The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just win — they dominated. On Friday, November 21, 2025, at 10:00 PM PST, they crushed the Utah Jazz 144-112 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, improving to a league-best 16-1. And here’s the twist: they did it without three key guards. The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the game missing Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, and Aaron Wiggins — all listed as OUT in the official NBA Injury Report released just hours before tip-off. Yet they outscored the Jazz 104-68 after a sluggish first quarter. How? Because when you’ve got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing like a man possessed, injuries become footnotes.
Thunder’s Depth Tested — And Proved
The injury report, dated November 21, 2025, at 8:30 PM Eastern Time, listed four Thunder players sidelined. Jalen Williams, averaging 16.1 points and 3.8 assists, was out with a right wrist injury from surgery. Kenrich Williams (left knee) and Aaron Wiggins (left thigh) were both listed as day-to-day, with expected returns on November 23. Even more concerning was Nikola Topic, the backup point guard, still sidelined since October with a groin injury — his return now pushed to February 20, 2026. Coach Mark Daigneault had to shuffle his rotation, pushing Ajay Mitchell into a larger playmaking role and relying on Isaiah Joe to stretch the floor. It worked. Mitchell dropped 16 points, Joe hit five threes, and the Thunder’s bench outscored Utah’s 52-21.
Jazz’s Frontcourt Crumbles
Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz were drowning in injuries. Their starting center, Walker Kessler, was ruled out for the season due to a left shoulder injury — a devastating blow to a team already struggling on defense. Georges Niang, their reliable veteran forward, was sidelined with a stress reaction in his left foot, a problem that’s kept him out since October. Add in Kyle Filipowski (left wrist) and Taylor Hendricks (left hamstring), and the Jazz had no credible rim protection or interior scoring. Coach Will Hardy was forced to start a 6’7" guard at center in the second half. The result? Chet Holmgren had 20 points and 11 rebounds in just 28 minutes. The Thunder scored 43 points in the third quarter — the Jazz managed 20.
Shai Carries the Load — Again
Let’s not pretend this was a team effort in the traditional sense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a force of nature. He dropped 38 points on 14-of-23 shooting, added 8 assists, and never looked winded. He attacked the rim at will, drew fouls, and hit step-back threes like they were layups. His 32.0 PPG average entering the game was already elite — Friday’s performance pushed him further into MVP conversation. But it wasn’t just him. Chet Holmgren was everywhere — 20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks. Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the glass with 14 rebounds. Even Isaiah Joe, who entered the game shooting just 35% from deep, went 5-for-8 from downtown. The Thunder shot 54% from the field and 48% from three — a clinic in offensive efficiency.
What This Means for the West
The Oklahoma City Thunder are now the only team in the NBA with 16 wins. No other team has more than 13. They’ve done it without a full roster, without their primary backup point guard, and without their most versatile wing defender. This isn’t luck. It’s depth. It’s coaching. It’s a superstar carrying a team that refuses to lose. Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz are now 5-10 — tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. Their best player, Lauri Markkanen, is averaging 30.6 points, but he’s playing with no interior support. Keyonte George is having a breakout season, but he’s only 20 years old. Without Kessler and Niang, they’re a one-man show with no safety net.
What’s Next?
The Thunder host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday — a rematch of last season’s Western Conference semifinals. If Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, and Aaron Wiggins return as expected on November 23, their rotation will be nearly whole again. That’s terrifying for the rest of the league. For the Jazz, the schedule doesn’t get easier. They face the Warriors, Lakers, and Clippers in their next four games. Without Kessler, their defense is a sieve. The front office might be forced into a trade before the deadline — but who’s going to take on a player like Niang with a season-ending injury? The clock is ticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Thunder win without Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, and Aaron Wiggins?
The Thunder leaned on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s elite scoring and Chet Holmgren’s all-around dominance, while bench players like Isaiah Joe and Ajay Mitchell stepped up. Joe hit five threes, and Mitchell handled primary playmaking duties. Their defense tightened in the second half, forcing 18 Jazz turnovers and turning them into 28 fast-break points. Depth isn’t just about quantity — it’s about execution under pressure.
Is Walker Kessler’s injury really season-ending?
Yes. Multiple sources, including TeamRankings.com and the Jazz’s official medical update, confirm Kessler’s left shoulder injury requires surgical repair and a minimum six-month recovery. He’s been out since November 5, and with no timetable for return beyond "remainder of season," he won’t play again until at least next October. His absence is the single biggest reason Utah’s defense has collapsed from 10th in the league last year to 27th this season.
Why is Nikola Topic still out so long?
Nikola Topic suffered a high-grade groin strain in early October, and initial rehab was complicated by a minor muscle tear that didn’t respond as expected. The Thunder’s medical staff opted for a conservative approach, delaying his return to avoid re-injury. His projected return of February 20, 2026, aligns with the typical 14-16 week recovery window for this injury in NBA players. He’s been cleared for light basketball activity but isn’t yet cleared for contact.
Can the Jazz turn things around this season?
Realistically, no — not unless they make a major trade. With Kessler out for the season and Niang sidelined indefinitely, their frontcourt is a liability. Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen are playing at an All-Star level, but they can’t carry a team defensively. The Jazz are likely in full rebuild mode, and their priority now is securing a top-three draft pick. They’ll probably trade veteran assets like Jordan Clarkson before the deadline to stockpile future picks.
What does this win say about the Thunder’s championship chances?
It says they’re the real deal. Winning by 32 points on the road, without three rotation players, shows extraordinary resilience. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a top-three MVP candidate. Chet Holmgren is evolving into a two-way force. And their depth — even in injury — is unmatched. If they stay healthy past December, they’re the favorite to represent the West in the Finals. Their 16-1 start is the best in franchise history — and they haven’t even hit their stride yet.
