The OKC Blue faced a devastating overtime loss against the Stockton Kings, falling 105-104 in a tightly contested battle. The defeat brought their season record to 16-14, following a comeback from an early 25-16 deficit to take a halftime lead of 45-38. Dillon Jones played a crucial role, tying the game late in the fourth quarter to force overtime. However, the Kings capitalized on their free-throw opportunities, sealing the win.

Individual performances were noteworthy, with both teams demonstrating balanced scoring. Javonte Cooke and Jahmi'us Ramsey each scored 28 points for the Kings, while Mason Jones led the Blue with 24 points. Despite the loss, the Blue's performance offered glimmers of hope for future games, with four players scoring in double digits.

The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Philadelphia 76ers with a 133-100 victory, showcasing the impressive performance of bench players in the absence of starters. Dillon Jones made his first NBA start, contributing 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists while playing alongside fellow G League call-ups. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Jones for his hard work and improvement, noting the challenges faced during a title contender’s season.

Jones’ development is crucial as he transitions from the G League to the NBA. His ability to function well within the Thunder's system could solidify him as a valuable role player moving forward. With a title-contending team, Jones' growth will be a key storyline to follow in the coming seasons.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are leading the Western Conference with an impressive 27-5 record, showcasing a stellar performance in December with a 12-1 record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as the standout player, averaging 33.3 points per game and receiving All-Star recognition. His contributions have been pivotal in maintaining the Thunder's dominance, especially amidst injury challenges.

Jalen Williams experienced a dip in performance, struggling with efficiency but excelling defensively. Lu Dort continued to shine on defense while managing to contribute offensively despite an injury. Isaiah Hartenstein has made a significant impact since joining, demonstrating versatility as a playmaker and rebounder. Other players like Isaiah Joe and Alex Caruso had mixed months, with Joe's shooting struggles affecting the team's offensive flow.

Cameron Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets is generating significant interest from several playoff teams as the NBA trade season begins. Averaging 19.1 points and showcasing his skills, Johnson could be a valuable asset for teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets, both of which have the draft capital and young talent to offer.

The Sacramento Kings, facing struggles, may also push for Johnson, potentially offering rookie Devin Carter. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors could be willing to part with Jonathan Kuminga, while the Oklahoma City Thunder possess a wealth of draft picks and young prospects that could entice the Nets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to begin their NBA Cup journey against the Dallas Mavericks after securing a spot by winning Western Conference Group B. This matchup comes after the Thunder's previous season ended against the Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic.

Despite a young roster and injury concerns, including the absence of Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have bolstered their lineup with key offseason additions. They face a formidable Mavericks team that has been in excellent form, winning 11 of their last 12 games.