Thunder Aim to Regain Form After Mid-Season Slide
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Oklahoma City’s blistering start has cooled. After looking nearly untouchable through the first 25 games, the defending champions have gone 6-6 over their last dozen contests, capped by a 124-97 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, January 5.
Head coach Mark Daigneault views the recent setbacks as a chance for growth. “When you win the championship and you start the way we started, it comes with the territory,” he said. “It gives you a unique opportunity to really improve through that. It’s a competitive privilege to be a team that other teams are up to play for.”
All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander echoed the calm approach. “There’s a lot of games left,” he noted. “We’ve won big. We’ve lost big. Some nights are going to be bad, some nights are going to be great, but you have to try to get better the next day.”
Opponents Bringing Extra Energy
Veteran guard Alex Caruso said teams now treat matchups with Oklahoma City differently. “Last year we had to earn respect through winning. This year, coming off the championship, teams show up with more energy and a higher will to win,” Caruso told The Athletic. “A lot of times we’re not playing to that level, and that shouldn’t be the case.”
Trade Deadline Outlook
While an additional perimeter shooter could help, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reports the Thunder are not expected to pursue major moves before the trade deadline due to minimal roster holes and limited financial flexibility.
Carlson Makes Most of Minutes
Two-way center Branden Carlson impressed the staff Friday against Golden State, delivering 15 points, 11 rebounds and two steals in 22 minutes. “He’s always ready,” Daigneault said. “There are certain guys you’re excited to get in the game because they deserve it, and he’s one of them.” The 26-year-old remains eligible for up to 50 regular-season appearances under his two-way deal.
Gilgeous-Alexander Earns Top Honor
Gilgeous-Alexander was selected as Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Sportsperson of the Year. Reflecting on the recognition, he told SI’s Chris Mannix, “Growing up you have goals and write them down. Way more people don’t achieve them than do, so it’s always an ‘is-this-really-my-life?’ feeling.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
