The Oklahoma City Thunder have been playing some incredible defense this postseason. In fact, their defense has been at the top of the league all season long.
The Thunder’s 107.6 defensive rating was first overall this season. In the playoffs, OKC’s rating is 101.2, first by a mile.
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Charles Barkley has seen some of the best defensive teams up close and personal. He’s battled many great defensive teams and he has recently compared the Thunder to two of the best to ever do it on that side of the ball.
“This is the best defensive team I’ve seen in the NBA in a long time. They remind me of the Bad Boy Pistons and Chicago Bulls when they had Dennis Rodman and Horace Grant,” Barkley said.
“When they had Michael and Scottie and Dennis, or Horace, if you were a little bit off your pass, it’s going the other direction. This is the deepest team in the NBA, and they’re going to win an NBA championship. I’ve not seen any team that can beat this team.”
"This is the best defensive team I've seen in the NBA in a long time." ????
Chuck gives OKC their flowers after their Game 1 performance ???? pic.twitter.com/plcd1Xi4V0
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 22, 2025
Barkley is correct on his opinion of the Thunder. OKC has clearly been playing at a level no other team can match.
This is why the Thunder are the clear favorites to win the 2025 NBA championship.
