DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 27: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at American Airlines Center on October 27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder have put together a 4-0 start early in the season, but it hasn’t necessarily been the dominant display many expected. That’s especially true given the teams the Thunder has played, outside of opening night against an elite Houston Rockets team. Since then, Oklahoma City has faced depleted Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks squads.
The Thunder’s first two games of the season went into double overtime, with Oklahoma City winning those two by a combined seven points. More recently, against the Mavericks on Monday night, the Thunder led by just one point in the final minutes before ultimately pulling away for a seven-point win. The only real dominant performance came against the Atlanta Hawks over the weekend, when Oklahoma City won by 17 in a game it controlled from start to finish.
Overall, this Thunder team hasn’t been quite as great as expected, and a lot of that has to do with the offensive side of the ball.
Oklahoma City still has a great defense, following up a historic defensive campaign last season, but the injuries the team has faced have clearly had an impact. Jalen Williams has yet to make his debut, Alex Caruso has missed games with a concussion, Isaiah Joe is still dealing with an ankle injury and Cason Wallace missed time as well.
Offensively, that’s been felt.
Once again, the Thunder isn’t shooting well from beyond the arc, and the team’s half-court offense has largely struggled. Transition play has been the saving grace, as turning defense into offense has really been what’s sparked the team’s scoring on most nights.
Still, it’s a 4-0 start nonetheless, and the experience the team has gained early in the season is valuable. Philosophically, this franchise is all about getting better through meaningful moments, and that’s been the case so far. Not only has the team already endured two double-overtime games during the first week, but in the season opener, having to win coming from behind with all the distractions of raising the banner pregame and receiving championship rings made that victory impressive and meaningful. Against the Mavericks, even after blowing a 20-point lead and watching Dallas cut it to one, weathering that storm matters too.
So while this team on the surface is experienced, having played more than 100 games last season on its way to a title, it’s still one of the youngest teams in the league.
Especially with the injuries early in the season, players who wouldn’t normally see high-leverage minutes are getting that opportunity now. Looking at this start holistically, while it hasn’t always been pretty, it’s probably for the best for a team with championship aspirations.
Staying healthy is the top priority, but blowing teams out every night isn’t necessarily productive. Going through adversity early could ultimately prepare this group for another deep playoff run. As such, the 4-0 start for the Oklahoma City Thunder should be considered a huge success, even if the team has looked very vulnerable. It will pay off down the road.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholascrain/2025/10/28/thunder-remains-unbeaten-but-early-challenges-are-fueling-growth/
