Some NBA media pundits, including Michael Wilbon, are not ready to crown this year’s version of the Oklahoma City Thunder as an all-time great team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the engine behind the group advancing to the NBA Finals.
TOP NEWS
OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues historic season advancing to NBA Finals
The 26-year-old earned Most Valuable Player honors for his performance in the Western Conference Finals — averaging 31.4 points per game in OKC’s series versus Minnesota. He led the franchise to making history, joining the Golden State Warriors (2015-16), Chicago Bulls (1995-96), and Bulls again (1996-97) in getting to 80+ wins before the NBA Finals. Oklahoma City earned its 80th victory in Wednesday’s Game 5 matchup against the Timberwolves. Alexander had 34 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in the Thunder’s 124-94 win. He shot 14-of-25 from the field, making quick work of the T’Wolves.
With a Game 5 win, Oklahoma City would become the 4th team in NBA history to reach 80 wins before the NBA Finals when combining regular season and playoffs, joining the Warriors (’15-’16) and Bulls (’95-’96 & ’96-’97) ????
???? Wolves-Thunder Game 5 | 8:30 PM ET | ESPN ???? pic.twitter.com/5eFj6CaMxV
— ESPN (@espn) May 28, 2025
The Thunder carried the best record in the league into the playoffs. Now, it has a chance to capture an NBA title.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.
