THUNDER. PACERS. BEST TWO TEAMS SINCE JANUARY 1. 🔥

As the NBA regular season turned the calendar to 2025, few could have predicted that the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers — two franchises long seen as rebuilding or fringe playoff teams — would emerge as the league’s most dominant forces. Yet, since January 1, the numbers, the wins, and the eye test all agree: the Thunder and Pacers have been the two best teams in the NBA.

Not just two feel-good stories. Not just two young teams ahead of schedule. The two best, period. 🔥

Let’s take a closer look at how these teams have transformed into legitimate title contenders in the second half of the 2024–25 season.

🔹 Oklahoma City Thunder: Ascending with Authority

When the year began, the Thunder were already impressing, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But since January 1, OKC took things to a completely different level.

Post-January 1 Record: 35–9 (Best in NBA)
Net Rating: +9.4 (1st)
Defensive Rating: 2nd
Offensive Rating: 4th

OKC’s dominance has come through balance, depth, and leadership. SGA has been nearly unstoppable, averaging over 32 PPG while shooting efficiently and maintaining elite play on the defensive end. But the Thunder’s brilliance isn’t just about their star guard.

• Chet Holmgren has blossomed into a legitimate two-way weapon, protecting the rim while spacing the floor.
• Jalen Williams continues to make the leap as a versatile scoring threat and playmaker.
• The bench unit — featuring Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and rookie sensations like Cason Wallace — has delivered consistent production.

What separates OKC is their cohesion. Every player buys into Coach Mark Daigneault’s system. They switch on defense, move the ball on offense, and play with a maturity far beyond their average age.

This team doesn’t just win — they demoralize opponents with their pace, discipline, and energy. The Thunder’s post-January dominance has made it clear: their future has arrived.

🔹 Indiana Pacers: The League’s Most Electric Offense

On the Eastern side of things, the Pacers have gone from “fun League Pass team” to serious Eastern Conference threat.

Post-January 1 Record: 32–12 (2nd in NBA)
Offensive Rating: 1st
Pace: 1st
FG%: 1st
Points Per Game: 1st

No team scores like Indiana — and no team plays like them, either.

Tyrese Haliburton is the engine behind everything. He’s not just putting up numbers — he’s controlling the game with surgical precision. Even after battling a hamstring injury midseason, Haliburton returned and picked up right where he left off, creating easy buckets for everyone while shooting efficiently himself.

But the Pacers’ rise isn’t just about one star. It’s about the chemistry.

• Pascal Siakam, acquired before the deadline, gave Indiana a crucial second star and championship experience. His scoring versatility and defensive switching have elevated the Pacers on both ends.
• Myles Turner is finally thriving in his role as a stretch five and shot-blocking anchor.
• Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin have all embraced their roles perfectly, bringing energy and spacing.

The Pacers’ offense doesn’t just work — it overwhelms. Their movement, shooting, and creativity make them a nightmare to defend. They’ve beaten top-tier teams consistently since January, and their pace wears teams down night after night.

🔥 Two Teams. One Vibe: Youth, Fearlessness, and Firepower

It’s not just the stats that make these two teams the best in the league since New Year’s Day — it’s the feel.

The Thunder and Pacers play with a level of swagger, joy, and confidence that’s impossible to miss. They don’t just want to win — they believe they should win every night, regardless of who’s on the court.

They’re young. They’re hungry. And they’re not scared of anyone.

When they face off, it’s must-watch TV. The speed. The skill. The unpredictability. And the fireworks — always fireworks.

What’s Driving This Post-January Surge?

A few key factors have fueled both teams’ dominance in 2025:

1. Health & Continuity: Both squads have had relatively healthy cores and strong locker room chemistry.
2. Coaching: Mark Daigneault and Rick Carlisle deserve immense credit. They’ve created systems that amplify their stars while empowering role players.
3. Star Development: SGA and Haliburton are playing the best basketball of their careers. That’s the difference between playoff teams and championship contenders.
4. Midseason Moves: Indiana’s acquisition of Siakam gave them a win-now edge, while OKC’s internal growth and savvy depth choices kept their momentum rolling.

Could We See a Thunder-Pacers Finals?

It’s not just a hot take anymore — it’s a real possibility.

The Thunder have emerged as serious threats in a chaotic Western Conference, especially as traditional powers (like the Suns, Clippers, and Warriors) struggle with inconsistency or injuries. Meanwhile, Indiana is arguably the East’s most dangerous wild card. If Boston or Milwaukee slips, the Pacers are poised to pounce.

A Thunder-Pacers Finals would be an explosion of youth, offense, and modern basketball. Two teams ahead of schedule — meeting at the mountaintop.

Final Thoughts

Since January 1, no teams have lit the league on fire quite like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Both have taken major leaps, both have stars playing at an elite level, and both have proven they belong in any championship conversation.

Whether or not they meet in the Finals, one thing is clear:

Thunder. Pacers. Best two teams in basketball since the new year. And the fire’s just getting started. 🔥