The MVP missed everything, and Oklahoma City still won

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed all seven shots he took in the first half. A pair of free throws kept him from being shut out before the break, the first time he had gone without a field goal in a half since his rookie year with the Clippers in 2019, and only the fourth time in 450 games with the Thunder. He finished 6 of 19 for 17 points. He had not scored fewer than 20 in 141 consecutive games. Oklahoma City's home opener still ended 96-84 over Denver.

Jalen Williams scored 21. Chet Holmgren had 12 points and 17 rebounds. Alex Caruso handed out five assists. The Thunder trailed by as many as nine while their two-time MVP could not buy a bucket, then Gilgeous-Alexander scored the first basket of the second half and the building exhaled. Two nights earlier he had put up 32 in a win over San Antonio. This was the other version of a contender: the star has a bad night, and the defense and the glass cover it.

Aaron Gordon led Denver with 20. Nikola Jokic had five assists. Trevon Brazile grabbed 12 rebounds. A 96-84 game is not a showcase. It is a reminder that Oklahoma City does not need the MVP to be perfect to start a home stand with a win.