OKC Thunder Once Again Proving They’re the NBA’s Top Team
As expected, the Oklahoma City Thunder look every bit like the best team in basketball. Fresh off their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, the Thunder entered the season with sky-high expectations — and through 10 games, they’re living up to the hype.
On Sunday night, OKC overcame a 19-point deficit to cruise past the Memphis Grizzlies by 14, improving their record to 9–1 — the best in the NBA. They also lead the league in point differential, narrowly edging Denver with a +13.6 mark compared to the Nuggets’ +13.2. At their current pace, the Thunder are tracking toward a staggering 74-win season.
But there’s no need to get caught up in record-chasing talk just yet. For now, one thing is clear: Oklahoma City is the best team in the league — and they’re doing it without being fully healthy.
The Thunder have yet to play a single game with All-NBA forward Jalen Williams, who’s still rehabbing a wrist injury from last year’s Finals. Several other key contributors have also missed time, including Chet Holmgren, defensive standouts Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso, as well as sharpshooters Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.
Even so, OKC’s internal growth continues to shine. Rookie Ajay Mitchell has emerged as a breakout performer, averaging 17.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Veteran center Isaiah Hartenstein keeps improving late in his career, while Holmgren is off to another hot start — adding an improved mid-range game that’s expanding his offensive arsenal.
And, of course, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the engine driving it all, averaging an incredible 33.2 points in just under 35 minutes per game.
There are still a couple of caveats. The Thunder have played one of the league’s easiest schedules so far — second only to Charlotte — with wins over struggling teams like the Pacers, Mavericks, Wizards, Pelicans, and Grizzlies. Plus, reintegrating Jalen Williams after his recovery could take some time.
Still, those are minor obstacles in the bigger picture. Even without full strength, the Thunder have dominated nearly every opponent, losing just once in 10 tries. As they continue to “stack days” and maintain their humble, zero-and-zero mindset, Oklahoma City is playing the kind of basketball that could define an era.
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