Oklahoma City Thunder’s Historic Start Shakes Up NBA Landscape
No one could have foreseen the Oklahoma City Thunder’s remarkable 20-1 start to the season, especially given the extensive injury lists that have plagued the team. The Thunder have navigated the first 21 games without significant contributions from several key players, including All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams, sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, defensive stalwarts Alex Caruso and Lu Dort, top bench scorer Aaron Wiggins, veteran big man Kenrich Williams, starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, and rising star Chet Holmgren. Yet, against all odds, Oklahoma City has not only racked up 20 victories but also boasts the best Defensive Rating and Net Rating in the league. If they maintain this pace, they could set new all-time records in both categories.
Chasing the All-Time Win Record
As the Thunder continue their impressive run, they are on track to surpass the NBA’s single-season win record of 73, established by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. Ahead of their matchup against the Warriors, head coach Steve Kerr weighed in on the Thunder’s extraordinary start and what it takes to achieve such a historic campaign.
“Overall a team mindset of zero agendas. Just win every night. Obviously great talent. But I think high IQ players. The two teams you’re referring to that I was part of, both had really, really high IQs individually and as a team. That’s what I see with OKC—really smart players, a great coach, really connected. They’re on pace to shatter the record; it’s pretty remarkable what they’re doing,” Kerr remarked before the game.
The Thunder are just four wins shy of matching Golden State’s own 24-1 start, which raises questions about their overall strategy. With a long-term approach in mind, it’s likely the team will prioritize rest and recovery as the regular season progresses, aiming to be best positioned for the playoffs rather than chasing a regular-season record.
The Post-Championship Effect
Kerr also delved into the dynamics that often follow a championship win, sharing insights from his own experiences. “They have a deeper level of confidence now that they’ve won it all. The continuity is powerful. All their actions that they’re running, they’re so comfortable with. They’ve expanded their offense a little bit. There’s a little more motion than they had a year ago. These are all things that, in my experience, happen after the championship—there’s a different swagger, a different belief, and yeah, next year is the harder one.”
Upcoming Challenges for the Thunder
Looking ahead, the Thunder will enjoy two days off before returning to the Paycom Center to face the Dallas Mavericks in a highly anticipated showdown. As they aim to continue their dominance, the upcoming week features a trio of games, including two against teams currently under .500.
Stay tuned for in-depth coverage as the Oklahoma City Thunder look to defy the odds and challenge the current trend of parity in the NBA, all while aiming for what could become a record-setting season.
