The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the NBA’s best stories this season - a young, dynamic squad that’s surged to the top of the standings behind the brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But now, the team faces its biggest challenge yet: Gilgeous-Alexander is set to miss at least five games with an abdominal strain, sidelining him through the All-Star break.
For a team that's already been navigating a season full of injuries, losing their MVP-caliber leader - the engine of their offense and the heartbeat of their locker room - is a major blow. Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of elite this year, averaging 31.8 points on a hyper-efficient 55.4% from the field, along with 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.
His availability has been one of the few constants in a season filled with moving pieces. Now, with him out, the Thunder are entering unfamiliar territory.
They’ve already dropped the first game of this stretch without him, falling to the Spurs. Up next: a tough four-game slate featuring the Rockets at home, followed by road matchups against the Lakers and Suns, then a return home to face the Bucks - all before the All-Star break. That’s a gauntlet, even with a full roster.
So how does OKC weather this storm? Let’s break down four key ways the Thunder can stay afloat without their star.
1. Holmgren and Williams Must Step Up
This is the most straightforward path forward. There’s no replacing Gilgeous-Alexander - that’s not realistic. But if any two players on this roster can help shoulder the load, it’s Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
Both are All-Star-level talents in their own right. Holmgren has been a revelation in his rookie campaign, bringing shot-blocking, floor-spacing, and surprising poise to the frontcourt. Williams, meanwhile, has been a steady two-way force with the ability to score in bunches and create for others.
The challenge? Health.
Holmgren is considered day-to-day but is expected to be back by Saturday. Williams, recovering from a hamstring strain, could return even sooner than initially expected.
If both can get back on the floor before the break, that’s a massive boost. Williams has been out nearly three weeks, and his return would immediately give the Thunder a secondary creator and a calming presence on both ends.
2. Jared McCain’s Opportunity
Timing is everything in the NBA, and the Thunder’s recent acquisition of Jared McCain from the Sixers could prove to be more than just a depth move. McCain, a once-promising lottery-level talent, saw his early momentum derailed by a torn meniscus and thumb injury. But the upside is still there.
It might be a lot to ask for him to step into a major role right away - he’s barely played this season - but the Thunder could need his scoring punch sooner rather than later. McCain is a movement shooter with a knack for getting buckets, and depending on who else is available, he could be thrust into a meaningful role. Even if his minutes are limited, his ability to space the floor and attack off the catch could be a valuable wrinkle for a team suddenly short on offensive firepower.
3. Could Mitchell Return Early?
Another name to watch: Mitchell. Also sidelined with an abdominal strain, he’s missed more than two weeks. That timeline gives us a rough idea of what Gilgeous-Alexander might be facing, and it’s why the Thunder are being cautious.
But if Mitchell can make a surprise return before the break, it could change the equation. He’s been one of the team’s biggest risers this season, growing into a reliable 14-point-per-game scorer and a perfect sidekick to Gilgeous-Alexander. More importantly, he’s shown he can ramp up his volume when needed - something OKC desperately needs right now.
He’s still not quite there based on recent shootaround activity, but if he turns a corner quickly, his return would be a welcome surprise.
4. Lean on Elite Defense
Here’s the silver lining: defense travels. And the Thunder have had the best defense in the NBA for two straight seasons.
That’s not just a stat - it’s their identity. It’s how they won their first championship last year, and it’s how they’ve stayed atop the standings this season.
Without Gilgeous-Alexander, the offense is going to get clunky. That’s just reality.
But OKC doesn’t need to light up the scoreboard to win games. If they can keep things ugly, grind out possessions, and force teams into low-percentage shots, they’ll give themselves a chance every night.
They don’t need to shoot 40% from deep to stay competitive. They just need to stick to what they do best - swarm on defense, create transition opportunities, and trust that their system can carry them through.
The next few games won’t be easy. Losing your MVP is never easy.
But the Thunder have built a system that doesn’t rely on just one guy - even if that guy is one of the best players in the league. With Holmgren, Williams, and maybe even Mitchell returning, plus a defense that continues to smother opponents, OKC has enough to stay in the mix until their leader returns.
And if they can come out of this stretch still near the top of the standings? That says a lot about who this team is - and how dangerous they’ll be come playoff time.