OKC Thunder FALL AGAIN in the SAME WAY | Anthony Edwards ENDS IT | Shooting Struggles Continue
OKC Thunder slump as Anthony Edwards snatches victory for the Minnesota Timberwolves, exposing lingering shooting woes and the limits of OKC’s young core. Rebounding struggles, streaky three-point shooting, and Lou Dort’s offensive inconsistency prove costly, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren fall short of their star potential in another too-familiar loss.
Rylan Stiles unpacks how Minnesota’s grit and Chris Finch’s sideline antics rattled OKC, plus why the Thunder’s regular-season philosophy means Lou Dort’s leash remains long. Key topics feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s steady impact, Edwards’ clutch play, and concerns around J-Dub’s and Chet’s offensive rhythm. Will OKC regain its shooting touch and close out tight games against top Western rivals—or is this “different verse, same as the first” struggle a warning sign?
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
SKIMS
Shop SKIMS Men’s now at https://SKIMS.com.
When you place your order, choose “podcast” in the post-purchase survey and select our show from the dropdown to let them know we sent you.
The SKIMS Holiday Shop is open — so if you’re looking for the perfect gift this season, SKIMS has you covered.
Gusto
Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/lockedonNBA and get three months free when you run your first payroll.
Rugiet
Visit https://rugiet.com/lockedonnba to get 15% off your first order.
And don’t forget to use our code LOCKEDONNBA so they know we sent you.
Rugiet — stop making excuses and start making moves.
Rocket Money
Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money.
Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON today.
Wayfair
Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
Robinhood
You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.
All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.
Gametime
Today’s episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOThunder?sid=YouTube
Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More
🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA
#shaigilgeousalexander #OKCThunder #jalenwilliams
45 Comments
strong agaoinst the weak, weak against the strong… OKC didni't really played good +500 team so far. maybe the strength of schedule is catching them up
How would y'all feel about getting Robert Williams for Dieng, Kenny Hustle & the 2nd round pick? Low-maintenance (won't demand regular rotation minutes due to injury history & a shot at a ring) rebounder/defense for this year on an expiring contract. Help this year while keeping the roster spots clean for incoming rookies. Also, free up a spot for a cheap wing or shooter this year
Conversations need to be had about Lu Dort
It was a poorly officiated game in favor of the TWolves getting 17 more free throws on the second night of a back to back. Watch the film. It was a physical game and OKC didn't commit more fouls than Minnesota.
I hate dort. So much for his bad shooting “not losing us games”. He is the direct reason we lost this game
IHart didn’t break 10 PRA until the 4th!
Okc overrated af 😂if kyrie back even the Mavs will kick em out the playoffs again
One of the best team analysts
Ive been saying for many weeks now that Dort needs to be replaced in the starting lineup by Mitchell and once again this game is another blatant example of why I'm right. Dort is having a TERRIBLE season. He is too one dimensional offensively and inconsistent and was 3-12 including 3-10 on 3s in this game. In the playoffs last year against Denver he missed 37 threes and was a huge part of why they almost lost. Mitchell is light years better offensively but also better defensively. I don't know what they're waiting on.
They need to quit reading their media reports on how they are the best in history!!!
Your guys reality check is going to be LOUD and i can’t wait.
If SAG didn’t get his flopping game he would be a good player . His flopping is making the game a joke.
19:22 top tier 90’s movie reference, Ry!!! Henry just needed to develop another pitch my man 😅😅
Ant beat OKC and their zebras gg
Y’all need to chill, Lu is the only player who isn’t allowed to play bad before guys start coming at him. B2b seasons shooting 40% from 3 and literally won us the Denver series with his shooting in game 5. Bro needs to play better for sure but let’s not give up on him he’s shown us a lot. His skill set isn’t redundant. In a series vs the lakers Lu’s gonna be on Luka vs Houston he’ll be on KD And we’re confident with that matchup
6:00 spot on. Dub and Chet weren’t max player stats tonight and there is your loss. Plenty of other factors, but in a close game thats the main factor.
Dort biggest issue is when he dribbles 3x or more. It’s never been a positive if he dribbles three consecutive times….ever.
This is what happens when refs call a fair game without 15 head snaps, and sga acting like a landmine went off when a defender brushed his shorts
When Lu is healthy, he is streaky. It is obvious he isn't 100% and we need him 100%.
It's funny how that decisive trip down the floor with the thunder up 107 104 and Randall going to the line was a microcosm of the entire game. Missed free throw from Minnesota. Rebound for Minnesota for a second chance point. Three-point shot made for Minnesota.
OKC fans yall have to grow up now. We are the Champs, none of these stupid records and comparisons and regular season crap mean nothing all that matters is what we do in the playoffs. Just laugh at all the loser haters as they look up at us in the one seed and know ain’t none of their silly little crying teams, players and coaches are gonna beat us 4 outta 7
Not worried the thunder would be the wolves in 5 again
I have no problem w/ Kenny & Mark pulled him, but Dort? Man of man…Where’s my belt? 😂
We lost to SA and Minn because we couldn’t get rebounds. With Dort on the floor we need more rebounding. Chet doesn’t have the body type to bang, Dort does, so use that big body to try and get some boards.
Dort was assigned to Ant all game, he should not be the offensive focus of the tram. Ant shot the backbreaker over Cason
there should be 0 worry, we have lost 3 games…………….
They flew too close to the sun and forgot the principles and standards that got them there. They’re letting the other team dictate the physicality and pace. They look a little discombobulated right now.
And then Lu looks too big and is playing like he hit his threshold for greatness on a basketball court due to winning a championship. I’ve been worried about him, and it’s looking like he lost his edge. No shame in it, the hunger to be the best you can be can be satisfied by actually achieving your goals. He achieved a lot of what fuels him to play basketball last season.
Lu’s shoulder still has to be bothering him, you don’t go from 40% to 29% just like that. He’s still a valuable player to this team but probably should be losing minutes to Ajay and Cason.
As a non thunder fan let me say how hilarious it is yall talking trades after 3 losses 😂 chillll I think literally everyone else but yourselves think ure gonna be fine. 70something win type of fine. Just try not to beat my team’s 73 please 😉
As a non thunder fan let me say how hilarious it is yall talking trades after 3 losses 😂 chillll I think literally everyone else but yourselves think ure gonna be fine. 70something win type of fine. Just try not to beat my team’s 73 please 😉
My goodness. They’ve lost three game in 26. It looked weird last night for sure, but we’re going to lose games. It’s going to start catching up to what’s actually expected in the loss column
Minnesota made five more FT than we did and they won by 5.
Why did Joe play only 13 minutes
To me the entire season is still up in the air. I'm a Denver fan, I'll say that up front. The NBA backloaded this season to a crazy extent, giving the Nugs, Lakers and OKC most of their important games after January. Did you know that OKC has won ONE game on the road against a +500 team. ONE. That's CRAZY for a 25 win team at this point in the season. Denver has had some good road wins, but still we don't really know enough about these teams (I leave out the Lakers, because I think they're total frauds). Looking forward to Nugs/OKC in February!
So sad and it's pathetic. What's wrong OKC? Are we tired? Does Dub need to sit it out til he's playing better? Does Dort need to be replaced. Is shai playing too little? 🤔 What is the problem? Give me a reason.
it was the second night of a road back to bacl against a very physical team, not much of a loss. Basically a scheduled loss for any other team that OKC made close.
that being said, San Antonio blew out their opponent in both nights of their back to back
I’m not going to over react. Breaking the record is irrelevant to me. The crown is heavy and expect teams to knock it off any given night. We just got bullied and couldn’t answer.
As a wolves fan, it took a herculean effort from a banged up Ant to beat OKC on the second night of a back to back. I wouldn't sound any alarms just yet on this one you guys are still the champ favorites by a country mile
The team has looked off ever since JDub returned. I'm sure they'll figure it out, but this might take time.
21:55 – That step back 3 reminded me of game 1 Finals (Chills)🤦🏾♂️..TBH the Spurs lost bothers me more then the
T-Wolves..if T-Wolves made their FT – this loss would look different. Plus it was off of a back-2-back. Not making excuses but we know our real product.
🦬🌩️🥶🔶🏆🔶🥶🌩️🦬
⚡️⚡️THUNDER🆙⚡️⚡️
On the foul front, let's be very clear, the issue is not that OKC gets calls so much as that OKC raises the bar on what the zebras will call on defense to avoid a game like tonight. The 47 FTs could have been 60 something and nobody wants to watch that. OKC plays defense betting that they will get away with it more often than not
OKC flopper would lose more games if the refs actually stop helping them. The Floppers can foul the other team as many times as they want but as soon as someone breaths on the floppers, it's a foul. That record is not as solid as everyone thinks. Greatest fraud team in NBA history 😂
Am i crazy for wanting Ous and carlson minutes in the 3rd? Those offensive boards were killing us
Oh wow, so dramatic.. this is the third game we last, we need to have a conversation about Lu Dort 😒
No sympathy from me because I am a kings fan , well played really just a Westbrook fan. You have no idea the pain I feel every other day because my Brodie loses every other night.
Cry on the inside like a real man
Rylan is right we do need to have patience with Lu. He’s a streaky player, hopefully he hits his hot streak soon. What I will say though is his decision making has slightly regressed from last year. He has to cut out this cutting across the middle of the key fadeaway… that is simply a bad shot for him to be taking. Also, I think more of the issue fans are feeling is not so much a Lu thing, but that it seems Cason may simply be the better player now. Even when Lu is hitting his threes, I still feel like Cason fits our offense much better, and Casons defense has taken yet another leap this year to where the difference between him and Lu feels very marginal and more matchup dependent. It’s hard to see it happening this year because I think Lu will offensively rebound from this slump, but next year I feel it will be hard to deny Cason the starting spot, and it would be in place of Lu.