Oklahoma City Thunder Off to Historic Start: Analysts Hail Team as Juggernauts

The Oklahoma City Thunder have made a resounding statement in the early stages of the 2024-25 NBA season, starting with a perfect 3-0 record. This marks the first time since 2016 that the Thunder have begun the season with three consecutive wins. Their dominance has been highlighted by lopsided victories, including a 128-104 win over the Atlanta Hawks and a 114-95 victory against the Chicago Bulls.

NBA analyst Tim Legler has been particularly impressed, labeling the Thunder as “juggernauts” and placing them in the same tier as the Boston Celtics. Legler praised the Thunder’s elite defense, energy, and overall talent. “It’s amazing because, I hate the term ‘flip the switch’ but it was more of a collective energy that they found that made it nearly impossible for Atlanta to do anything [on offense],” Legler said. He also highlighted Chet Holmgren‘s defensive improvements, noting his exceptional timing on rotations and blocks.

Adam Mares, co-host of the All-NBA show, echoed Legler’s sentiments, emphasizing the Thunder’s defensive prowess and depth. “Defensively, I think they are the best defensive team in the NBA and they’re so deep that I’ll put them in Boston’s category,” Mares said. The duo believes the Thunder’s combination of defense and offensive talent, led by players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, sets them up for a historically great season.

In addition to their on-court success, the Thunder have made significant roster moves. The team recently acquired guard Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in a trade that sent Josh Giddey to the Bulls. Caruso, known for his defensive skills and all-around performance, is expected to enhance the Thunder’s roster and align with their strategic vision for a strong and sustainable basketball program.

The Thunder’s culture has also been a key factor in their success. Former NBA player and analyst Sam Mitchell praised the team’s cohesion and family-like culture, noting that the players genuinely care for each other and have no egos. This culture, built by General Manager Sam Presti, is seen as a driving force behind the team’s performance and their potential to be contenders for years to come).