The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially entered historic territory. With their thrilling win in the Western Conference Finals, they’ve become just the 15th team in NBA history to notch 80 or more total wins in a single season—including both the regular season and playoffs. But their journey isn’t over yet. Next stop? The NBA Finals.
From a team once thought to be deep in the middle of a rebuild, to now being four wins away from an NBA championship, this Thunder squad has defied expectations, broken barriers, and captured the attention of basketball fans around the world.
A Season to Remember
The Thunder’s 2024–25 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. Finishing the regular season with 58 wins, the young, fearless squad stormed into the postseason with energy, confidence, and a chip on their shoulder. Critics thought they were too inexperienced. Too raw. Too soon.
They proved everyone wrong.
Led by MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), the Thunder swept through the opening rounds with a mix of elite defense, clutch shot-making, and a team-first mentality that harkens back to the great teams of the past. Now with 22 postseason wins under their belt, Oklahoma City stands proudly with 80 total victories—a mark achieved by only a handful of legendary teams, including the 2016 Warriors and 1996 Bulls.
The Evolution of a Contender
At the center of OKC’s transformation is head coach Mark Daigneault, who has masterfully developed a system that blends youth with discipline. His ability to empower young players, while demanding accountability on both ends of the court, has turned the Thunder into a defensive juggernaut and a fast-paced offensive threat.
SGA has blossomed into a true superstar. With his unshakable calm, deceptive speed, and unique rhythm, he’s carried the Thunder through tight moments and tough series. But this team is far from a one-man show.
Rookie big man Chet Holmgren has silenced doubters, becoming a defensive anchor and versatile offensive weapon. Jalen Williams has continued to flourish as a two-way force, while Josh Giddey’s vision and rebounding have been vital to keeping the team balanced. Veteran leadership, timely three-point shooting, and a deep bench have also helped fuel OKC’s momentum.
In many ways, this team represents the future of basketball: long, versatile, unselfish, and adaptable.
Making History
To win 80+ games in a single NBA season is an elite feat. It requires not just talent, but consistency, durability, and championship-level focus. This Thunder team is now part of that rare club.
It’s a stat that places them in conversation with some of the greatest teams the league has ever seen. But unlike many of those powerhouse squads, Oklahoma City’s success wasn’t built overnight or assembled through high-profile trades and free agent signings. It was cultivated. Drafted. Developed.
From trading stars like Russell Westbrook and Paul George to acquiring picks and building from the ground up, OKC’s front office, led by GM Sam Presti, stuck to a vision—and now it’s paying off on the grandest stage.
The Road to the Finals
OKC’s playoff path wasn’t easy. After dispatching a tough first-round opponent, they survived a brutal second-round matchup that tested their physicality and composure. Then came the Western Conference Finals—against a seasoned and championship-tested team.
But rather than buckle under pressure, the Thunder elevated their play. SGA averaged over 30 points per game during the series, while the team’s defense suffocated their opponents in key fourth-quarter moments. Game 6 was a defining moment—filled with hustle plays, steals, highlight dunks, and a roaring crowd that reminded the world just how electric basketball in Oklahoma City can be.
That win not only clinched their spot in the Finals but also marked their 80th victory—sealing their place in NBA lore.
Finals Outlook
Now, the Thunder set their sights on the biggest stage in basketball: the NBA Finals.
Game 1 tips off Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, and the energy surrounding the team is at an all-time high. Whether they face an Eastern Conference juggernaut or an underdog riding a hot streak, OKC is battle-tested, well-coached, and confident.
Fans in Oklahoma City are already celebrating what has been a dream season, but this young group isn’t satisfied with just making it to the Finals—they want to finish the job.
More Than a Cinderella Story
What makes this Thunder run so special is that it’s not a fluke. It’s not a one-year miracle. This is the beginning of a new era in the NBA, and Oklahoma City is leading the charge.
From a team that lost its core stars just a few years ago to now becoming one of the most formidable and exciting teams in the league, this is a redemption story for the ages. And it’s one that’s still being written.
The Thunder may already have made history with 80+ wins, but they’re chasing the ultimate prize: an NBA championship.
