By Chris Robinson
The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to impress, having recently defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-103 on their home court inside Paycom Center.
The win marks the Thunder’s eighth consecutive victory. They improved to 53-15 on the season, sitting atop the Western Conference standings with the NBA’s best record.
The Thunder are looking to repeat as NBA champions after their memorable seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers last year. There are many reasons they’re heavily favored to do so.
They are a cohesive, efficient team on offense. Several key players are shooting high percentages by taking the right shots with smart spacing.
The Thunder are also a menace on defense, holding a league-best 106.3 rating.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having another remarkable season, averaging 31.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while shooting nearly 55% from the floor. What makes him so dangerous is his calm, collected style on offense—he’s one of the most efficient scorers in recent memory and a deadly mid-range shooter.
Chet Holmgren has risen to the occasion, shooting 55.4% while adding 17.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Depth Despite Injuries
With All-Star forward Jalen Williams having played only 26 games this season, other Thunder players have stepped up.
Ajay Mitchell has had a breakout year, averaging a career-high 14.3 points per game on 49.2% shooting.
The Thunder also have several players contributing solid minutes and value on both ends of the floor, including Isaiah Hartenstein (10.2 ppg), Aaron Wiggins (10.2), Isaiah Joe (10.9), Lu Dort (8.5), Jaylin Williams (7.5), Alex Caruso (6.7), Cason Wallace (8.6), and Jared McCain (7.9).
What’s most impressive is that they’ve often dealt with lineup changes due to injuries to the aforementioned Williams, Hartenstein, and most recently Alexander—yet they keep winning.
What to Expect
The Thunder appear poised for another long playoff run, given how well they play together on both offense and defense.
It’s worth noting that the San Antonio Spurs (49-18) have defeated the Thunder four times this season while losing only once to them. This potential playoff matchup is one to watch.
By Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com
*** Photos courtesy of Thunder Instagram