The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the most compelling stories in the NBA this season, sitting near the top of the Western Conference with a 40-12 record and playing with a cohesion that belies their youth. But the road just got a little bumpier. In a 116-106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs - a game played without several key contributors - the Thunder not only dropped a rare contest but also got hit with a tougher blow: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to miss at least five games due to an abdominal strain, sidelining him through the All-Star break.
That’s no small loss. Gilgeous-Alexander has been the engine of this Thunder team - not just their best player, but their tone-setter, their closer, and their emotional center. He’s a high-usage, high-efficiency star who thrives under pressure, and his ability to control pace, create offense, and defend at a high level has been central to OKC’s rise this season.
“He’s conditioned himself to be able to take that load,” head coach Mark Daigneault said. “That’s what the great players do… He carries that as well as anybody and doesn’t break a sweat doing it… He’d rather play.”
There’s no doubt SGA would be out there if he could. But with the postseason looming, and Oklahoma City in prime position for a deep run, the team is taking the long view. The All-Star break gives him a natural window to rest and recover, and while the timing isn’t ideal, it could ultimately help preserve his legs for the stretch run.
In the meantime, the Thunder will need to lean on their depth - something they’ve quietly built into a real strength. This isn’t a one-man show.
While Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence removes a top-tier scorer and facilitator, OKC has shown the ability to play collectively and adapt when he’s off the floor. As Daigneault pointed out, “He doesn’t play 48 minutes a game, so it’s not like we’re not used to that.
It’s just that it’s going to be for a more extended period of time than a stretch of the game right now.”
That extended stretch will test the Thunder’s young core, but it also opens the door for others to step up. One name to watch is rookie Jaren McCain.
The newcomer has flashed offensive potential and could see an expanded role in the coming games. He’s not going to replicate SGA’s production - few in the league can - but he can help keep the offense humming with his energy, shot-making, and willingness to attack.
More broadly, this is a moment for the Thunder’s system to shine. Their success this season hasn’t just been about one player dominating the ball.
It’s been about ball movement, defensive intensity, and a team-first mentality that’s allowed them to stay competitive no matter who’s on the floor. Expect Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren to take on more responsibility, both as playmakers and leaders.
The loss to the Spurs was a reminder that nothing comes easy in the NBA - especially on the road, and especially when your stars are sidelined. But it’s also just one game in a long season. The Thunder have built enough of a cushion to weather a short-term storm, and if they can maintain their rhythm without SGA, it’ll only make them more dangerous when he returns.
For now, it’s about managing minutes, staying healthy, and finding new ways to win. The Thunder have already proven they belong in the contender conversation. Now they get a chance to prove they can stay there - even when adversity hits.