Thunder Second-Youngest Team To Reach Finals In Last 70 Years

With an average age of 25.56 (weighted for playoff games played), OKC became the second-youngest team to reach the Finals in the last 70 years — trailing only the 1976-77 Bill Walton-led Portland Trail Blazers (25.03).

That said, the Thunder sure looked like a seasoned squad in compiling a 68-14 record and living up to it when it mattered most.

While they have a true superstar in NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, you don’t get this far on the strength of one man alone. OKC has done it as a team, with a relentless defense and multiple weapons.

“You look up and you’re up 20, you’re up 30 … you never know what you’re up. But we don’t focus on anything besides being the best version of us,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN after the win. “That’s why we’re a pretty good team.”

You can say that again. Now, the Thunder will face the winner of the Indiana Pacers-New York Knicks Eastern Conference finals matchup. The Pacers lead that series, 3-1, but even if the Knicks should pull off the unlikely, Game 1 of the Finals is set for June 5 in Oklahoma City.

No less than Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was left impressed.

“One string,” he told reporters of the Thunder’s teamwork and unity. “Fifteen puppets on one string.”

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault expressed similar sentiments.

“These guys are uncommon,” he said. “They do everything right. They’re high character.”

And now, they’re the best in all the West, age be darned.