The conversation around the NBA has changed. It’s no longer about who might win the championship; it’s about whether the Oklahoma City Thunder can simply break every record while they secure their second ring.
Following their 2024-25 NBA title run, the Thunder have opened the 2025-26 season on a historic tear, tying the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors for the best 25-game start in league history with a phenomenal 24-1 record. This isn’t just a hot start; it’s a statement of absolute, sustainable dominance.
The Pursuit of 74 Wins
Last season, the Thunder set a franchise record with 68 regular-season victories. Now, they are flirting with something truly unprecedented: eclipsing the all-time NBA wins record of 73. If OKC maintains their current pace, they are on track to shatter that mark, projecting a nearly unbelievable 78-4 finish.
This is a testament to the core continuity and development under General Manager Sam Presti. Reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an even higher level, somehow refining an already immaculate game. But what truly sets this iteration apart is the defense.
Anchored by the defensive length of Chet Holmgren, the disruptive excellence of Alex Caruso, and the relentless pressure from Luguentz Dort, the Thunder have the best defense in the league, giving up five fewer points per game than their closest rival. The offensive firepower, already potent, has simply become the finishing stroke for a team built on defensive suffocation.
The New Standard
The Thunder have transitioned from an intriguing young contender to the definitive standard of the league faster than anyone anticipated. Their only early season loss came by a narrow two points, underscoring their razor-thin margin of defeat.
Every game the Thunder play now carries the weight of history. They are not just defending a title; they are challenging the ghosts of the great Bulls and Warriors teams. Mark Daigneault’s disciplined, high-pace system has matured the young roster into a well-oiled machine that doesn’t just win—it crushes opponents, exemplified by their league-leading net rating.
The rest of the league, particularly the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers who are currently fighting for Western Conference positioning behind them, must now strategize not against an equal, but against a dynasty in its infancy. The question is: who, if anyone, can slow down this historic march?
