Is This a Championship or Bust Season for the Oklahoma City Thunder?

Is This a Championship or Bust Season for the Oklahoma City Thunder?

The Oklahoma City Thunder are having an incredible season, boasting the best record in the NBA and on pace for a historic franchise performance. With the new in-season over/under set at 64.5 wins, it’s clear that expectations are sky-high for this young and talented team.

However, labeling this season as “championship or bust” feels too strong. While the Thunder have the talent, roster, and coaching to win a championship, it’s important to remember that only one team gets to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy each year. The journey to an NBA title is incredibly challenging, and many great teams fall short along the way.

What makes this Thunder team special is their ability to weather injuries and still perform at an elite level. Chet Holmgren has only played 10 games, while key players like Jalen Williams and Lu Dort have missed significant time. Despite these setbacks, the team continues to excel, showcasing the depth and resilience of their roster.

It’s crucial to put this season into perspective. If the Thunder were to win the championship this year, it would be an anomaly in NBA history. This is only their second crack at the postseason with this young core, and to win it all in just their second attempt would be unprecedented.

Looking at recent examples like the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, we see that even the most talented teams often need time to grow and develop before reaching the pinnacle of success. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, experienced several playoff disappointments before finally winning the title. Similarly, the Celtics’ young stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, endured multiple playoff heartbreaks before reaching their current level of success.

The Thunder’s situation is unique because they’re already performing at a historic level without being fully healthy. When Chet Holmgren returns, it will be like adding a major piece at the trade deadline without giving up any assets. This team has the potential to be even better than what we’ve seen so far.

For more insights and a deeper dive into the Thunder’s championship aspirations, tune into the Locked On Thunder podcast for this and much more.

Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Thunder Podcast:

• NBA trade deadline preview

• Potential moves for the Thunder at the deadline

• The impact of Chet Holmgren’s return on the team’s rotation

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