When the Oklahoma City Thunder return home to face the Brooklyn Nets after the All-Star break, the assignment is clear. No Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. No Jalen Williams. No Ajay Mitchell. 

That removes the Thunder’s three primary creators and shifts the focus from star power to structure, development, and discipline.

It also creates a revealing moment for this roster. Contending teams don’t just rely on their stars, they prove they can execute, defend, and maintain identity when shorthanded. At home against a struggling opponent, Oklahoma City has an opportunity to show its depth, maturity, and internal growth without leaning on its usual late game shot makers.

Here are the three keys to the game.

Without Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, Chet Holmgren becomes the unquestioned focal point. There cannot be any ambiguity about that. From the opening possession, Oklahoma City needs to make it obvious who the offense runs through.

That means intentional touches. Early post entries to establish physicality. Pick-and-pop actions to stretch the floor. Elbow isolations where Holmgren can face up, attack, or facilitate. The Thunder can’t allow him to drift through stretches waiting for the game to come to him, they have to force the issue.

This is also kind of a developmental checkpoint. Can Holmgren handle defensive attention as the primary option? Can he stay aggressive when the coverage tightens? 

Against a struggling Brooklyn team, this is an opportunity for him to impose himself rather than simply react. If he sets the tone offensively and anchors the paint defensively, Oklahoma City controls the game’s rhythm.

With three creators sidelined, this is a rare window to prioritize growth.

Jared McCain and Nikola Topic should see meaningful, purposeful minutes and not just spot duty. This is the ideal time to let them initiate offense, run pick-and-roll, and make real decisions against live NBA defenses but a team that isn’t good. 

When Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams return, the Thunder will need McCain and Topic comfortable within the system. Comfortable pushing pace. Comfortable reading second level defenders. Comfortable taking rhythm threes without hesitation. 

The only way that happens is through repetition.

There will be mistakes. That’s fine. What matters is building rhythm and confidence now so the team is deeper and more versatile later. Instead of simply surviving without their stars, Oklahoma City can use this stretch to expand their rotation and strengthen their backcourt depth.

The Nets have struggled, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

Young teams can unintentionally let opponents hang around with careless turnovers, poor shot selection, or defensive lapses. A few empty possessions and suddenly a team with nothing to lose starts believing it can steal one.

The Thunder cannot allow that to happen.

They need to push the pace early, defend without fouling, and string together stops that build separation. If they establish a double-digit lead, the goal should be to extend it, not manage it. Confidence is dangerous, especially for a team playing freely on the road.

This game is about clarity. Make Holmgren the centerpiece. Invest in McCain and Topic’s growth. And remove suspense before the fourth quarter arrives. If Oklahoma City approaches the night with intention instead of improvisation, they won’t just secure a win, they’ll strengthen their foundation for when their stars return.