The Clippers early momentum stalls in home loss to the Thunder
Los Angeles Clippers #1 James Harden (G) is bringing the ball up court while being defended by the Oklahoma City Thunder # 2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G). Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1 November 4, 2025.
INGLEWOOD, CA – The Oklahoma City Thunder (8-0) continued their record-setting start to the season last night, surging past the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers (3-4) for a 126-107. The win extended the defending champions' season-opening winning streak to eight games, establishing a new franchise record.
The Clippers played without stars Kawhi Leonard (ankle) and Bradley Beal (knee) on the second night of a home back-to-back, fought hard early but could not withstand the relentless pressure of the league's top team.
Los Angeles Head Coach Tyronn Lue commented on the difficulties, stating, "That second quarter on through their pressure kind of hurt us, kind of sped us up. We couldn't get into our sets and um kind of took us out of our offense and kind of took us out of our rhythm as well."
The League’s reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, delivered an MVP-like performance, scoring a game-high 30 points and adding 12 assists. SGA was efficient, shooting 9-of-14 from the field and an exceptional 4-of-5 from three-point range. Isaiah Joe provided a huge lift off the bench with 22 points, shooting 6-of-10 from behind the arc. The Thunder shot an excellent 47.4% from beyond the arc as a team.
The game started with Los Angeles taking control, as James Harden scored the team's first 12 (of his 30 ) points to fuel an early 12-2 surge, sending Intuit Dome into frenzy. The run helped the Clippers build a 13-point lead in the first quarter (33-23).
Oklahoma City Thunder #6 Jaylin Williams (F) is going up high to challenge the Los Angeles Clippers #20 John Collins (F) shot attempt. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1 November 4, 2025.
However, the Thunder's defensive identity soon emerged. Oklahoma City forced six steals and caused eight turnovers in the second quarter alone, which reversed the momentum and chipped the Clippers’ lead down. Los Angeles led 57-56 at halftime.
In the third period, a three-pointer from Aaron Wiggins gave the Thunder the lead for good at 81-78. Oklahoma City unleashed a massive 17-0 scoring run that lasted from the end of the third quarter to the start of the fourth. This stretch, powered by consecutive three-pointers from Joe and Gilgeous-Alexander, ballooned the lead to a commanding 105-86.
Star guard Harden reflected on his team's internal struggles post-game, saying, "It's not even about the Thunder, it's about us. Like you said, in the first half, we played well. Third quarter, you know, towards the end of it, we kind of wouldn't say let go of the rope, but, we missed some shots, they made some shots, and, you know, basketball."
Oklahoma City cruised through the final period to secure the 19-point victory. Los Angeles finished the night with 20 turnovers and allowed 34 points off of them.