ATLANTA — The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to set the pace early in the NBA season, rolling past the Atlanta Hawks 117-100 on Saturday night and moving to a perfect 3-0. With reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rising star Chet Holmgren leading the charge, the defending champions showed why they’re the team to beat, dispatching a short-handed Hawks squad without ever trailing in the contest.
Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off a historic MVP campaign and an NBA title, delivered another masterclass in efficiency. He poured in 30 points on a blistering 12-of-17 shooting, including 10-of-11 inside the arc, while adding five assists, five rebounds, a steal, and a block—all in just 29 minutes of action. Remarkably, SGA took only four free throws, silencing critics who have labeled him a ‘free-throw merchant’ in recent seasons. Instead, he showcased his full offensive repertoire, scoring at will from mid-range and attacking the rim with his trademark craftiness.
“I’m not letting any opportunity go to waste,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “Continue to evolve mentally as a basketball player as well. No matter what I try to go out and do the right basketball play.” According to Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, SGA is “in character right now,” and his improved playmaking is a testament to his relentless summer work and motivation to keep improving.
Saturday’s win marked the third straight game in which Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 30 points while also dishing five or more assists and grabbing five or more boards—a testament to his all-around impact. He now has 120 points in 122 minutes to start the 2025-26 campaign, averaging a jaw-dropping 40 points per game with a true-shooting percentage of 64.3. Even more impressive, his streak of 75 consecutive regular-season games with 20 or more points is now the fourth-longest in NBA history, trailing only the legendary Wilt Chamberlain (who owns two longer streaks) and Oscar Robertson.
But on this particular night, it was Chet Holmgren who stole the scoring spotlight. The versatile big man erupted for 31 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including an eye-popping 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. Holmgren also pulled down 12 rebounds and swiped three steals, taking full advantage of Atlanta’s depleted frontcourt. With Kristaps Porzingis (flu-like symptoms), Zaccharie Risacher (right ankle sprain), and Jalen Johnson (sprained right ankle) all sidelined, Holmgren was simply too much for the Hawks to handle. “He does whatever it takes to win. I’ve noticed he’s getting more comfortable. He has such a natural feel for the game,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of his teammate. “We just have to continue to ignite him as teammates.”
The Thunder’s depth was on full display as well. Rookie Ajay Mitchell continued his strong start, chipping in 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists off the bench. Isaiah Hartenstein added 14 points and 10 rebounds, providing a steady interior presence. With Jalen Williams still out and no timetable for his return, Oklahoma City’s bench has stepped up, giving coach Daigneault plenty of lineup flexibility and matchup options. “We have a team full of fighters and warriors,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We come to compete every night. The tone-setting is across the board.”
For the Hawks, the night was a struggle from the outset. Trae Young was hounded by multiple defenders and finished with a modest 15 points and 10 assists, unable to ignite the offense as Atlanta played without three of its starters. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SGA’s cousin, led the Hawks with 17 points, while Onyeka Okongwu contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds. The absence of key players left Atlanta shorthanded and searching for answers, particularly on the defensive end, where Holmgren and the Thunder carved them up from start to finish.
The game remained close through the first half, with Oklahoma City holding a 60-55 lead at the break. But the Thunder came out firing to start the third quarter, reeling off the first eight points and quickly building a double-digit cushion. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 of his 30 points in that decisive third period, putting the game out of reach as both teams began to empty their benches.
This dominant win extends Oklahoma City’s remarkable run against Eastern Conference opponents. The Thunder have now won 31 of their last 32 regular-season games against teams from the East, including a current 20-game streak. Their 3-0 start comes on the heels of last season’s seven-game win streak to open the year—a campaign that ended with the franchise’s first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s start to the season has been nothing short of sensational. In the opener against Houston, he poured in 35 points on 14 free-throw attempts. He followed that with a career-best 55-point explosion against Indiana—an NBA Finals rematch—where he got to the line 26 times. While those games inflated his early-season average to 14.7 free-throw attempts per game, Saturday’s performance was a reminder that SGA can dominate without relying on whistles. Historically, he’s averaged closer to seven or eight attempts per game, and that number is expected to normalize as the season progresses.
Holmgren, meanwhile, is quickly proving why he was so highly touted coming out of college. After missing his entire rookie season due to injury, he played just 32 games last year but showed flashes of brilliance during the Thunder’s playoff run. Now healthy, Holmgren is making a case for early All-Star consideration with his inside-out scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will wrap up their three-game road trip with a showdown against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, aiming to push their record to 4-0. For Atlanta, the schedule doesn’t get any easier as they travel to Chicago to face the Bulls, hoping to regroup and get healthier as the season unfolds.
With the Thunder firing on all cylinders, the rest of the NBA has been put on notice. Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren are forming one of the league’s most dynamic duos, and Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive tenacity make them a legitimate threat to repeat as champions. As the season rolls on, all eyes will remain fixed on the Thunder, who continue to set the standard in the West and beyond.
