With round two of the playoffs underway, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder look as good, if not even better than last year’s squad, and will go back-to-back.
Best Team In Basketball
The Thunder are the best team in basketball. They feature a ton of depth and are led by reigning MVP (and favorite to win this year) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s their unguardable x-factor, the highlight of their roster, and he’s surrounded by players that make this team unstoppable. Going deep into their bench causes no problems whatsoever.
Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Jared McCain, Isaiah Joe, and Jaylin Williams provide valuable minutes for OKC off the bench. Their impact on the court often keeps games out of reach and gives starters less pressure and minutes, keeping fresh legs for future games. Raging and effective defense also separates them from opponents. Playing with intensity on both sides of the ball is what the Thunder do, leading to their success.
The Thunder’s bench impact has been huge and has mattered most in their deep playoff runs. An impressive 64-18 record paired with previous playoff experience shows this team can go all the way. OKC is currently taking a hit with Jalen Williams being injured. He’s a big part of the team, and they need him back for this run. Other starters have stepped up and filled his shoes exceptionally well. Ajay Mitchell, a breakout player this season, has been starting and not disappointing, being a new important piece to this team. Their strong roster, last year’s championship, and impressive regular season make them the team to beat.
Western Conference Outlook
The Thunder are back in the playoffs as the number one seed, and looked true to form, breezing through round one, beating the Phoenix Suns. There are still obstacles in their way, but nothing they can’t easily overcome. This has been evident in their second-round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, with OKC sweeping the series 4-0.
The Thunder took advantage of a Lakers team missing one of their star players, Luka Doncic, due to injury. They have sailed smoothly into the Western Conference finals, not losing a single game, and will likely face the dangerous San Antonio Spurs (the second seed in the West).
Victor Wembanyama, one of the best players in today’s game, leads a young and talented roster for the Spurs, but the team’s lack of playoff experience is what will do them in, allowing the Thunder to get back to the NBA Finals. This will be an incredible series, and the closest for the Thunder, where they will come out on top.
Thunder Will Go Back-To-Back
Nobody the Thunder face in the Finals will be as tough as San Antonio. The Detroit Pistons will be playing on heavy legs if they make it, having already let one series go to seven games. Pairing that with playoff inexperience, it would be no problem for OKC. The New York Knicks have been on fire and would pose a mild threat, but the Thunder are clearly the better team. Their offense is unreal right now, but the Thunder’s defense and coaching will take control. No matter who wins the East, the best team in the NBA (Thunder) will hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy for the second straight year.
