Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their historic start to the 2025-26 season with a lopsided 138-89 win over the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
The final score represented the largest margin of victory in a game this season.
The Thunder improved to 24-1 with the win, matching the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors for the best start to a season in NBA history (h/t SI.com’s Derek Parker).
After the Warriors compiled a record-setting 73-9 finish that season, fans discussed Oklahoma City potentially matching or exceeding 73 wins.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting in just 27 minutes on the floor, connecting on three of his four attempts from behind the arc. The reigning MVP also dished out eight assists and picked up two steals.
The Thunder didn’t face much resistance at any point during the contest, opening the game on a 14-5 run before taking a 38-23 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Oklahoma City outscored Phoenix by double digits in every single quarter of the matchup, leading by as many as 53 points.
It’s worth noting that Suns star Devin Booker didn’t suit up due to a strained right groin, and his absence was felt.
Phoenix shot just 39.3 percent from the field as a team and committed 20 turnovers compared to 24 assists. Dillon Brooks was the Suns’ leading scorer with a mere 16 points.
For the Thunder, Chet Holmgren continued his impressive season with 24 points and eight rebounds to go along with three blocks. Holmgren shot 9-of-13 from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point territory.
Jalen Williams also chipped in with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting.
Oklahoma City will now move on to Las Vegas and face the winner of the final quarterfinal clash involving the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.
