The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a start for the history books, and Saturday night’s clash with the Atlanta Hawks only added more fuel to the early-season excitement. For the third game of their road trip, the Thunder traveled to Atlanta, eager to build on their unprecedented back-to-back double-overtime victories to open the 2025-26 NBA season. The first meeting of the year between these two squads didn’t disappoint, as Oklahoma City continued to show why they’re considered among the league’s most compelling young teams.
Coming into the contest, the Thunder were riding high after Thursday’s exhausting 141-135 double-overtime win over the Indiana Pacers—a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. That game saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupt for a career-high 55 points, carrying a shorthanded Oklahoma City roster through adversity. Gilgeous-Alexander’s stat line was jaw-dropping: 15-of-31 shooting from the floor, 23-of-26 from the free-throw line, plus eight rebounds and eight assists. According to ESPN, "His 23 made free throws were a career best." The Thunder also got a boost from AJ Mitchell, who poured in a career-high 26 points off the bench, and Aaron Wiggins, who delivered the late-game heroics in double overtime with a crucial put-back three-point play. Isaiah Hartenstein’s 14 rebounds were vital in a game where the Thunder overcame 14 turnovers, none coming in the final two extra periods. That victory made Oklahoma City the first team in NBA history to open a season with consecutive double-overtime wins, both powered by their MVP’s late-game magic.
Meanwhile, the Hawks entered Saturday’s matchup with momentum of their own, having edged out the Orlando Magic 111-107 on Friday. Trae Young led the way with 25 points, including six clutch points in the final 46 seconds to seal the win. The victory gave Atlanta a 1-1 record heading into their home opener against the Thunder, setting the stage for a compelling showdown between two rising teams in their respective conferences.
Saturday’s tip-off at 6:30 p.m. Central Time was broadcast on NBA TV, FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma, and KWTV, giving fans across the country a chance to tune in. Both teams faced injury challenges: the Thunder were without Jalen Williams (wrist surgery), Alex Caruso (concussion), Isaiah Joe (knee contusion), Kenrich Williams (knee surgery), Nikola Topic (testicular surgery), and Thomas Sorber (torn ACL). The Hawks, for their part, missed Zaccharie Risacher (ankle sprain), while Kristaps Porzingis (flu-like symptoms) and Jalen Johnson (ankle sprain) remained questionable.
Oklahoma City rolled out a starting five of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Atlanta countered with Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Mouhamed Gueye, and Onyeka Okongwu. Early on, the Thunder’s energy was palpable, especially on the defensive end. Holmgren, who had struggled offensively in the previous game against Indiana, came out firing. He hit four of his first four attempts from beyond the arc, helping Oklahoma City build a double-digit lead. "Holmgren is off to a hot start from the outside. Let’s see if that scoring aggression can continue," reported the live blog.
Holmgren’s performance was particularly noteworthy given his recent struggles. After Thursday’s Finals rematch, where he managed just 15 points on 33.3 percent shooting, Holmgren admitted he’s been searching for consistency. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault revealed that Holmgren had been "a bit down about his scoring production thus far into the 2025-26 campaign." When asked about his coach’s comments, Holmgren was candid: "I gotta be consistent. Not only with making shots but with being aggressive and making the right plays. I gotta do a better job of not letting that sway game to game. I’m going to keep working on that."
On Saturday, Holmgren delivered the bounce-back performance Thunder fans have been waiting for. He finished with 31 points on 66.7 percent shooting, including a blistering 75 percent from three-point range, and a +16 plus-minus. His efforts helped Oklahoma City maintain control even as the Hawks made several pushes. Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim gives the Thunder a unique weapon on both ends, and his willingness to address his own inconsistencies bodes well for his continued growth. As the season progresses, his development remains a major subplot for the defending champions.
Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off his historic outing, continued to lead by example. He poured in an efficient 30 points, orchestrating the Thunder offense with poise. "Everything is going their way," one update noted as Oklahoma City created more space on the scoreboard. The Thunder’s ball movement and defensive intensity were on full display, with Hartenstein making key plays—like a steal from Daniels and facilitating fast-break opportunities. Lu Dort also contributed with aggressive drives, while Cason Wallace’s perimeter defense helped limit Atlanta’s scoring runs.
Atlanta, for their part, showed resilience. Trae Young kept the Hawks within striking distance, and their perimeter shooting helped erase a double-digit deficit late in the first half. The Hawks found a groove, hitting outside shots and capitalizing on minor defensive lapses by Oklahoma City. However, the Thunder weathered the storm, and Holmgren’s return to the bench after a brief injury scare (he left holding his hand after a block attempt but returned soon after) calmed any nerves in the Oklahoma City camp.
Holmgren’s journey since his Rookie of the Year runner-up campaign in 2023-24 has been marked by flashes of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency, often tied to injuries and adjustments to the NBA grind. During last season’s title run, he alternated between dominant outings and quiet performances. This year, he’s been widely tipped as a breakout candidate—if he can stay healthy and find offensive rhythm, the Thunder’s ceiling climbs even higher.
Looking ahead, the Thunder’s schedule remains demanding. After Saturday’s matchup in Atlanta, they’ll travel to face the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, October 27, followed by a home game against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, and another home tilt versus the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Each contest presents fresh challenges for a team still integrating new faces and managing injuries.
For now, the Thunder’s winning ways and the continued emergence of their young stars keep fans buzzing. Holmgren’s honest self-assessment and immediate response with a career-best performance against the Hawks could mark a turning point in his quest for consistency. As for Gilgeous-Alexander, his MVP-caliber play remains the engine driving Oklahoma City’s early-season surge.
With the season just underway, Oklahoma City’s blend of resilience, star power, and youthful exuberance promises plenty more drama. The league has been put on notice: the Thunder aren’t just defending champions—they’re evolving, and the rest of the NBA will have to keep up.
