Oklahoma City Thunder Zaps Clippers 126-107 as SGA Steals the Show

Bogdan Bogdanovic (10) from the LA Clippers makes a powerful drive to the basket against Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2). Photo by Savion Washington for Tangent Zine.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a dynamic comeback to the team that first drafted him, showcasing his complete skill set as the current MVP. In front of a packed crowd of 17,195 spectators, SGA scored 30 points, successfully making 4 out of 5 three-pointers. He also added 12 assists and four rebounds, helping the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder extend their season-opening winning streak to eight games with a 126-107 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.

SGA capped off the attack against his former team by contributing 12 assists and four rebounds, aiding the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in extending their season-opening winning streak to eight games with a 126-107 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder taunts the Clippers bench during their game at the Intuit Dome on November 4, 2025. Photo by Savion Washington for Tangent Zine.

Former Thunder player James Harden dominated the start of the game. Harden scored the Clippers' initial 12 points, helping Los Angeles jump to a quick 12-2 lead. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder, familiar with such situations, used their strong defense to regain their footing in the game. "The Beard," finished with 25 points, and John Collins contributed 17 for the Clippers.

James Harden of the LA Clippers attempts to thread the needle and pass the ball through a tight Oklahoma City defense. Photo by Savion Washington for Tangent Zine.

 High Flying Clipper Derrick Jones Jr. added 16 points as the Clippers lost consecutive home games after winning the first three in their own building.

James Harden of the LA Clippers prepares to execute his play as Cason Wallace of the OKC Thunder defends. Photo by Savion Washington for Tangent Zine.

The Clippers played without two of their superstars. Kawhi Leonard  was out (ankle sprain) and Bradley Beal  (right knee injury management ) on the second night of a back-to-back home game.

Coming up: Thunder will play in Portland on Wednesday night. Clippers will face Phoenix on Thursday night.