Is the Thunder Destined to Join the Ranks of the '90s Bulls?

The Thunder's Meteoric Rise

Last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder established themselves as champions, achieving a stunning 68-14 regular-season record and capturing the NBA title. This was no fluke; a defensive unit praised as one of the greatest in league history fueled their ascent, alongside an underrated offensive strategy.

At the heart of this formidable squad was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP and scoring champion, surrounded by a young and dynamic cast. The synergy among these players elevated their performance, setting the stage for the expectations now surrounding them.

Beginning of a New Campaign

This season, the Thunder are off to an even more impressive start with a 12-1 record. Remarkably, they are often winning with sizable margins, showcasing their ability to dominate on both ends of the court. The lone setback came in a narrow two-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, which hardly dampens the enthusiasm surrounding this team.

"They might win 80 [games]," declared a Western Conference scout, hinting at the team's potentially historic trajectory.

While the notion of winning 80 games may seem far-fetched, aspirations to reach 70 victories—or even challenging the 73-record set by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors—are genuinely on the table.

Eyes on the Prize

The question remains: does Oklahoma City have such goals in mind? While some scouts suggest they might, it's crucial to remember the cautionary tales of past record-holders. The 2015-16 Warriors did indeed face a formidable defeat in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite their historic regular-season performance. Similarly, the 2007 New England Patriots, after going 17-0, faltered in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants.

The potential pitfalls of setting such ambitious goals could arguably lead to an exhausting regular season, thereby impacting playoff performance. Yet, with the Thunder's remarkable depth, they might indeed be equipped to weather the challenges that arise.

As one Eastern scout noted, "They could win 70 games even if they don't want to. Their second-stringers would start in most places, and their third-stringers could easily earn consistent minutes elsewhere." Such depth not only enriches their gameplay but also creates a cushion against injuries.

Statistics That Speak Volumes

Last season, the Thunder posted a defensive rating of 106.6 and a net rating of 12.7. This year, they are even better, boasting a 103 defensive rating alongside a stellar 15.6 net rating. Their scoring is also on an upward trajectory, averaging 122.5 points per game, an increase from 120.5 in the prior season.

Big man Chet Holmgren is stepping into the limelight, moving closer to stardom, paired with Gilgeous-Alexander, who currently vies for the league's highest scoring average just beneath Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Challenge of Longevity

An often overlooked aspect of this team's journey is the absence of emerging star Jalen Williams, who is recovering from offseason wrist surgery. Williams, averaging 21.6 points last season, represents yet another layer of the Thunder's depth.

As much as I admire their current form, it's important to note that achieving greatness is a marathon, not a sprint. If the Thunder fail to retain their crown, it will undoubtedly catch many by surprise. However, as demonstrated in the playoffs where they faced seven-game battles against both the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers, nothing is guaranteed.

Looking Forward

Thus, while the question echoes whether the Thunder can indeed replicate the dominance of teams like the '90s Bulls, the answer lies within their resolve and commitment to their pursuit of excellence. The journey continues, and fans eagerly await the unfolding saga of this extraordinary season.

For more details on the Thunder and general NBA news, visit Newsweek Sports.