With a win in Game 5, the Oklahoma City Thunder are on the verge of cementing their place in NBA history. By clinching their 80th total victory of the 2024–25 season—including both regular season and playoffs—they would become just the fourth team ever to reach that milestone before the NBA Finals. Only the legendary 2015–16 Golden State Warriors (who finished with a record-breaking 73–9 regular season) and the iconic Chicago Bulls teams of 1995–96 and 1996–97 have achieved this feat. That’s the level of dominance the young Thunder have brought to the court this year.
It’s a testament not just to their talent, but to their chemistry, coaching, and relentless drive. Oklahoma City isn’t just winning—they’re doing it with style, poise, and surprising consistency for one of the league’s youngest cores.
A Meteoric Rise
Let’s be honest—few analysts expected OKC to be in this position when the season tipped off. While there was plenty of excitement around the team’s potential, most predicted a mid-tier playoff appearance at best. But the Thunder defied expectations from the jump.
Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, breakout big man Chet Holmgren, and versatile guard Jalen Williams, this squad has evolved into a juggernaut. The Thunder stormed through the regular season with elite efficiency on both ends of the floor, earning one of the best records in the NBA. Their pace, spacing, and unselfishness have made them an offensive nightmare, while their length, speed, and switchability on defense have shut down even the most potent attacks.
Now in the playoffs, they’ve carried that momentum forward—methodically dismantling teams with a balance of youth and maturity that feels almost surreal. It’s not just that they’re winning games, it’s how they’re doing it: executing late-game sets, adjusting mid-series, and showing composure well beyond their years.
The Stats Don’t Lie
The Thunder ended the regular season with 57 wins, and heading into Game 5 against the Timberwolves, they’ve tallied 22 postseason victories so far. One more win puts them at 80 total—an elite benchmark that reflects more than just talent. It reflects dominance across months of high-stakes basketball, against evolving competition and pressure.
Only the best of the best have ever been in this position:
- 1995–96 Chicago Bulls: 87 wins before the Finals (72 regular season + 15 playoffs).
- 1996–97 Chicago Bulls: 81 wins before the Finals (69 + 12).
- 2015–16 Golden State Warriors: 83 wins before the Finals (73 + 10).
And now, potentially:
- 2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder: 80 wins before the Finals (57 + 23, if they win Game 5).
That puts this Thunder team in truly rare air.
The Youth Movement is Here
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the Thunder’s age. Most of their rotation is under 25. Their best player, SGA, is only 26. Chet Holmgren is in his rookie season. This team isn’t supposed to be peaking yet—they’re supposed to be developing. But they’ve found a way to combine youthful energy with high-level execution, largely thanks to head coach Mark Daigneault, whose steady leadership and tactical brilliance have turned OKC into a cohesive machine.
They’re not just the future—they’re already the present.
The Thunder’s rise also marks a shift in how NBA dynasties may be built. In an era defined by player movement and super-teams, OKC has largely grown their core from within, developed through smart draft choices, patient team-building, and a long-term vision. Now, that vision is paying off sooner than expected.
Wolves-Thunder: A Clash of the West’s Best
Tonight’s Game 5 showdown between the Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves (8:30 PM ET | ESPN) is more than just a playoff game—it’s a statement game. A win would send the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals and secure their historic 80-win benchmark. It would also be a bold declaration to the league: we’re here, and we’re not going away anytime soon.
The Timberwolves, of course, aren’t going quietly. With stars like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, they’ve shown flashes of brilliance and resilience. But the Thunder have matched their physicality and outmaneuvered them with better ball movement and execution down the stretch. Game 5 is sure to bring fireworks—and potentially another chapter in OKC’s unforgettable season.
A Legacy in the Making
No matter what happens in the next few weeks, the 2024–25 Oklahoma City Thunder are already building something special. But if they win tonight—and eventually go on to reach (or win) the NBA Finals—their journey will go from “remarkable” to “legendary.”
To reach 80 wins before the Finals is no fluke. It’s a mark of true greatness. And if this young squad stays together, this may not be the last time we see them reach such heights.
So buckle up. The Thunder aren’t just arriving—they’re storming their way into NBA elite company. ⚡
