Las Vegas—The Oklahoma City Thunder were last seen suffering a close defeat to Victor Wembaneyama and the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Cup. Despite this loss, the Thunder hold an impressive 24-2 record this season, positioning them to possibly reach 76 wins—an outstanding feat that marks the second-best start in NBA history, trailing only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors who achieved a 25-1 start and went on to set the record with 73 wins.
When asked if breaking their regular-season win record is important, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander affirmed that winning is crucial regardless of how it looks. The Thunder are not just hoping to break the record—they have the drive and talent to do so. Conversations with players in Las Vegas confirmed their desire to chase the record, though it is contingent on maintaining good health and consistent growth throughout the season. The team boasts the league’s top defense by a wide margin, ranks fifth in offense, and holds a record-setting +16.4 net rating.
There are notable parallels between this Thunder team and the 2015-16 Warriors. Both squads are aiming for their first championship and seeking to establish themselves as dynasties. Each team is spearheaded by a superstar who won his first MVP—Steph Curry for the Warriors, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder—and both have deep talent surrounding their stars, with players hungry for victory.
However, the Thunder recall the cautionary tale of the Warriors, who, after their record-breaking season, lost a 3-1 Finals lead, attributing some blame to the fatigue of pushing for the record. Jaylen Williams expressed a balanced view, emphasizing competitiveness but also the importance of not forcing it. The team’s priority is to stay healthy and perform well game by game, knowing that once the playoffs arrive, past records become irrelevant.
The recent loss to the Spurs is seen more as a valuable learning moment rather than a setback. Williams noted that with a 24-2 record, they can either be content or use the defeat as motivation to improve, acknowledging that the Spurs are a quality playoff team that has already beaten them twice.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will face the Spurs twice more next week—first on NBC’s Coast to Coast and then on Prime Slots on Christmas Day. Winning these matchups could elevate the Thunder’s chances of surpassing the Warriors’ 73-win record, increasing the excitement around their historic run.
Fan Take: This news is thrilling for basketball fans as it highlights a young team with the potential to rewrite NBA history and redefine excellence in the modern era. If the Thunder maintain their current pace, it could signal the rise of a new dynasty and generate intense competition and excitement for the future of the league.
