The 2025–26 NBA season continues to deliver high-intensity matchups, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers both remaining unbeaten after remarkable comeback victories on Tuesday night. The Thunder improved to 5-0 with a 107–101 win over the Sacramento Kings, while the Sixers moved to 4-0 after an overtime thriller against the Washington Wizards.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to 5-0 Start

Reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder showcased championship resilience once again, powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31-point performance. Despite missing young star Chet Holmgren, sidelined with a sore lower back, the Thunder rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit to secure their fifth consecutive win.

Gilgeous-Alexander — last season’s NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and league scoring leader — proved why he’s among the top players in basketball. After a slow third quarter, SGA exploded in the fourth, scoring nine crucial points. His leadership, paired with strong contributions from Aaron Wiggins and rookie Ajay Mitchell (18 points each), kept the Thunder offense firing.

Veteran defender Lu Dort added 13 points, including the go-ahead three-pointer that put Oklahoma City up 99–97 with just over two minutes remaining. “We did what it took to win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame.

The Thunder’s perfect 5-0 start underscores their depth and adaptability, even without Holmgren anchoring the defense. Their next challenge: maintaining this momentum as the NBA season intensifies.

Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid Spark 76ers’ Overtime Comeback

Over in Washington, the Philadelphia 76ers showcased heart and grit, storming back from a 19-point deficit to defeat the Wizards 139–134 in overtime.

Tyrese Maxey once again led the Sixers’ offense, dropping 39 points along with 10 assists — another electric performance following his two 40-point games earlier this season. Joel Embiid, last season’s NBA scoring champion, added 25 points before sitting out the overtime period.

Trailing by double digits in the third quarter, Philadelphia’s comeback began with relentless energy on both ends of the floor. Quentin Grimes tied the game with a clutch three-pointer (126–126) in the final 40 seconds of regulation. After the Wizards missed a buzzer-beater, the Sixers carried their momentum into overtime.

Adem Bona’s put-back dunk gave the Sixers the lead at 132–131, and Maxey’s free throws down the stretch sealed the deal. Bona’s defensive presence was game-changing — he recorded five blocks (four in the fourth quarter and one in OT) while also contributing on the glass.

“It was really amazing to pull away with this one,” Bona said. “We came together and put it all together.”

Grimes, coming off the bench, added 23 points and a pair of game-sealing free throws after a critical steal in the final seconds.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Powers Bucks Past Knicks

In another marquee matchup, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to a comeback win over the New York Knicks, 121–111. The two-time MVP finished with 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, spearheading a furious second-half rally after the Bucks trailed by 12 at halftime.

Jalen Brunson carried the Knicks with 36 points but was visibly slowed in the fourth quarter after tweaking a leg. Antetokounmpo’s energy and dominance proved too much, as the Bucks tied the game at 103–103 on a powerful dunk and never looked back.

NBA Early-Season Standouts

With both Oklahoma City and Philadelphia remaining unbeaten, the NBA’s early power rankings are already taking shape. Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber form and Maxey’s breakout scoring stretch are two of the league’s biggest storylines.

Meanwhile, emerging talents like Adem Bona and Ajay Mitchell are making early cases for Rookie of the Year consideration, providing a glimpse of the NBA’s next generation of stars.

As October comes to a close, fans can expect more fireworks — and possibly more overtime thrillers — as teams begin to settle into mid-season form.