Witness MVP races, historic streaks, and emerging rivalries as OKC chases greatness in these crucial, must-see regular season showdowns.
Although repeating as champions is the ultimate goal for the Thunder, the regular season still holds plenty of value. It facilitates growth for the players while providing entertainment for fans. Here are the five best remaining regular season Thunder games in chronological order.
Feb. 4 at Spurs: It’s the fifth and final regular season game between these budding rivals. San Antonio has won three of the four matchups, but Oklahoma City decisively claimed the last battle.
Victor Wembanyama versus Chet Holmgren is always cinema, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander verbally made it clear to Stephon Castle that they do not belong on the same court. Overall, the basketball itself is phenomenal, and there is a ton of drama. It's yet another chapter to this rivalry.
Feb. 20 vs. Nets: Wilt Chamberlain scored at least 20 points in 126 consecutive regular season games from 1961 to 1963, and the record still stands today. However, Gilgeous-Alexander is at his heels with an active streak of 113 games.
This contest against Brooklyn will be Gilgeous-Alexander’s chance to rewrite history assuming the streak is still alive at tipoff. Breaking one of Chamberlain’s many records would be immensely impressive because he posted numbers that do not seem real. It’s like an ancient Greek warrior outperforming Hercules.
The game is quietly not a no-brainer for Gilgeous-Alexander. It’s the Thunder’s first game after the All-Star break, so rust could be a factor. Brooklyn also ranks fifth in defensive rating since Dec. 1 and surrenders the fewest points per game to opposing point guards.
Feb. 25 at Pistons: Oklahoma City faces Detroit twice during the regular season, and this is the first clash. These teams have similar roster builds. For example, they both possess a jumbo superstar guard surrounded by elite, athletic defenders and inconsistent perimeter shooting.
Detroit still has a long way to go before it can call themselves the Thunder of the East, but the team is definitely ahead of schedule and a real threat to make the NBA Finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander also entered a flow state against Detroit last season. He scored 48 points on 17-of-26 shooting from the field. Can Gilgeous-Alexander torch the Pistons’ elite defense again?
Feb. 27 vs. Nuggets: Denver represents the biggest obstacle standing in Oklahoma City’s path to another title. These teams face off for the first time this season on Feb. 1, but Nikola Jokić may not be back from his knee injury. However, Jokić should be fully healthy for this Feb. 27 matchup barring another injury.
Both teams will be rested since it’s only a week after the All-Star break, and they have a few games to shake off the rust before this clash. Look for Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander to put on a show.
March 4 at Knicks: A potential NBA Finals preview at Madison Square Garden? Circle this game on the calendar. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns pose issues for Oklahoma City’s defense, and New York has a few options to throw at Gilgeous-Alexander. It should be a loud, competitive environment that provides a glimpse of playoff basketball in March.