The Thunder's Dominance: A Historic Start, But Can They Sustain It?
ESPN's Tim MacMahon, December 11, 2025
In a stunning display of basketball prowess, the Oklahoma City Thunder have matched the legendary 2015-16 Golden State Warriors with a 24-1 start to the season, leaving fans and analysts alike in awe. But can they maintain this level of dominance throughout the season, or will the pressure of history weigh them down?
Following their championship win last season, the Thunder have begun this campaign with a bang, securing a spot in Las Vegas after a 138-89 thrashing of the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. This victory marked the most one-sided defeat in Phoenix's history and the season's most significant blowout, showcasing the Thunder's relentless pursuit of excellence.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Thunder's average point differential of 17.4 this season is on track to shatter their own record of +12.9 set last year. With 17 double-digit wins already, they're making a statement that this team is not to be taken lightly.
Thunder forward Jalen Williams reflects on the team's mindset, recalling a 73-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused and not becoming complacent, a sentiment echoed by his teammates.
The Thunder's dominance was on full display against the Suns, as MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points in just 27 minutes before resting for the entire fourth quarter. The team's lead grew to as much as 53 points, showcasing their ability to maintain intensity throughout the game.
Coach Mark Daigneault praised his team's mental toughness, acknowledging the challenge of playing with a significant lead. He highlighted the importance of staying focused on each possession, building good habits, and avoiding complacency, even in blowout wins.
With a 72-10 record in their last 82 regular-season games and a point differential of 1,189, the Thunder are rewriting NBA history. According to ESPN Research, they now hold the record for the best point differential over any 82-game span.
And this is the part most people miss: the Thunder's success isn't just about the numbers. It's about the culture they've built, the commitment to improvement, and the respect they have for each other. As Chet Holmgren, one of the team's rising stars, puts it, it's about learning from every experience and enjoying the process.
But can they keep this up? The Thunder's players and coaching staff insist they're not getting ahead of themselves. Coach Daigneault believes his team's focus and commitment will help them navigate the challenges of sustained success. He points out that many players, including Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren, are still developing, which could be a significant factor in their long-term success.
So, will the Thunder match the 73-win record of the Warriors? It's a controversial topic, and opinions are divided. Some believe they have what it takes, while others argue that history is hard to repeat. What do you think? Is the Thunder's historic start a sign of things to come, or will the challenges of maintaining dominance prove too great? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
