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From time to time, the writers at NBA.com will share their perspectives on significant narratives or popular themes within the league.
The Thunder have achieved an impressive milestone of 60 wins, becoming the first team to do so this season. What are your thoughts on their exceptional performance?
It’s undeniable that this season has been extraordinary for the Thunder, and there’s no reason to believe it can’t carry over into the playoffs, potentially leading to OKC’s inaugural championship title.
The team’s diverse roster allows coach Mark Daigneault to adapt to any playing style, whether defensive or offensive. The standout addition in the offseason, Isaiah Hartenstein, provides the much-needed size that eluded them last year, forming a potent partnership with Chet Holmgren when they deploy both players.
All the players contribute defensively, ensuring no weak links exist in the lineup. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an elite scorer and a clutch performer who might evoke memories of Dwyane Wade during the 2006 Finals in a series or two (think significant free throw counts).
Both Boston and Cleveland possess everything required to contend for the Larry O’Brien Trophy this June. However, the Thunder’s youth and lack of postseason experience may be offset by their development over the course of the playoffs, especially as they advance to the later rounds.
This spring, I foresee numerous trips to Oklahoma.
We might just be witnessing the onset of a dynasty reminiscent of the Golden State Warriors over the past decade and the San Antonio Spurs of the 2000s.
Entering the season with the youngest roster in the league (average age of 24.1), the Thunder have dominated the deeper conference since November 25. They boast the top MVP contender in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is 26 years old, and are on track to break the NBA record for highest average point differential (+12.9).
Remarkably, they’ve achieved this while operating under the sixth-lowest salary cap and possess a wealth of future draft assets that can be utilized to acquire young talent or trade for established players as needed. The Thunder are constructed to achieve success both now and in the future, establishing a prolonged opportunity to vie for championships.
Reaching 60 wins is a commendable achievement that commands respect. It symbolizes a rare accomplishment reserved for elite teams with championship aspirations, a fitting description for the Thunder. Undoubtedly, the Western Conference title is within their grasp.
It all begins with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, followed by Jalen Williams, and supported by a relentless defense that poses challenges for any opponent. This equilibrium on both ends of the court is why OKC occupies the Western Conference’s pinnacle. They’ve triumphed over all top teams at least once and are anticipated to finish significantly ahead of their Western rivals. Moreover, with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein missing parts of the season but recently returning, the Thunder’s potential ceiling remains high. It’s indeed an exciting prospect.
Statistically, the Thunder stand as the best team in NBA history. Their average point differential of 12.9 would represent the highest among 1,693 teams over 79 seasons. Clearly, they should be deemed favorites for the 2025 championship. It’s always a challenge to place faith in a “new” contender, yet when a newcomer performs at this level, history suggests they often make believers out of skeptics.
They will need to address certain challenges in the playoffs, particularly concerning their offensive strategy when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is double-teamed. However, the Thunder (14-4, with a +10.7 points per game average against teams within the top 8) will still dictate their playing style, compelling opponents to find ways to score against a defense that has allowed 3.3 fewer points per 100 possessions than any other in the league.
