The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2026-27 season with key players at the forefront of NBA award races, but recent results highlight the pressure they face. Their last game was a 103-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on May 31, 2026, capping a disappointing playoff run. The team's recent form shows just one win in their last five outings, a string of four consecutive losses that ended their title defense.
Which Thunder players are in the MVP and Sixth Man conversation?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clearest contender for the Thunder. The 28-year-old point guard is chasing a historic third consecutive Most Valuable Player award. He aims to average 30 points per game for a fourth straight season, a feat achieved by very few. Another 60-win campaign would massively boost his three-peat narrative. However, voter fatigue is a real factor, potentially opening the door for rivals like Victor Wembanyama.
Off the bench, third-year guard Ajay Mitchell is targeting the Sixth Man of the Year award. He took a major leap in 2025-26 and is now one of the NBA's most well-rounded reserve guards. Analytics site CraftedNBA ranks him in the 89th percentile for portability and the 82nd percentile for CraftedDPM, a defensive metric. Mitchell excels in pick-and-roll situations and is improving as a finisher and three-point shooter.
Can Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams bounce back to All-NBA form?
Fourth-year stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have both earned All-NBA honors before, but they face pressure to rebound. Williams was an All-NBA Third Team member in 2025, but injuries limited him to just 33 games last season. Holmgren made the 2026 team but is coming off a difficult four-point performance in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Health is a constant concern, especially for Holmgren's slender frame. Despite that, he remains one of the league's elite defenders and an evolving offensive threat capable of scoring 20 points nightly. Williams is incredibly versatile on defense and a well-rounded offensive player. He needs to improve his three-point volume and efficiency, but a turnaround is clearly possible. You can track their progress and the team's [stats](/stats) throughout the season.
What is the context for the Thunder's upcoming season?
The Thunder roster looks different after the offseason departures of Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe. Yet, the core talent level is still among the NBA's best, as shown by their multiple award candidates. The sting of their recent 1W-4L finish, including that Game 7 loss to the Spurs, will fuel their motivation. Managing the health of Williams and Holmgren will be vital for a deep playoff push. The team's full [schedule](/fixtures) will test their ability to return to championship form.
Gilgeous-Alexander's historic run continues to define the team's ceiling. His individual brilliance gives Oklahoma City a chance every night. The development of Mitchell as a premier bench weapon could be the x-factor. Ultimately, the Thunder's award aspirations are tied directly to team success and overcoming the late-season struggles that derailed them last spring.
