The OKC Thunder just lost consecutive games for the first time this season, dropping road tilts against the Portland Trail Blazers on back-to-back nights.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to know what ultimately led to their downfall.
During his post-game media session, the two-time MVP stressed that Portland's dominant third quarters in both outings were a driving force in each game's ultimate outcome, noting that "late-game execution" proved to be a problem for them.
Unfortunately, these late struggles were not only reserved for their bouts against the Blazers, but have also been a consistent theme here during these early stages of the 2026-27 campaign.
Thunder have severely struggled in late-game action this season
Through 12 contests played so far, the Thunder have regularly found themselves getting off to scorching hot starts, registering the fourth-best first-half point differential in the entire league at plus-6.3.
The problem is, this hot start has often led to cold finishes for the club, as they are tied for the eighth-worst second-half point differential at minus-2.1.
Perhaps it's a sign of burnout from their top-flight aggression right out of the gate. Maybe it's due to coach Mark Daigneault's commitment to letting Gilgeous-Alexander rest up during large stretches in the fourth period, as he's grown accustomed to doing so over the years.
Regardless of the "why" of it all, the Thunder are going to need to find a way to address this pattern of late-game collapses if they truly wish to remain in the title-contender conversation.
Thunder are still believed to be scouring trade market
The club's lack of weapons surrounding SGA could very well be seen as the primary reason for these second-half slumps, and, because of this, it is believed Sam Presti and company are still keeping an eye on the trade market for potential upgrades.
At least, that's what ESPN's Tim MacMahon is reporting, as he revealed in a recent piece that the Thunder "will explore the market for opportunities to upgrade over the next few months."
Oklahoma City has already been rather active in the player acquisition department so far this season, with their most recent move being the addition of sophomore wing Nique Clifford via trade with the Kings.
Though they may have the draft capital and lofty trade exceptions necessary to make a serious transaction, MacMahon is pumping the brakes on the idea of the Thunder pulling off a blockbuster.
In his piece, he said he'd be surprised if Presti pulled off a "big splash" this year, noting that it's not generally his style and reminding everyone that the last "major midseason trade" this team made was for Kendrick Perkins back in 2011.
So while another move may still be possible, fans shouldn't expect to see one that sets off any fireworks.
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