TheThunder's new two-way contract playerhad just logged 26 minutes, including nine in the fourth quarter, and yet he was still getting a feel for his new home — figuring out who was who and what goes where.
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"I'm learning off the court, I'm learning on the court," Peavy toldThe Oklahoman. "I love it. Just the atmosphere, the team. They're so welcoming. It's a winning culture."
Not even two weeks ago, the wholemood around the Thunder was solemn. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace were lost to long-term injuries, maybe season-ending ones for Williams and Wallace, in the same game.
TheThunderbeat the Suns in its next game, but, seemingly still in shock, it was blown out in back-to-back games at Dallas and Houston.
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) smiles after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) goes up for a basket beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) grabs a rebound during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) defends during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Former Oklahoma City Thunder player Serge Ibaka watches a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder Drummer performs during a time out against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas (15) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) moves the ball down the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shoes during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Alex Caruso (9) celebrate after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Enaruna (21) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates after scoring a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates with guard Alex Caruso (9) after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams (34) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) look to grab a rebound during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson looks at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots a three point basket over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots from under the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) smiles after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) smiles after a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) goes up for a basket beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) grabs a rebound during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) moves the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) defends during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) gestures after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Former Oklahoma City Thunder player Serge Ibaka watches a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz (14) shoots a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder Drummer performs during a time out against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas (15) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) moves the ball down the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; A close up view of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s shoes during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Micah Peavy (16) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Alex Caruso (9) celebrate after a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Enaruna (21) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates after scoring a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) celebrates with guard Alex Caruso (9) after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kenrich Williams (34) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. (9) look to grab a rebound during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket around Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson looks at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots a three point basket over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Cleveland Cavaliers, see best photos
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots from under the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
(Alonzo Adams, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Then came two wins against the Cavs. A season sweep against an East contender that took all of 48 hours.
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The Thunder is 6-2 heading into a Friday night clash in Memphis, and suddenly things don't seem as dour as they did a dozen days ago.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderhas gone all super hero, averaging the most field-goal attempts of his career (23.8) in the absence of his co-stars, and Ajay Mitchell is burgeoning into a two-way phenom. But theThunder's 124-116 win on Wednesdayhad as much to do with guys like Kenrich Williams and Peavy. And rookies Bennett Stirtz and Aday Mara — both of whom played crunch-time minutes.
Stirtz had 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Mara, in his first start, had nine points, five rebounds and three blocks. One of the main concerns with Mara was his conditioning, and yet the big man held up in his 25 minutes — more than he averaged a season ago at Michigan.
It's early, but the Thunder is staying afloat with only the hull of a team in which it started the season in San Antonio.
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Wins like the ones against the Cavs surely mean more given the circumstances, right?
"Not really, to be honest," Gilgeous-Alexander said after consecutive 40-pieces. "Regardless, winning in the NBA is very hard."
Yeah, but it's a lot harder without a couple of All-NBA teammates in Holmgren and J-Dub and an all-world defender in Wallace. Especially after an offseason in which your depth was depleted. Ajay Mitchell is being tasked with being Ajay Mitchell on offense and Lu Dort on defense. Rookies and two-way players are rounding out the rotation instead of championship-caliber role players like Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.
And still the Thunder seems a lock for a top-six seed in the West. I'd much sooner pick OKC to finish in the top-three than to slip into play-in range.
Nov 4, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara (15) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Gilgeous-Alexander is that good, and the Thunder — despite injuries that would be irredeemable to most teams — still has just enough talent around SGA to win.
But beyond that, we're seeing how OKC is buoyed by its infrastructure. WhatClay BennettandSam Prestihave built over the past 19 years is too sound to sink. SGA is in Year 8 in OKC.Mark Daigneaultis in Year 7. Those guys know what they're doing.
"Sam, I've heard him say this to players, he wants them to have a great basketball experience here, and that's what the organization delivers," Daigneault said.
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"When you've got that in place, and then you bring in guys that naturally align with that, then you're running a program. We're not the only team that does it — we're also not perfect at it — but that's what we're aspiring to."
Guys like Peavy seem to absorb the Thunder's standard as soon as they step into the practice facility off Britton Road. (Peavy went from one of the NBA's worst organizations in the Pelicans to one of the best in the Thunder).
"It starts with Sam and it trickles all the way down to everybody else," said Peavy, a Thunder veteran of four games. "Everybody just has one goal, and that's to win. Everyone has their one job they're doing to make it this winning program. It's crazy to be around it and be a part of it."
Programis the word Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson used to describe the Thunder.
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"It's different when you play these teams," Atkinson said. "Obviously they're very talented, but you're also playing against a strong program. It kind of doesn't matter who's out there for them."
Thunder at Grizzlies
TIPOFF:7 p.m. Friday at FedExForum (Thunder+, KSBI)
