OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma City Thunder are the new NBA champions! And the scary part for other teams? They might keep getting better.
Just three years ago, the Thunder were one of the worst teams, winning only 24 games. Their boss, Sam Presti, made a promise back then using a Latin phrase, “Labor omnia vincit” – which means “Hard work conquers all.” The Thunder followed that plan. They worked hard, took their time rebuilding carefully, and now they’ve conquered the NBA.
This season, they won 84 total games and beat the Indiana Pacers in a very close, seven-game Finals series.
Why Other Teams Should Worry:
- They have the MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the league’s best player (MVP), the Finals MVP, and the scoring champion. He just won his first title.
- They are VERY young: Most key players are young and haven’t reached their peak yet. Shai himself said, “We definitely still have room to grow… So many of us can still get better… This is a great start.”
- They are all staying: All their important players are signed for next season.
- More talent is coming: They have a top draft pick from 2024, Nikola Topic, who missed this season injured. Plus, they have two more high picks in the upcoming draft.
Good Timing for the Thunder:
While the Thunder look set, many other top teams face big problems next season:
- Star players like Jayson Tatum (Boston), Damian Lillard (Milwaukee), and Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana) have serious Achilles injuries and will likely miss most or all of next season.
- LeBron James (Lakers) will be playing his 23rd season.
- Stephen Curry (Warriors) turns 38.
- Kevin Durant (moving to Houston) starts his 18th season.
- Philadelphia depends on Joel Embiid staying healthy.
- New York has a new coach.
The Thunder, in contrast, seem to have everything working perfectly right now.
A Team That Fits Together:
- Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren play well together and don’t care who gets the credit.
- Players like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein filled their roles perfectly.
- Luguentz Dort is an incredible defender, even if many fans don’t realize how good he is.
Humble Leaders:
This team-first attitude extends beyond the players:
- Alex Caruso reminded everyone that winning a title is incredibly hard and never guaranteed: “Any moment your team can change… To be able to get to the pinnacle… is nothing short of extraordinary… Rest assured, we’ll show up Day 1 next year ready to get better and ready to chase this again.”
- Boss Sam Presti and owner Clay Bennett rarely seek attention.
- Coach Mark Daigneault stays calm under pressure. He was thrilled his players won: “There’s no guarantee you end it the way that we did… I just wanted it so bad for them… because they deserve it. The way they approach it… I wanted it so bad for them.”
The Thunder have reached the top of the NBA. With their young talent, teamwork, and smart leadership, this championship might be the first of many.
