Thunder vs Knicks Preview: Champs Visit NYC

Champions Head to the Garden

The defending champion Thunder roll into Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. Oklahoma City has the best record in the west and superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is back from injury. Now they face a Knicks team who is on an absolute tear.

Thunder Rounding Into Form

Oklahoma City sits at 47-15, the best record in their conference. The Thunder are playing their best basketball at the perfect time. Their victories have showed championship swagger on both ends of the floor.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returns after sitting out. The superstar guard is back to full strength after an abdominal injury. He's been unstoppable this season, scoring about 33 points per game while dishing out nearly seven assists. When SGA slices through defenders, he makes it look effortless.

Chet Holmgren controls the paint with his long arms swatting shots. He grabs about eight rebounds per game and stretches the floor with his three-point shooting.

Jalen Williams remains out with a hamstring injury and won't play Wednesday.

Knicks Peaking at the Right Time

New York looks like a true championship contender. The Knicks are clicking on all cylinders.

Jalen Brunson runs the show with lightning-quick moves to the basket. He's averaging 29 points and seven assists while controlling the tempo.

Karl-Anthony Towns dominates inside with about 22 points and 12 rebounds per game. He's grabbed double-digit rebounds in almost every game.

This matchup features two teams playing their best basketball. Championship energy fills the air.