The Thunder are making quite a name for themselves as they strive to build on their success.
As the current NBA champions, they’ve recorded an impressive 132 wins over the last two regular seasons. Last season, they hit a franchise-record 68 wins, while they notched a league-high 64 wins this season. Their net rating and defensive stats have topped the league in both years.
Now, after the Lakers triumphed over the Rockets in a six-game first-round series, the Thunder stand as a significant challenge between the Lakers and a shot at the Western Conference Finals.
This is the new identity of the Thunder.
“Looking at the stats this morning, it’s hard not to think of teams like the ’95-’96 Bulls and the ’15-’17 Warriors, who had back-to-back seasons with a net rating of 10 or more. You’re talking about some of the greatest teams ever,” said coach JJ Reddick after practice. He considers the Thunder among those legendary squads. “Our players understand the caliber of competition they’re facing,” he added.
The Thunder aspire to be the first team since the Warriors in 2016-17 and 2017-18 to win consecutive championships. Winning against the Lakers would send them to the conference finals, a feat not achieved since the Warriors.
So what makes the Thunder so formidable?
Here’s a look at their key players:
starting 5
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The reigning MVP is on track to secure the award again after an exceptional season.
Averaging 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds, Gilgeous-Alexander shot 55.3 percent from the floor and 38.6 percent from beyond the arc, making his performance one of the most efficient in NBA history, second only to Stephen Curry’s 2015-16 season.
The Thunder’s excellence can be largely attributed to him.
Jaylen Williams/Ajay Mitchell
Naturally, Williams would be starting alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, but he’s been out with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain since Game 2 of the first round against the Suns. His availability for the upcoming game against the Lakers remains uncertain.
In his absence, Mitchell has stepped up, closing out the series against the Suns with a strong performance, averaging 15 points and showcasing efficient shooting in the playoffs.
Le Dorte
Dort stands out as a premier defender recognized on the All-Defensive First Team. His intense style is effective, and he has also improved his shooting, hitting 38.4 percent from three over the last three seasons.
Chet Holmgren
Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, is among the team’s best defenders and recently finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He’s recognized for his rim protection, boasting an impressive career average of 2.1 blocks per game.
Additionally, he’s enjoying a strong scoring season, averaging a personal best of 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds.
Isaiah Hartenstein
Hartenstein, making his impact felt in the Thunder’s frontcourt, is known for his all-around skills as a screener, offensive rebounder, and rim protector.
bench
The Thunder’s depth rivals the best in the league.
The Lakers’ top defenders, Kayson Wallace and Alex Caruso, who has a championship win under his belt, are coming off the bench. They’re prepared to face Austin Reeves and LeBron James when they enter the game.
Jaylin Williams, a first-round pick in 2022, fills out the Thunder’s big-man rotation. And potential contributors like Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Jared McCain could also see action, adding to the team’s versatility.
