OKC is A-OK: 80 wins before Finals will equal a Larry O’Brien trophy for Thunder

That's a feat that matches only three prior teams: the 1995-96 (87 wins) and 1996-97 (84) Chicago Bulls and 2015-16 (88) Golden State Warriors. 

The Warriors fell short of winning the Larry O’Brien trophy, but the Thunder won’t. Here are five reasons why this Thunder team is about to make history. 

1. SGA is unstoppable

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s playoff journey hasn’t been flawless ( think a tough shooting night in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals despite 40 points). But ultimately, that won’t be the narrative. 

Instead, it will be about SGA becoming the first Canadian to win the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award and making history as the first three-time MVP in the same season: regular season, WCF and NBA Finals.

While legends like Michael Jordan or LeBron James might have swept similar honors during their prime, the Conference Finals MVP award is new (established in 2022), positioning SGA for a unique first. 

One thing is clear: A Thunder title with SGA as Finals MVP cements him as the greatest player in franchise history (sorry, Kevin Durant). 

2. Perfect supporting cast

Beyond SGA’s MVP engine, the elite development of Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren is crucial. 

Williams dominated the WCF (22.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.0 SPG, 49% shooting), while Holmgren’s unique rim protection (1.6 BPG) and three-point shooting (38% on three-pointers) make OKC incredibly difficult to defend, with both capable of taking over stretches. 

Add in Lu Dort’s bulldog perimeter defense, Aaron Wiggins' efficient scoring, Isaiah Hartenstein’s interior presence and passing and Alex Caruso’s championship DNA and veteran savvy, and this cast can seamlessly fill gaps, execute perfectly and apply relentless defensive pressure — all key ingredients for any NBA title.  

3. Clear coaching advantage

Mark Daigneault, the 2024 Coach of the Year, reached an even higher level this season, guiding the team to 68 wins in the regular season.

His ability to maximize talent within a fluid system, combined with sharp game-to-game adjustments, gives OKC a significant sideline advantage. The WCF adjustments after a big Game 3 loss, leading to wins in Games 4 and 5, exemplify that.

This culture of accountability and improvement will ultimately pay off in the Finals. 

4. They match up well against the East

Whether facing the likely Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks, OKC’s historic 29-1 record against the East (including a perfect 4-0 slate against both those teams) speaks volumes. 

This dominance surpasses the previous 27-3 inter-conference record held by three teams: the 2015-16 Warriors, 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks and 1999-2000 Los Angeles Lakers. 

While the regular season isn’t everything, a stunning +17.6 average margin of victory against the East strongly suggests OKC is primed for Finals success.

5. It’s just their time

Though the 2015-16 Warriors are a cautionary tale for “better on paper” teams, this Thunder squad screams destiny. 

The franchise technically has one championship with the Seattle Supersonics in 1979. However, after 17 years in OKC marked by heartbreaks like the 2012 Finals loss, this dominant Thunder squad seems poised to finally deliver that parade.