Thunder vs Warriors: The NBA’s New Power Rivalry Heats Up in 2026
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors are on a collision course, but the script has flipped. Once defined by Stephen Curry’s dominance, this Western Conference clash is now headlined by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder, who sit atop the NBA. As these teams prepare to face off, we break down the high-stakes matchup, key injuries, and what it means for the playoff picture.
Head-to-Head History: A Shifting Balance of Power
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The recent history between these teams tells a story of Oklahoma City’s rapid ascent. While Curry historically holds a winning record against SGA, the Thunder have been the clear aggressors in recent regular-season meetings.
| Date | Result | Winner/High Scorer |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 11, 2025 | Thunder 126, Warriors 102 | OKC / SGA 30 Pts |
| Dec 2, 2025 | Thunder 124, Warriors 112 | OKC / SGA 38 Pts |
| Nov 27, 2024 | Warriors 105, Thunder 101 | GSW |
| Nov 10, 2024 | Thunder 127, Warriors 116 | OKC |
The Star Matchup: Curry vs. Gilgeous-Alexander
This rivalry is personified by its two superstar guards. Stephen Curry, the face of a dynasty, versus Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the engine of the new contender. Their individual duel is a marquee NBA event.
| Stat | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) | Stephen Curry (GSW) |
|---|---|---|
| Career H2H Record | 7 Wins | 13 Wins |
| Playoff H2H Record | 2 Wins | 4 Wins |
| Latest Performance | 30 pts (3 quarters, Nov 2025) | 26 pts (Nov 2025) |
| Current Status | Active, MVP Candidate | Injured (Out for upcoming game) |
“The injury means Curry won’t play against reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder on the home floor in San Francisco,” reports Field Level Media, highlighting the significant impact of Curry’s absence on the upcoming game’s dynamics.
2025-26 Standings & Playoff Implications
This isn’t just another regular-season game. With the Thunder establishing themselves as the team to beat and the Warriors fighting in a crowded playoff field, every matchup carries weight for seeding and psychological advantage.
Western Conference Snapshot (as of Jan 2, 2026)
| Team | Record (W-L) | Win Percentage | Conference Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 29-5 | .853 | 1st |
| San Antonio Spurs | 24-9 | .727 | 2nd |
| Denver Nuggets | 23-10 | .697 | 3rd |
| Golden State Warriors | 20-15 | .571 | ~6th |
The Thunder’s league-best 29-5 record shows they are the standard. The Warriors, at 20-15, are in the thick of the playoff hunt but cannot afford extended losing streaks, especially against direct competitors.
Injury Report & Game Outlook
The biggest story heading into the next matchup is the Warriors’ health. Golden State will be without Stephen Curry, a massive blow for their offensive firepower. This shifts the pressure onto players like Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga to step up against a deep and disciplined Thunder squad led by SGA and Chet Holmgren.
Betting odds will heavily favor the Thunder at home, given their stellar record and the Warriors’ missing piece. Oklahoma City’s defense, combined with SGA’s ability to control the game’s tempo, will be the key factors.
Common Questions
What is Stephen Curry’s record against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
Historically, Stephen Curry has dominated the head-to-head, winning 13 of their 20 total NBA matchups, including a 4-2 advantage in playoff games. However, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have won the most recent regular-season meetings.
Who won the last Thunder vs. Warriors game?
The Oklahoma City Thunder won the last meeting decisively, 126-102, on November 11, 2025. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points in just three quarters of play in that victory.
Are the Warriors or Thunder higher in the standings?
The Oklahoma City Thunder are significantly higher. As of early January 2026, the Thunder hold the best record in the NBA at 29-5, placing them 1st in the Western Conference. The Golden State Warriors are in the middle of the playoff pack, around 6th place with a 20-15 record.
Is Stephen Curry playing against the Thunder?
No. For the upcoming January 2026 matchup, Stephen Curry is listed out due to injury. He will not face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which significantly alters the game’s competitive landscape.