Kings vs Thunder: Three Takeaways from OKC Thunder’s Dominant NBA Cup-Opening Win over Kings

November 8, 2025: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) flipped the ball to an official after a play against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at the Golden 1 Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Sacramento Kings 132-101 on Friday night at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, in the first round of the Emirates NBA Cup. The Thunder started their NBA Cup journey with a big win in the group stage. The Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Minnesota Timberwolves are the other three teams in Group West A.

Thunder Stars Shine as OKC Crush Kings 132-101

Isaiah Hartenstein was outstanding for the Thunder, scoring 33 points with 19 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal. He made 14 of his 17 shots. Superstar guard and MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also impressed for Oklahoma City, scoring 30 points in just 29 minutes. He added two steals and one block.

Former Thunder guard and team legend Russell Westbrook had a good game for the Kings, scoring 24 points with six rebounds and nine assists, following his triple-double against the Golden State Warriors. The Thunder improved to 9-1 on the season after losing their first game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

1. Isaiah Hartenstein’s Career Night

Hartenstein had a dominant game, scoring a career-high 33 points with 19 rebounds. The German big man was key to OKC’s win, playing strong on both ends of the floor.
He worked well in pick-and-roll plays with Ajay Mitchell and Gilgeous-Alexander, finishing with both power and finesse. He also showed good passing ability, collecting three assists.
When the Thunder’s offense slowed in the first half, Hartenstein kept the team going, scoring 15 of his 33 points in the second quarter. It was his fifth double-double in 10 games this season, missing a 30-20 stat line by just one rebound.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Consistency

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points in under 30 minutes for the fourth time this season. It was his sixth straight 30-point game and his ninth in 10 games.
He kept scoring with ease, driving to the rim and hitting tough jumpers. The MVP favorite shot 12-of-20 from the field. He didn’t play in the fourth quarter as the Thunder had already sealed the win.

3. Chet Holmgren Needs Rhythm

Chet Holmgren returned to the starting lineup after missing the last game. He scored 10 points with seven rebounds and one block on 4-of-9 shooting.
Holmgren played only 21 minutes due to foul trouble and Hartenstein’s strong night. He needs consistent minutes to get back in rhythm after missing four of the last six games because of lower back issues.

The Thunder will next face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, November 9, at 5 p.m. CT at Fiserv Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will air on FanDuel Sports Network - Oklahoma.