The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of NBA glory in 2025. Officially, they hold the title of Western Conference champions after a commanding five-game series win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But anyone watching knows this is just the beginning. The Thunder were the dominant force throughout the regular season, steamrolling through the Western Conference with undeniable authority. Their decisive Game 5 victory—a staggering 124-94 blowout—left no room for doubt.
What sets the Thunder apart is their remarkable versatility. They can adapt seamlessly to any opponent’s game style—whether it’s playing big, going small, diving deep into their bench, firing from beyond the arc, or locking down defensively. They excel in every facet of the game and have the star power to back it up. Sorry Indiana, sorry New York, but this season just isn’t yours.
This marks Oklahoma City’s first trip to the NBA Finals since 2012 and puts them in an excellent position to claim the franchise’s first championship since their days as the Seattle SuperSonics back in 1979. Coach Mark Daigneault praises the team’s character, calling them “highly professional” and “unbelievably competitive.” He emphasizes their relentless work ethic and, most importantly, their team-first mindset.
“They deserve this opportunity,” Daigneault said. “They invest heavily in their own growth, but also in each other and in the team. That kind of bond is rare in professional basketball.”
Bold claims about championship success can often be premature, but with this Thunder squad, it’s hard to imagine otherwise. Still, the team stays grounded, focusing on the present moment. Before Game 5, Daigneault stressed the importance of staying in the now—an approach that has helped them steadily progress toward their ultimate goal. Winning a title is a marathon of small, deliberate wins, and the Thunder have shown time and again that they are ready to stay the course.
The current roster has been years in the making, shaped by smart drafts, trades, and free agency pickups. Before this season, they had only ever won one playoff series and, despite earning the top seed last year, fell short in the second round. This season, though, they’ve evolved, learning to close out games and series under intense pressure.
For a team that had never clinched a conference finals series, their recent success has silenced doubts about their resolve. “When you’re pushed to the brink in do-or-die moments, that’s when a team really grows,” said rising star Jalen Williams. “That last series was huge for us—our first Game 7, and crossing that hurdle meant everything.”
Their stifling defense has been key, shutting down top talents like Nikola Jokic in the semifinals and shutting off threats like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle in the conference finals. Daigneault’s staff meticulously crafts game plans, and the team executes them flawlessly—whether that means cutting off passing lanes or applying relentless double-teams.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber performance erased any lingering doubts about his status. Game 5 saw him pour in 34 points, alongside eight assists and seven rebounds. Over the series, he averaged 31.4 points on 45.7% shooting, including a playoff career-high 40 points in Game 4, earning him the Western Conference Finals MVP.
“I wanted two things,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained. “I didn’t want to travel back to Minnesota, and I wanted the fans to witness this moment live, to celebrate with us. I wanted everyone to enjoy it in our building and soak in the energy.”
But this Thunder team is far from a one-man show. Jalen Williams earned his first All-NBA nod this year, while Chet Holmgren is on track for an All-Star appearance thanks to his scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. Williams contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and solid defense, while Holmgren added 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Lu Dort’s lockdown defense and offseason addition Isaiah Hartenstein’s versatility have added depth to an already formidable lineup.
Other key contributors like Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, and Jaylin Williams give Daigneault a wealth of options. The team grows stronger with every game and series, appearing more and more unbeatable.
“Now we’re one step closer to our goal, and that feels great,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But there are still four tough games ahead. We have to bring our best every night if we want to reach that ultimate prize. We know the challenge, and that’s what we’re locked in on.”
