The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their dominant season with a 121-109 win over the Toronto Raptors at Paycom Center on Friday night. With star big man, Chet Holmgren, making his long-awaited return from injury, the Thunder showcased why they boast the NBA’s best record, maintaining control from start to finish.
Thunder Set the Tone Early
Once the action tipped off, it was all Oklahoma City. The Thunder jumped out to a 10-point lead after the first quarter, finishing the frame ahead 35-25.
Jalen Williams set the tone early, scoring eight first-quarter points on 4-of-5 shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the leading MVP candidate, was quiet to start but still managed 10 first-quarter points, including an emphatic putback dunk.
Toronto, missing key starters RJ Barrett (concussion protocol) and Jakob Poeltl (hip pointer), struggled to generate consistent offense. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley were the focal points, but the Raptors shot just 38% from the floor in the first half.
Chet Holmgren Returns to the Court
Perhaps the biggest storyline of the night was the return of Chet Holmgren, playing his first game since November 10th after recovering from a right hip fracture. Though he showed some rust offensively, scoring just four points on 2-of-5 shooting, his defensive presence was undeniable.
Holmgren recorded four blocks, including a highlight-reel rejection of Barnes’ dunk attempt, and added five rebounds, two steals, and an assist in 22 minutes. The Thunder’s frontcourt, now featuring Holmgren alongside Isaiah Hartenstein, looks even more formidable as the season progresses.
“He’s a game-changer on defense,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. “We know what he brings, and getting him back just makes us even better.”
Raptors Fight Hard but Fall Short
Despite the loss, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic was pleased with his team’s fight, especially compared to their previous 37-point loss to Oklahoma City earlier this season.
“I’m proud of the fight we had,” Rajakovic said. “Oklahoma City took us seriously, and that’s a sign of respect. They’re a great team, and we competed hard.”
Barnes led Toronto with 21 points, while rookie Ja’Kobe Walter added 12. Quickley, still working his way back from injury, had just six points but contributed 10 assists in 27 minutes.
The Raptors were also playing their first game since a flurry of trade deadline moves. The team sent Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, and Davion Mitchell to other teams while acquiring Brandon Ingram from New Orleans. However, Ingram remains sidelined with an ankle injury and could miss another month, making this season more about development for Toronto.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Continues MVP-Level Play
While Holmgren’s return was the headline, Gilgeous-Alexander once again showed why he’s leading the MVP race. The Canadian star finished with 25 points, six assists, four rebounds, and a steal in just 29 minutes. Though he had been averaging over 40 points per game in his last seven outings, he wasn’t needed for a scoring explosion this time.
Instead, the Thunder’s balanced attack took care of business. Williams led all scorers with 27 points, while Isaiah Joe provided a spark off the bench with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Oklahoma City finished with six players in double figures, highlighting their depth.
“They’re just a tough team to play against,” Raptors rookie Jamal Shead said. “They play hard, they defend, and they make you work for everything.”
Thunder’s Defense Makes the Difference
Oklahoma City’s defense once again proved why they’re the best in the NBA. The Thunder held Toronto to 40% shooting inside the arc and just 44% at the rim—far below the league average of 66%. Holmgren and Hartenstein patrolled the paint effectively, while the team’s aggressive perimeter defense forced 12 Raptors turnovers.
“We’re a handsy team,” Shead admitted. “They make it tough to get anything easy.”
The Thunder’s defensive efficiency has been the key to their league-best 41-9 record. With Holmgren back in the lineup, they now have even more length and versatility on that end of the floor.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder will look to continue their dominance as they face the Memphis Grizzlies on the second night of a back-to-back. With Holmgren getting back into rhythm and Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an MVP level, Oklahoma City is proving they are legitimate championship contenders.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (16-36) continue their rebuilding season and will travel to Houston on Sunday. With a young core and new additions, their focus remains on development and securing a high pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
For now, the Thunder remain the team to beat in the NBA, and with Holmgren back in action, their championship aspirations have never looked more realistic.