Despite the bitterness of their playoff exit, the 2023-24 campaign represented a tremendous leap for the Thunder, who reached the postseason for the first time since 2020 and earned the third-best regular season in franchise history since the team relocated to Oklahoma City from Seattle in 2008.

It also provided invaluable experience for this young OKC team (with an average player age of 24.12 years, the Thunder are the second-youngest team in the NBA) and, in particular, 2023-24 MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (more on him below), who averaged 30.1 points per game (on 53.5 per cent shooting.

Most importantly, the Thunder got noticeably better in the off season through the acquisitions of 2020 champion and defensive stalwart Alex Caruso and double-double machine Isaiah Hartenstein.

With Luguentz Dort and 2024 Rookie of the Year runner-up Chet Holmgren providing physicality and length inside the paint, the Thunder can now boast arguably the best defensive team in the entire league.

Throw in the NBA’s reigning Coach of the Year, Mark Daigneault, and the Thunder have their best chance to reach the Finals for the first time since 2012.