Thunder equal Warriors' legendary season opening with remarkable 24-1 performance
The Oklahoma City Thunder have written themselves into the record books by matching the finest opening stretch any team has produced in NBA history. Their 24-1 record through 25 games places them alongside the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors as the only franchises to reach such heights.
A Record Nearly a Decade in the Making
When the Warriors posted their 24-1 start nine seasons ago, it seemed like a benchmark that might stand alone for years. That Golden State squad went on to finish with a record-breaking season, and their early dominance became part of basketball folklore.
Now, Oklahoma City has reached the same mark, demonstrating that last season's success was no accident.
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earned MVP honors last season as the second Canadian to claim the award, continues to anchor the Thunder's attack. At the Paycom Center, he contributed 28 points while extending his streak of 20-point performances to 96 consecutive games.
His consistency has become a defining feature of Oklahoma City's run, providing the steady scoring punch that keeps opponents at bay night after night.
Embracing the Winning Culture
Thunder forward Jalen Williams captured the team's mentality in simple terms: "Winning is never boring."
That attitude reflects how the franchise has approached this season. There's no complacency, no sense that success should be taken for granted. Each victory builds on the last, and the focus remains sharp.
Building on Last Season's Foundation
This remarkable start follows an already exceptional 2023-24 campaign, when the Thunder finished atop the Western Conference with a 68-14 record. Since the beginning of last season, Oklahoma City has won 92 of their 107 regular-season contests.
The numbers tell a clear story: this team has established itself as a genuine force in the league, not through a brief hot streak but through sustained excellence over nearly two full seasons.
Tournament Games Count Too
The NBA Cup, the league's mid-season tournament, adds another dimension to the schedule. Every tournament match factors into regular-season standings except for the championship game, meaning these wins carry weight beyond just the trophy.
Oklahoma City's strong start encompasses both standard games and tournament play, showing their ability to perform regardless of the stakes or format.
A Season Taking Shape
What the Thunder have accomplished through their first 25 games goes beyond impressive. Only one other team in the league's 78-year history has started this strong, and that Warriors squad remains one of the greatest teams ever assembled.
Whether Oklahoma City can maintain this pace remains to be seen, but they've already secured their place in the conversation about dominant season openings. The foundation they've built suggests this could be a campaign remembered for years to come.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have written themselves into the record books by matching the finest opening stretch any team has produced in NBA history. Their 24-1 record through 25 games places them alongside the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors as the only franchises to reach such heights.
A Record Nearly a Decade in the Making
When the Warriors posted their 24-1 start nine seasons ago, it seemed like a benchmark that might stand alone for years. That Golden State squad went on to finish with a record-breaking season, and their early dominance became part of basketball folklore.
Now, Oklahoma City has reached the same mark, demonstrating that last season's success was no accident.
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earned MVP honors last season as the second Canadian to claim the award, continues to anchor the Thunder's attack. At the Paycom Center, he contributed 28 points while extending his streak of 20-point performances to 96 consecutive games.
His consistency has become a defining feature of Oklahoma City's run, providing the steady scoring punch that keeps opponents at bay night after night.
Embracing the Winning Culture
Thunder forward Jalen Williams captured the team's mentality in simple terms: "Winning is never boring."
That attitude reflects how the franchise has approached this season. There's no complacency, no sense that success should be taken for granted. Each victory builds on the last, and the focus remains sharp.
Building on Last Season's Foundation
This remarkable start follows an already exceptional 2023-24 campaign, when the Thunder finished atop the Western Conference with a 68-14 record. Since the beginning of last season, Oklahoma City has won 92 of their 107 regular-season contests.
The numbers tell a clear story: this team has established itself as a genuine force in the league, not through a brief hot streak but through sustained excellence over nearly two full seasons.
Tournament Games Count Too
The NBA Cup, the league's mid-season tournament, adds another dimension to the schedule. Every tournament match factors into regular-season standings except for the championship game, meaning these wins carry weight beyond just the trophy.
Oklahoma City's strong start encompasses both standard games and tournament play, showing their ability to perform regardless of the stakes or format.
A Season Taking Shape
What the Thunder have accomplished through their first 25 games goes beyond impressive. Only one other team in the league's 78-year history has started this strong, and that Warriors squad remains one of the greatest teams ever assembled.
Whether Oklahoma City can maintain this pace remains to be seen, but they've already secured their place in the conversation about dominant season openings. The foundation they've built suggests this could be a campaign remembered for years to come.
