NBA writer says scary truth out loud about surging OKC Thunder

The OKC Thunder are building on their historic 2024-25 season, where they set a record for the highest per-game point differential (12.9), achieved the fourth-most wins (68), and secured their first NBA Championship, by starting the 2025-26 campaign with an undefeated 4-0 record. Some analysts believe this season could surpass their previous regular-season performance, with early indicators showing the team thriving despite challenges.

In a recent analysis by The Athletic's Zach Harper, the Thunder are praised for their strong early performance, with Harper suggesting that fans and the league should already be on "74-win watch." This optimism stems from the team's ability to excel even with injuries, as they did last season when they used 30 different starting lineups due to health issues but still managed 68 wins without going all-in.

Despite continuing health woes in the current season, including the absence of key players like All-NBA forward Jalen Williams recovering from wrist surgery, the Thunder have remained dominant. They have shown no signs of a championship hangover, winning games in various scenarios, such as double-overtime contests and decisive victories like their 117-100 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

With the league's best defensive rating (104.4) and a top-five net rating (9.2), led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are making a strong case for potentially becoming the first repeat champions since the 2018 Golden State Warriors. Harper further speculates that they could realistically aim for 70 or more wins, which would make them only the third team in NBA history to achieve such a feat.