The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their perfect start to the 2025-26 NBA season with a 137-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at Paycom Center. The victory moves Oklahoma City to 7-0, while New Orleans falls to 0-6.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points and seven assists in just three quarters, shooting 8 of 14 from the field and making all 13 free throws. Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, adding eight assists.
Oklahoma City dominated the game from the outset, making 13 of 24 3-pointers in the first half to lead 75-52. Jaylin Williams tied a career high with four triples before halftime. The Thunder finished the game with eight players in double figures and shot 56% overall from the floor.
Despite missing three key starters—Lu Dort due to illness, Chet Holmgren with a lower back sprain, and Jalen Williams recovering from offseason wrist surgery—the Thunder maintained control throughout. Oklahoma City’s largest lead reached 36 points in the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans were paced by Zion Williamson, who had 20 points and nine rebounds, and Trey Murphy III, who added 19 points. Rookie Jeremiah Fears, a former Oklahoma star, scored 16 points and received a warm reception during introductions.
A highlight moment came in the fourth quarter when Kevon Looney was called for a Flagrant-1 on Ajay Mitchell, leading to two free throws and an extra possession that pushed the Thunder further ahead.
Oklahoma City’s hot shooting included 20 of 48 from beyond the arc, improving from last season’s struggles from deep. The win continues a dominant streak against New Orleans, marking the Thunder’s 11th straight victory over the Pelicans and tying their 7-0 start from last season, when they captured the NBA title.
Oklahoma City becomes the third team in league history to start 7-0 in consecutive seasons, joining the Boston Celtics (1963–65) and Houston Rockets (1993–95).
The Thunder will visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, while the Pelicans host the Charlotte Hornets on the same night.
