In an NBA era dominated by “super teams,” veteran cores, and experience-first championship blueprints, the Oklahoma City Thunder are flipping the script. With an average age of just 25.6 years, the Thunder are not only making noise — they’ve made history. They are the second youngest team in the past 70 years to reach the NBA Finals, trailing only the legendary 1976–77 Portland Trail Blazers led by Bill Walton.
Think about that. Seventy years of NBA basketball. Hundreds of playoff runs. Countless dynasties. And here come the Thunder — not just to participate, but to contend. On the verge of greatness, this young squad is showing the world that talent, chemistry, and confidence can go toe-to-toe with experience, even on the biggest stage.
This isn’t your typical Finals team. The Thunder aren’t built around aging All-Stars or midseason trades for big-name veterans. They’ve been patient, strategic, and committed to growth. General Manager Sam Presti’s long-term vision — which once drew skepticism for being too slow or too cautious — is now being celebrated as a masterclass in franchise-building. The Thunder didn’t skip steps; they took every one deliberately.
And at the center of it all is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 25-year-old superstar who has blossomed into one of the league’s most polished and clutch performers. A finalist for MVP, Shai’s poise under pressure belies his age. Whether he’s carving up defenses with his mid-range mastery or leading fast breaks with surgical precision, Shai is the heartbeat of this team. And yet — he’s just scratching the surface.
But Shai isn’t doing this alone. This Thunder roster is deep, balanced, and hungry.
Chet Holmgren, the 22-year-old rookie center, has been a revelation on both ends of the floor. After missing his initial rookie season due to injury, Chet has come back with purpose. His rim protection, floor spacing, and basketball IQ have made him a perfect complement to OKC’s fast-paced, high-efficiency offense.
Then there’s Jalen Williams, 23, a rising star in his own right. With his versatile scoring, high-level defense, and unselfish style, Williams has emerged as the Thunder’s ultimate two-way glue guy. Josh Giddey, just 21, brings his elite passing and feel for the game, giving the Thunder a unique backcourt mix of size and skill.
Even their role players — Luguentz Dort (25), Isaiah Joe (24), and Jaylin Williams (22) — are all young, energetic, and locked in. Together, this group plays like a unit far older than their years, combining youthful energy with surprising discipline.
Let’s put their age into perspective: most Finals teams in recent memory have been veteran-laden. Think of the Warriors’ dynasties, the Heatles in Miami, or even the 2021 Bucks. Those teams leaned on experienced stars who had logged years of playoff battles. But OKC? They’ve done it with a core that grew up together, made mistakes together, and learned together — and now they’re winning together.
They’ve also had one of the toughest playoff paths in recent memory. In the first round, they handled the New Orleans Pelicans with maturity beyond their years. In the second round, they survived a seven-game slugfest against the defending champion Nuggets. And in the Western Conference Finals, they outdueled the Timberwolves — a team known for its size and physicality — by playing faster, smarter, and more connected basketball.
And now, the NBA Finals stage awaits.
OKC’s opponent might bring more postseason experience and national spotlight, but if the Thunder have taught us anything this postseason, it’s this: never count out the young guns.
Their brand of basketball is thrilling. They’re top-five in both offensive and defensive ratings. They move the ball with purpose, defend with pride, and show zero fear in the face of pressure. They don’t just run — they sprint. They don’t just shoot — they rain threes with confidence. This is a team that believes in itself, and more importantly, in each other.
It’s also a reminder of how quickly the NBA landscape can shift. Just three years ago, the Thunder were a rebuilding team with a mountain of draft picks and a long-term plan. Now, they’re four wins away from an NBA championship — and they’re not even in their prime yet.
If they win it all, the Thunder will join the 1977 Blazers as one of the youngest champions in league history. That Blazers team, led by a 24-year-old Bill Walton, stunned the heavily favored 76ers to win the title. Can history repeat itself?
Whether or not they win the championship this year, one thing is clear: the Thunder are here to stay. Their youth is not a liability — it’s their superpower. And with their core locked in for years to come, this might just be the start of a new NBA era.
So circle your calendar. Game 1 of the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV tips off Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. The second-youngest Finals team in 70 years is ready to shock the world — and they’re doing it together, 25.6 years young.
