The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the most exciting stories in the NBA this season—young, fearless, and surging toward the top of the Western Conference standings. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a breakout campaign from Jalen Williams, and the emergence of Chet Holmgren as a defensive force, the Thunder are not just arriving—they’re here.
And now, they’ve done something no team has accomplished since the 2017-2018 Houston Rockets.
What’s the feat? The Thunder are the first team since that Chris Paul–James Harden Rockets squad to have a top-three offense and a top-three defense in the same season.
That’s not just good. That’s championship-caliber.
A Historic Two-Way Balance
The 2017-2018 Rockets were one of the most dominant teams in recent NBA history, finishing with a 65–17 record, the No. 2 offense and No. 6 defense—and many would argue, they would’ve won the title if not for Chris Paul’s hamstring injury in the Western Conference Finals.
The Thunder, this year, are mirroring that same two-way dominance—only they’re doing it even younger, and arguably with a more balanced team.
Through early April, OKC ranks top three in both Offensive Rating and Defensive Rating, a rare blend of scoring efficiency and lockdown defense. This stat alone is an elite indicator of title potential. Historically, teams that crack the top five in both metrics are always deep playoff threats. Top three? That’s rarified air.
The Core Behind the Numbers
Let’s break down what makes this Thunder squad so uniquely dangerous.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – The Engine
SGA has evolved into a bona fide superstar. He’s top five in scoring, but it’s not just about putting up points—it’s how he does it. His midrange mastery, crafty footwork, and clutch decision-making make him nearly impossible to guard in isolation. What’s even more impressive is his defensive growth. He leads the league in steals, constantly disrupting passing lanes and initiating transition offense.
Jalen Williams – The Perfect Complement
While SGA handles the bulk of the offense, Jalen Williams quietly does everything else. He can score, he can pass, he can defend multiple positions. His efficiency as a secondary playmaker makes OKC’s offense flow, and defensively, he’s versatile enough to switch onto anyone from point guards to power forwards.
Chet Holmgren – The Defensive X-Factor
After missing his rookie year, Holmgren has been nothing short of sensational. Averaging nearly three blocks per game while also stretching the floor on offense, Chet is the two-way unicorn the Thunder needed. His presence allows the Thunder to switch aggressively and protect the rim without sacrificing speed or spacing.
Depth and Coaching
OKC’s bench has been rock solid, with players like Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Cason Wallace all stepping into roles without disrupting the system. And at the helm? Mark Daigneault—a Coach of the Year frontrunner—who’s molded this young core into a machine. His schemes are creative, his in-game adjustments are sharp, and the players clearly trust him.
Playing the Right Way
There’s something beautiful about the way the Thunder play basketball. It’s unselfish, up-tempo, and built on ball movement and effort. On offense, they constantly generate open looks—whether it’s a quick drive-and-kick or a well-timed cut. On defense, they swarm, rotate, and communicate like a veteran unit.
The numbers back it up:
- They lead the league in points off turnovers.
- They’re top five in fast break scoring.
- They allow one of the lowest opponent FG percentages at the rim.
That blend of hustle and IQ is what separates good teams from great ones. And it’s why the Thunder aren’t just a “young team with upside”—they’re a contender right now.
Echoes of the 2017-18 Rockets
Back in 2017-18, the Rockets were a dominant regular season force that redefined how teams played with pace and spacing. Their switch-everything defense, built around CP3, Harden, and Clint Capela, helped them come within one win of the NBA Finals.
This OKC squad shares some of that DNA:
- Like Harden, SGA is a crafty, iso-heavy scorer who draws fouls and controls the tempo.
- Like CP3, Jalen Williams provides control, smarts, and poise.
- Like Capela, Holmgren anchors the defense with elite rim protection.
- And like those Rockets, the Thunder believe they can beat anyone.
The key difference? This Thunder team is just getting started.
Can They Go All the Way?
It’s always tough to bet on a team this young. Playoff basketball is a different animal—slower pace, tighter rotations, high-pressure possessions. But if any team is equipped to handle the transition from regular season darlings to postseason killers, it’s this one.
They’ve beaten elite teams. They’ve won ugly games and blowouts. And most importantly, they play for each other.
The last time a team pulled off this top-3 offense/defense combo, they nearly took down a dynasty. Don’t be shocked if the Thunder write their own history.
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