The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a historic season in 2025 after winning the NBA championship, but they seem to be even more dominant to start the new NBA season.
To begin the 2025/26 season, the Thunder have started the season with a 17-1 record. At this rate, the Thunder could be close to winning 70 games or even breaking the most wins in an NBA season.
But the question is, how are they doing this?
The Thunder currently have the best net rating in the league, which sits at 16.3, but not only is this the best net rating this season, it would currently be the best net rating of all time, surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who had a rating of 13.4.
While they do have a top-five offensive rating, it is more their defence that is the reason for their dominance. At the moment, they have a defensive rating of 103, which is the best in the NBA. The Pistons currently are in second place with a 110 rating.
Another reason for this dominant start is due to their depth in the lineup. Outside of their stars, the Thunder have players who will do their role at a high level, no matter what it is.
Guys like Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso are in the game to defend, while Isaiah Joe, Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins are in the game to score and hit threes.
Players have missed games here and there across the season, but whoever is asked to step up in their place does not disappoint.
The impressive factor is that the Thunder's second-best player and All-NBA player, Jalen Williams, has yet to hit the hardwood this season. Williams is someone who averages 21 points, five rebounds and five assists per game while being an elite defensive player.
You would expect the Thunder to take a step back, but this yet to happen, and they just keep finding a way to win at whatever cost.
Williams is expected to be back very soon, so now you can only think about how dominant the Thunder will be once fully healthy and adding in someone like Williams.
Although the Thunder are dominant as a team, none of this success can happen without MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is currently averaging 32 points, five rebounds, and six assists per game while doing it at an all-time efficient level.
He currently sits at an EPM (Estimated plus-minus) of +10.7, which would be the greatest in NBA history, surpassing Stephen Curry in 2016. As of right now, it's hard not to see Gilgeous-Alexander get back-to-back MVPs.
As mentioned before, the Thunder are currently on pace to be one of the most dominant teams of all time, after a season that was already so dominant. What they are currently doing is unbelievable to watch as a fan.
We could all be seeing the next dynasty in the making and currently witnessing the greatest season of all time from a team.
