OKC gets high praise from Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith

Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith had high praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.

The Thunder are looking for a repeat, having won the NBA championship last season. Although they are without Jaylen Williams to start the campaign due to injury, they held down the fort after defeating the Houston Rockets in the season opener.

Barkley and Smith discussed the Thunder ahead of the team’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers during Thursday’s Inside NBA segment. Ex praised the squad for its depthwhile Smith sees the balance of the team without a star player.

“That’s why this team is the favorite. They’re the deepest team in the NBA. They’re two-deep, they’re pretty much three-deep at their positions. They’ve got all that so they’re big favorites. But I’m telling you, man, they just turn it up and play, because as long as they’ve got (Gilgeus-Alexander) and (Chat Holm), they’ve got to be.

“Let’s say Shai has to do something for a month, they’re still a playoff team. They’d be in the top eight in the West without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, that’s how strong this team is,” Smith replied.

“They would be a top-8 team in the West without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. – @TheJetOnTNT

Even Kenny gives Thunder his props 🙌🏀 pic.twitter.com/Nv9k34tVVa

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 23, 2025

As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder played the 1st half against the Pacers

Kudos to Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith for having Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, knowing their championship-level talent. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City leads Indiana 54-47 at halftime in its first rematch since Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

The Pacers are without star point guard Tyrese Halliburton, who will miss the entire season as he rehabs a torn Achilles. This presents a challenge for Indiana’s offense, which showed as Oklahoma City outscored them 32-22 in the second quarter.

Only two players scored in double figures at halftime for Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander leads the way with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. He shot 5 of 8 from the field and 11 of 12 from the free throw line. Ajay Mitchell is next with 10 points and two rebounds, while Chet Holmgren has five points and two steals.

After this match, the Thunder will stay on the road. They face the Atlanta Hawks on October 25th at 7:30pm ET.