Thunder Dominate Early in 2025-26 NBA Season

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Thunder are on fire in the 2025-26 NBA season, winning 17 of their first 18 games. This impressive performance comes on the heels of their recent NBA championship.

Led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are showcasing their dominance, leading the league in both offensive and defensive ratings. Oklahoma City boasts an offensive rating of 119.6 and a defensive rating of 102.8, the best in the league.

In an interview, Chet Holmgren expressed the team’s mindset: “We don’t have anybody on the team who’s sitting and reminiscing on what a great career they had. I think everybody on the team is still chasing and striving for more. The championship wasn’t the last check on their bucket list,” he said, as per Clemente Almanza from The Thunder Wire.

The Thunder’s only loss this season came on November 5, when they fell to the Portland Trail Blazers in a close matchup, 121-119. However, they quickly avenged that defeat with a decisive 122-95 victory over the same team on Sunday.

Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his players for their high standards and effort, even when they hold a substantial lead. “We’re in Utah the other night, and J-Will dives in the stands. We’re up by 30,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity to reach their full potential as a team.

The Thunder’s average point differential of +16.9 leads the NBA, surpassing their previous season’s record of 12.9 points per game, which set a league history for the largest average margin of victory.

As a team still hungry for success, the Thunder are preparing to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. A victory could mark their 18th win in 19 attempts, solidifying their impressive start to the season.