Isaiah Joe’s return bolsters Thunder’s elite start – Basketball Insider
The impact of shooting on the Thunder’s offense
The Oklahoma City Thunder open the 2025-26 season with a 12-1 record and look every bit like the defending champions. After back-to-back double overtime wins against Houston and Indiana, the team has settled into a dominant rhythm. A major reason for this is the return of guard Isaiah Joe, whose shooting has expanded the floor and improved the Thunder’s overall efficiency.
Joe missed the first five games with a left knee injury during the preseason, but he suffered zero repercussions. In eight games off the bench, he averaged 16.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game and shot 40.8% from three-point range. His quick integration has helped restore Oklahoma City’s perimeter profile.
a number showing his value
Joe has scored 20 points in three games. One of his best performances came against the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center, where he made 4 three-pointers on 10 attempts and scored 21 points and 5 assists. His ability to draw defenders toward the three-point line significantly changed the Thunder’s spacing.
The difference in statistics with and without him is staggering. Oklahoma City shot 36.8% from three-point range in eight games with Joe on the floor. In the five games he missed, the team shot just 28.8 percent from 3-point range — an 8 percent difference that reflects how important Joe’s gravity is. His presence gives the Thunder a more natural rhythm on offense, especially when the ball is in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s hands.
The perfect partner for MVP
Joe’s spacing directly enhances Gilgeous-Alexander’s advantage. The reigning MVP excels in driving and kicking situations, and Joe’s willingness to fire from any position creates difficult decisions for defenders. Joe’s shooting threat keeps help defenders close to the perimeter, creating wider lanes and clearer reads for Gilgeous-Alexander.
There is more room for growth in the future
What makes Oklahoma City’s early rise even more impressive is the context. The Thunder did this without Jalen Williams for the season. They were also without Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins this past week. The team hopes to have both players back, which could push the cap even higher.
For now, Joe’s return is one of the most obvious catalysts for the Thunder’s explosive start — his shooting continues to transform the defense in the way Oklahoma City needs.
