The Oklahoma City Thunder are building a compelling case for a historic 70-win NBA season. Only the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors have ever reached that regular-season summit, but this Thunder roster possesses the unique talent to challenge that exclusive club.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the engine. The back-to-back MVP averaged 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting last season and remains in his prime. He's not alone. A fully healthy Jalen Williams changes their offensive ceiling. Chet Holmgren's continued development as a more aggressive two-way force could be the final piece. Their core is young and improving, not declining. This group already knows how to win big, having secured 132 regular-season victories over the past two years and starting last season 24-1.
Depth is their other superpower. Most teams struggle when starters sit. Oklahoma City can roll out capable defenders, shooters, and playmakers from deep on the bench. This helps them handle inevitable injuries and tough road trips without automatic losses.
The ultimate goal is a championship, not a regular-season record. The 2015-16 Warriors' 73-win season that ended without a title is a constant reminder. The Thunder don't need to publicly chase 70 wins. If Gilgeous-Alexander plays like the league's best, Williams stays on the court, and Holmgren takes another leap, the wins could pile up naturally.
Of course, skepticism is fair. Reaching 70 wins requires health, consistency, and a bit of luck over a long marathon. But the potential is undeniable. This team has been building toward this moment through previous seasons and injury challenges. Imagine a full, healthy campaign with this roster. The question isn't just if they can win 70 games. It's whether pursuing that milestone could ever distract from the only trophy that truly matters in June.
