Through the first 24 games of the season, the OKC Thunder have looked like the best team in the league. Not only in the current campaign, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading them toward what could become the greatest regular-season record in NBA history.
Right now, the Thunder are sitting at the top of the standings with a 23-1 record. LeBron James’ former teammate, Kendrick Perkins, believes the defending champions will not only break the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors’ 73-9 record, but actually go far beyond it.
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On an episode of the “Road Trippin’ Show,” Perkins said that this Thunder team has the potential to lose only two games all season.
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“No one is a good matchup for the Oklahoma City Thunder,” Perkins said. “They’re trying to win everything. They’re trying to win. They might go 80-2. They might go 80-2.”
“I mean this with every big bone in my body. That 73-9 record that Golden State got, OKC beating that this year. I think so. Hands down. They’re just that damn dominant. They’re beating that record this year.”
The idea of a team losing only two games sounds wild, which makes people feel Perkins might be exaggerating. However, the Thunder have maintained a 95.8% win rate, putting them on pace for at least 78 wins if they sustain this level.
What makes their start even more surprising is that they have dealt with several injuries along the way. Members of the starting lineup such as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, have missed 19 and four games, respectively. Additionally, role players like Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Aaron Wiggins have been out for nine, nine, and 11 games, respectively.
Even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first game of the season in their most recent matchup against the Utah Jazz. Despite their MVP being sidelined, OKC comfortably clinched a 131-101 blowout win, proving how deep this roster is.
Thunder are 3 wins away from clinching the 2025 NBA Emirates Cup
The OKC Thunder finished as the runners-up in the 2024 mid-season tournament after losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in the finals in Las Vegas. This year, the Thunder have the chance of avenging that loss as they are widely seen as the favorites to win it all.
They topped their group and now move into a quarterfinal matchup with the Phoenix Suns. If they get past Devin Booker and co., they will head to the semifinals where the LA Lakers or the San Antonio Spurs will be waiting.
A win there would put them right back in the same position as last season, facing either the New York Knicks or the Orlando Magic in the championship game.
Edited by Advait Jajodia