Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reflects on 'Challenging' 2025-26 Season

The All-Star guard discusses the team's growth and path to a third straight No. 1 seed.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:43pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic action on the court.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and the Thunder's team-wide growth have propelled them to three straight No. 1 seeds in the West.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the team's 2025-26 season, which he described as the most challenging yet. Despite clinching the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the third consecutive year, Gilgeous-Alexander noted that repeating that success was harder as the league and players continue to improve. However, he praised the growth of his teammates and the coaching staff, which he believes has been key to the Thunder's continued dominance.

Why it matters

The Thunder's sustained success at the top of the Western Conference is a remarkable feat, especially in a league known for parity. Gilgeous-Alexander's honest assessment of the difficulty in maintaining that level of play provides insight into the hard work and dedication required to be an elite NBA team year after year.

The details

The Thunder finished the 2025-26 regular season with the best record in the league, led by Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber performance. The team handed the Los Angeles Lakers two 36-point losses and clinched the No. 1 seed with a 128-110 win over the LA Clippers. Gilgeous-Alexander noted that while the season was the most challenging personally, the growth of his teammates, including veterans like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, as well as young players like Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain, has been key to the team's continued success.

  • The Thunder clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a 128-110 win over the LA Clippers.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander scored 47 points in an overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons to help seal the Thunder's No. 1 seed.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The All-Star guard and reigning NBA MVP for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Alex Caruso

A veteran player who was acquired by the Thunder and helped propel the team to new heights last season.

Isaiah Hartenstein

Another veteran player acquired by the Thunder, who has contributed to the team's success.

Ajay Mitchell

A young player on the Thunder roster whose growth has helped elevate the defending champions this season.

Jared McCain

Another young player on the Thunder roster whose development has been key to the team's continued dominance.

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What they’re saying

“It feels better for sure. Not only because we got to weather a little bit more. But just repeating something and doing it again is always was a little bit harder. It's a little more challenging.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

“The league gets better. Players get better. For us to still have the best overall record through that, and ups and downs, speaks volumes to the team. Speaks volumes to the guys in the summertime—getting better individually.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

“I think I'm a world of a better player. Not only myself but the team understands what it really takes. I think our experiences have naturally done that for us. We understand how to win and the formula for winning.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star guard, Oklahoma City Thunder

What’s next

The Thunder will look to defend their title as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

The Thunder's ability to maintain their dominance at the top of the Western Conference, even as the league continues to improve, is a testament to the team's dedication, growth, and commitment to winning. Gilgeous-Alexander's honest assessment of the challenges they faced this season only underscores the impressive feat they've accomplished.