The Oklahoma City Thunder are just fine-actually, they’re more than fine.
Yes, it might sound odd to reassure fans about a team that’s sitting at 25-3, riding high with the best record in the league and fresh off an NBA title. But after dropping two of their last three games, a ripple of concern has crept in across social media.
From Lu Dort’s shooting slump to Jalen Williams still finding his rhythm post-injury, and even whispers about whether Victor Wembanyama might be their kryptonite, the chatter has picked up. Let’s break it all down.
Lu Dort: Slumping, but don’t sound the alarm
There’s no sugarcoating it-Dort’s perimeter shooting hasn’t looked sharp to start the season. But before anyone hits the panic button, let’s zoom out.
Over the past two seasons, Dort has been one of the most reliable high-volume three-point shooters in the league. He shot 41.2% from deep last season on nearly six attempts per game, and 39.4% the year before on five attempts a night.
That’s not a fluke-that’s sustained production.
And let’s not forget how critical his shooting was during the Thunder’s playoff run last year. Remember Game 5 of the Western Conference Semis against Denver?
It was Dort’s fourth-quarter shooting barrage that flipped the game-and arguably the series-in OKC’s favor. Without that stretch, the Thunder might not be hanging a banner right now.
He’s also been dealing with a right shoulder injury-the shooting shoulder-which has sidelined him for several games this season. That kind of setback can throw off a shooter’s rhythm. But with Dort’s track record and defensive impact (he’s a First Team All-Defensive guy for a reason), there’s every reason to believe he’ll bounce back.
Jalen Williams: Already producing, and only getting better
If you’re looking at Jalen Williams and thinking he’s not quite his All-NBA self yet, you’re not wrong-but you’re also not seeing the full picture. Williams missed the first 19 games of the season recovering from wrist surgery, and he’s still putting up 17.6 points, 5.1 boards, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
He’s shooting 45.4% from the field and 40% from three. That’s not just solid-it’s impressive for a guy still finding his groove.
Defensively, Williams hasn’t missed a beat. He’s still the versatile, high-IQ stopper that made him such a breakout star last season. As his offensive timing returns, expect his impact to grow even more.
About those three losses: Context matters
All three of OKC’s losses this season have come on the road-and each came under circumstances that deserve a closer look.
The first was against a scrappy Trail Blazers squad on the second night of a road back-to-back, the third game in four nights. Several key Thunder players were out. That’s a tough spot for any team, even one this good.
The second came in the NBA Cup against the Spurs, in what was technically a neutral-site game but felt like a full-on San Antonio home crowd. That game was a heavyweight slugfest from start to finish-two elite teams trading haymakers until the final buzzer.
The third was against the Timberwolves, a team that’s been to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. Again, it was the second night of a road back-to-back for OKC, and the game came down to a missed free throw tap-out.
The margin across all three losses? Just nine points combined.
Even the best teams drop road games to quality opponents. It’s part of the grind.
Wemby Watch: Three more chances to answer the question
Victor Wembanyama is a problem-there’s no denying that. His length, timing, and skillset are unlike anything the league has seen. But the Thunder will get three more cracks at him in the next few weeks: December 23, Christmas Day, and January 13.
Those matchups will be telling. But let’s be clear-this isn’t about one player being OKC’s “kryptonite.” It’s about two elite teams going head-to-head in what’s quickly becoming one of the NBA’s most intriguing new rivalries.
Big picture: The Thunder are still elite
Despite the recent losses, the Thunder are still on a 73-win pace. They still hold the best net rating in league history.
They still have a four-game cushion over the Nuggets for the top seed in the West. And they’re still the defending champs.
So yes, a few bumps in the road have popped up-but this team is built to weather them. With a deep, talented roster, a defense that travels, and a core that’s still ascending, the Thunder remain firmly in control of their destiny.
If anything, the last few games have reminded us that even the best teams get tested. And more often than not, the great ones respond.