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The Oklahoma City Thunder had an unprecedented regular season, unlike any other in the history of the NBA.
With a record of 68 wins and 14 losses, the Thunder outperformed opponents by an average margin of 12.9 points per game, breaking a longstanding record that had endured for over half a century.
Previously, the Los Angeles Lakers set the benchmark in the 1971-72 season with a 12.3 points-per-game differential, which stood until now. Over the course of the season, the Thunder accumulated a total point differential of 1,055 points.
“We can recognize and be thankful for our achievements while still maintaining our drive,” remarked Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault. “Both sentiments can coexist.”
The Thunder’s performance this season clearly illustrated their dominance. They finished atop the Western Conference with an impressive 16-game lead over the second-place Houston Rockets. Their record ties them with the 1972-73 Boston Celtics for the sixth-best in NBA history, trailing only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (73-9), 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (72-10), 1996-97 Bulls (69-13), 1971-72 Lakers (69-13), and 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers (68-13).
The teams that previously held the top five positions in points differential per game— the 1971-72 Lakers (12.3), 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks (12.3), 1995-96 Chicago Bulls (12.2), 2016-17 Golden State Warriors (11.6), and last season’s Boston Celtics (11.3)—each secured that year’s NBA championship.
“We’ve got a young squad, and it’s essential for them to grasp the significance of our achievements,” Daigneault stated. “Establishing a franchise record for wins is an outstanding milestone. Other collective achievements are also noteworthy. We don’t take them lightly; we value them greatly while still having an appetite for more. This regular season was extraordinary. This group of players deserves all the recognition they are receiving.”
As the favorites to clinch the NBA championship, as per BetMGM Sportsbook, the Thunder will commence their playoff journey at home on April 20, facing either the Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, or Dallas Mavericks.
