The Oklahoma City Thunder (43-19) have been one of the best teams in the league this season. With a little over a month left in the 2023-24 regular season, they’re tied for first place in the Western Conference standings.
The peripherals view the Thunder as a serious title contender despite their youthful roster. They rank in the top five in net rating, offensive rating and defensive rating. The Boston Celtics are the only other team that meets this criteria.
The Thunder also possess the second-best point differential in the league (plus-7.6). Only the Celtics have a higher mark (plus-11.2).
A significant reason the Thunder graduated to contender status so rapidly is the play of MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 25-year-old took a major step this season, blossoming into one of the best players in the league last year.
In 61 games, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 31.3 points on 54.6% shooting, 6.5 assists and 5.6 rebounds. He has shot 37.7% from 3 on 3.3 attempts. He’s also averaged a league-leading 2.1 steals.
In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Gilgeous-Alexander said winning a title within the next five years would be a successful run for him. In terms of OKC’s title odds this season, it sounds like he’s a stout believer in them.
“We’re capable of anything,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Shai was asked if Oklahoma City is capable of winning a championship this year.
“I think we’re capable of anything.” pic.twitter.com/fhSm3DA9AT
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) March 7, 2024
Coming up on NBA Today at 3 ET! pic.twitter.com/OBtOay2tWF
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) March 7, 2024
The Thunder’s inexperience has folks wary about their championship odds this season, citing the rule of thumb that a core needs battle scars and postseason shortcomings before winning a title.
Considering the numbers the Thunder have put up this season, their successful campaign has been pretty unprecedented. If anybody can go against the grain, this year’s Thunder can do that.
