OKC Thunder

iturn0image0turn0image3turn0image7turn0image8The Oklahoma City Thunder had an exceptional 2024-25 NBA season, finishing with a remarkable 68-14 record, the best in the league and the fourth best in NBA history. The performance earned them the top seed in the Western Conference and the first-ever Maurice Podoloff Trophy in franchise history. citeturn0search19.

### Key Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a standout player, leading the team with an average of 32.7 points per game. He averaged 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1 block per game, while shooting nearly 52% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range and nearly 90% from the free-throw line. His stellar performance secured him the NBA scoring title and placed him as a strong MVP candidate.

### Playoff Outlook

The Thunder are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. The playoff schedule is as follows:

scheduleturn0sports0

If you have any more questions or need more information about the Thunder's season or playoff prospects, feel free to ask!

**The Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC Thunder)** are one of the biggest stories of the 2024-25 NBA season, emerging as a powerhouse in the Western Conference. After years of rebuilding through smart draft picks and trades, the Thunder have become title contenders led by superstar **Shay Gilgeous-Alexander**, a deep young roster and a strong coaching philosophy.

### Dominant Regular Season Performance

The Thunder finished the 2024-25 regular season with a **68-14 record**, the best in the NBA and the **fourth-best** single-season record in league history. This remarkable run earned them the **#1 seed** in the Western Conference and the **Maurice Podoloff Trophy**, awarded to the team with the league's best regular season record. This is the first time in franchise history that the Thunder have won this award.

Their dominance has come not from just one star, but from balanced contributions across the board. Head coach **Mark Deignault** has been widely praised for maximizing the team's talent, for his fast-paced offensive strategy and for his breathtaking defense that ranks among the best in the league in terms of skill.

### Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP-caliber season

The engine behind OKC's rise has undoubtedly been **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)**. The 26-year-old guard has solidified himself as a top-five player in the NBA. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged **32.7 points**, **6.4 assists**, **5.0 rebounds**, **1.7 steals**, and **1 block** per game, while shooting **51.9% from the field**, **37.5% from three**, and **89.6% from the **free throw line**.

These incredible numbers earned SGA the **NBA scoring title** and put him in the top spot for the **Most Valuable Player (MVP)** award. Pace control, shot-making at will, and the ability to play on both ends of the floor are the foundations of OKC's success.

### Rising Young Core

The Thunder's strength lies not only in SGA but also in their impressive **young core**:

- **Chet Holmgren**, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, is having a breakout season after missing his rookie year due to injury. His rim protection, three-point shooting and ball-handling make him a unique weapon at the center position.

- **Jalen Williams** has become one of the league's most skilled wings, performing brilliantly as a two-way player with great scoring ability.

- **Australian point-forward, **Josh Giddy**, brings elite vision and rebounding to his position. While his role has been adjusted due to the emergence of others, he is still a key piece in the Thunder's rotation.

- **Cason Wallace**, a rookie guard, has also made an impact off the bench with his defense and tenacity.

Together, they have built one of the most exciting and cohesive young units in the NBA.

### Playoff Outlook

As the top seed in the Western Conference, the Thunder will begin their playoff journey in the **first round** against the **Memphis Grizzlies**. The Grizzlies have struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season, making the Thunder the heavy favorites to advance. However, no playoff series is easy, and OKC will have to hang in there.

Their hopes for next season depend on SGA maintaining his elite play, Holmgren being consistent in his first playoff appearance, and their young team handling the pressure of the big stage.

### A Bright Future

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the Thunder is not just their present, but their **future**. They still have a **stock** of draft picks, many of them first-rounders acquired from past trades with teams like the Clippers and Rockets. This means OKC can either continue to develop talent or package those picks to acquire veterans if needed.

In a league dominated by superstar duos and super-teams, the Thunder have created something different - an organically grown contender with chemistry, depth and discipline.

If they continue on their current trajectory, **Oklahoma City could not only be a playoff team in 2025 - they could be the next NBA dynasty**.