The Oklahoma City Thunder are making a strong case as one of the NBA’s top teams this season. As of mid-February 2025, they sit at the top of the Western Conference with a 43-9 record, the best in the entire league.
Known for their dominance on both ends of the floor, the Thunder have earned the distinction of having one of the NBA’s best offenses alongside its best defense.
A big part of this success has been the play of MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with Jalen Williams also earning his first All-Star nod as the team’s second offensive option.
To add to the excitement, the team recently welcomed back Chet Holmgren, who had been sidelined due to a hip injury since early November. Holmgren’s return is a major boost to an already impressive squad, adding depth and talent to the roster.
Despite their impressive season, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps suggests that failing to make it to the NBA Finals would be a massive disappointment for the Thunder.
Appearing on the Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective podcast, Bontemps expressed that Oklahoma City’s dominance throughout the season has set high expectations.
“They are quite clearly the best team in the West. They have quite clearly been the best team in the league all season.
It’s not really close,” he said. Based on their current success, Bontemps believes the Thunder must reach the Finals to consider this season a success.
However, some may argue that calling the season a failure if they don’t reach the Finals is too harsh. The Thunder are still a young team, with one of the youngest rosters in the league.
With several key players still developing, Oklahoma City’s future looks incredibly bright. Even if they fall short of their Finals goal this season, the experience they’re gaining will be invaluable for their future success.
The team’s current performance should still be viewed as a significant step forward in their long-term development and quest to become the NBA’s next great dynasty.
Looking ahead, whether or not they make the Finals this season, the Thunder’s upward trajectory remains clear.
Their impressive record and strong team chemistry make them a formidable contender for years to come, positioning them well for future championship runs.
For now, Oklahoma City fans have plenty to be excited about, with the promise of even more to come.