Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shines as Thunder extend unbeaten run with comeback win over Kings

Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City Thunder past Sacramento as defending NBA champions show title-winning composure

The Oklahoma City Thunder are starting this new NBA season as if they never left the winner’s circle. On Tuesday night at the Paycom Center, the reigning champions showed poise, grit, and that unmistakable touch of star quality to overturn a late deficit and edge past the Sacramento Kings 107–101 — their fifth consecutive victory to start the campaign.

And, of course, at the heart of it all was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The reigning MVP delivered another commanding display, pouring in 31 points to keep the Thunder’s perfect record alive. It wasn’t just the numbers, though — it was the timing, the calmness under pressure, and the leadership that continues to define him as one of the league’s most influential figures.

“We did what it took to win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said afterward, his trademark composure evident even in the postgame interviews. “We stayed together and found a way. That’s what championship teams do.”

It’s hard to argue with that. Oklahoma City trailed by three heading into the fourth quarter, looking slightly out of rhythm after a scrappy third period. But when the game reached its decisive moments, the Thunder simply found another gear. With just over two and a half minutes remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander hit a tough pull-up jumper to give his team the lead — one they never surrendered.

The MVP keeps delivering for the Thunder

Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP campaign was defined by consistency and control. He wasn’t just scoring — he was dictating games. And now, barely two weeks into the new season, he’s doing it again. His 31 points against Sacramento took his season total to 143, making him the league’s joint-leading scorer alongside Boston’s Jayson Tatum.

The way he manages the tempo is striking. Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t force shots or chase highlights; he simply reads what’s in front of him, gets to his spots, and makes the right decision more often than not. Against the Kings, he was efficient once again, finding gaps in the defense, drawing fouls, and hitting clutch free throws when it mattered most.

But perhaps the most impressive part of his performance wasn’t his scoring — it was how he elevated those around him. With Josh Giddey struggling to find his rhythm and Chet Holmgren facing early foul trouble, Gilgeous-Alexander took on the responsibility of keeping the offense flowing, while still maintaining the defensive discipline that has become a hallmark of this Thunder group.

Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his star man after the win. “Shai just gives us a level of calm,” he said. “No matter what the situation, he never panics. The guys feed off that. That’s why he’s special.”

Oklahoma City showing championship character early

Five games, five wins — and already the defending champions are setting the tone in the Western Conference. It’s not just that they’re winning; it’s the manner of the victories. Each one has come with a slightly different storyline, whether it’s Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics, Holmgren’s rim protection, or Jalen Williams’ relentless energy on both ends.

Against Sacramento, it was about resilience. The Kings came to Oklahoma looking sharp, with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis combining for 49 points. They controlled the tempo for large stretches and led 84–81 heading into the final frame. But the Thunder never lost faith in their system.

With two and a half minutes remaining, Oklahoma seized control. Holmgren came up with a crucial block on Sabonis, leading to a fast-break finish from Williams. Moments later, Gilgeous-Alexander sank a step-back jumper that sent the Paycom crowd into a frenzy. From there, the champions managed the clock and hit their free throws — a professional, efficient closeout from a team that knows how to win tight games.

They’ll return to action on Friday at home against the Washington Wizards, looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Giannis Antetokounmpo inspires Bucks comeback against Knicks

Elsewhere in the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to remind everyone why he’s one of the most dominant forces in basketball. The Greek superstar powered the Milwaukee Bucks to a 121–111 victory over the New York Knicks, scoring 37 points — including 23 in the second half — to rally his team from 14 points down.

The Bucks, now 3–2, looked out of sorts early on as the Knicks’ bench unit caused real problems. But Antetokounmpo flipped the script after halftime, attacking relentlessly and sparking a 16–2 run that changed the momentum completely.

“We didn’t panic,” he said postgame. “We just played with energy and trusted the work we put in.”

Coach Doc Rivers, still without Kevin Porter Jr for a third straight game, praised his team’s patience and Giannis’ leadership. “We’re not going to rush Kevin back,” Rivers explained. “We don’t want this to become chronic. But Giannis really stepped up. When he’s locked in like that, it lifts everyone.”

The Bucks will look to build on the win when they visit Atlanta later this week.

Around the NBA: 76ers stay perfect, Warriors cruise, Heat roll

The Philadelphia 76ers are also off to a flying start. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey combined for 68 points in a thrilling 139–134 overtime win against the Washington Wizards, extending Philly’s unbeaten run to four games.

In San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors delivered one of their best defensive performances of the early season, stifling the Los Angeles Clippers in a 98–79 victory at Chase Center. Steph Curry led the way with 26 points, while Draymond Green — back from suspension — provided his trademark intensity on defense.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat looked unstoppable at home, blowing out the Charlotte Hornets 144–117. Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler combined for 61 points as Erik Spoelstra’s men improved to 3–2, sending a clear message to the rest of the Eastern Conference that Miami’s offense is humming again.

Thunder proving their title credentials early

Back in Oklahoma, the Thunder’s message to the league is clear: last year wasn’t a fluke. They’ve reloaded, refocused, and look every bit like a team capable of defending their crown.

With Gilgeous-Alexander already playing like an MVP front-runner again and a young supporting cast that continues to mature, it’s easy to see why optimism is high. There’s a long season ahead, of course, but nights like this — where champions find a way even when they’re not at their best — are exactly what separates good teams from great ones.

As the final buzzer sounded in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander smiled and waved to the roaring crowd. Five games, five wins, and a performance that once again reminded everyone why he’s the heartbeat of this Thunder dynasty in the making.