Imagine this: a decade after the Warriors' legendary 73-9 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are on an unprecedented roll, threatening to rewrite NBA history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates have started the 2025-26 campaign with an astonishing 20-1 record, leaving fans and experts alike in awe.
But here's the real question: can they sustain this momentum and shatter the NBA's all-time win record? It's a thrilling prospect, and one that has everyone talking.
The season is still young, but OKC's performance so far is nothing short of extraordinary. With a quarter of the season already behind them, they're on track to smash the record in a way that seems almost unbelievable. However, as any sports fan knows, maintaining such a scorching pace is no easy feat.
And this is where it gets interesting. Up next on OKC's schedule are the Golden State Warriors, the very team that set the record in 2015-16. This upcoming matchup on Tuesday promises to be a highly anticipated event, sparking comparisons and conversations about the past and present.
Steve Kerr, the Warriors' coach and a member of that historic Bulls team, once said, "I never in a million years would have guessed that that record would ever be broken." Yet, here we are, with OKC presenting a real challenge.
So, what gives OKC the edge?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Thunder's superstar is the key to their success. Much like Stephen Curry was the heart of the Warriors' team, Gilgeous-Alexander is the driving force behind OKC's dominance. He's not only repeating his MVP season but is also improving, consistently dropping 25-30 points with ease. And this season, he's doing it while managing his workload, taking nights off after three quarters, which keeps him fresh and reduces the risk of injury.
Jalen Williams: Fresh off wrist surgery, Williams is back and ramping up. Despite missing the first 19 games, he's a significant advantage for OKC, both against the league and in their pursuit of the record. Williams' breakout season last year, where he averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, shows his potential, and his return gives OKC an extra boost.
Size Advantage: Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein form a formidable big man duo, causing headaches for opposing teams. Their cohesion and defensive prowess are a refreshing change for OKC.
Strong Defense: OKC's defense is top-notch, and it's a key reason for their success. They come in waves, and their depth allows them to guard multiple positions, giving them an edge over most teams.
Depth: OKC's bench is a force to be reckoned with. With players like Ajay Mitchell, Aaron Wiggins, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Joe, they have the luxury of resting their starters while still maintaining a high level of play. This depth could be the deciding factor in a long, grueling season.
However, there are challenges ahead.
Injuries: The biggest threat to OKC's record-breaking run is, of course, injuries, especially to their star players. History has shown that staying healthy is crucial, as the 2015-16 Warriors demonstrated.
Motivation: As the season progresses, the pressure to maintain their winning streak and the expectations that come with it could become a burden. The Warriors' experience in 2016, where they fell short in the postseason despite their record-breaking regular season, serves as a cautionary tale.
The Thunder's upcoming schedule seems favorable, but as the season draws to a close, they'll face some tough opponents, including the Lakers and Denver Nuggets.
Coach Mark Daigneault knows the importance of laying a strong foundation, and so far, OKC has delivered.
So, will OKC rewrite history? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this season is shaping up to be an unforgettable ride.
