spot for the Thunder against the Suns in Hartenstein's absence, while backup forward Jaylin Williams got the starting nod at the power forward position. OKC is expected to use the same lineup as it looks to extend its winning streak.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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