The Athletic is providing live updates on the 2025 NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Thunder’s Championship Journey
The Oklahoma City Thunder captured the NBA championship in June, but what if their journey had taken a different turn?
Vulnerabilities Amidst Dominance
Despite achieving a franchise-record 68 wins, the Thunder displayed weaknesses throughout the playoffs, facing significant challenges in key moments, including a 10-point deficit in Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets and the critical injury to Tyrese Haliburton in the finals.
Lessons from Last Season
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the team’s approach this season. “We’ve considered how we would have felt had we lost in the playoffs to push ourselves to evolve,” he stated, reflecting on their narrow escapes last year.
Defensive Excellence
This season, the Thunder are strong defensively, boasting a remarkable 23-1 record and the second-best start for a defending champion, just behind the 2016 Warriors. Their defensive efficiency rating stands at 104.1 points allowed per 100 possessions, significantly better than the competition.
Improvement on Defense
While the Thunder’s defense last year set records, improvements in their strategy have continued. This includes better positioning against 3-point shooters, enhanced ability to defend without fouling, and improved rebounding stats. Key additions in their roster, like healthy players Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, boosted their defensive capabilities.
Key Contributors
New players like Alex Caruso have strengthened their defense, with Caruso averaging 1.6 steals and being effective against various positions. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impact both ends, solidifying Oklahoma City’s defensive presence.
Looking Ahead
The Thunder aim to defend their title while building on their impressive start. As the season progresses, they seek to continue improving their defensive strategies, with challenges ahead in maintaining their level of excellence against all opponents.
