The past week has been dominated by the arena vote, but now that we’ve set OKC’s future in motion with our vote, it’s time to refocus on business.
The Thunder faces a challenging road ahead to close out the year and start 2024. At the end of the first quarter of the season, Oklahoma City holds a 15-7 record, securing the second spot in the Western Conference, trailing behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. Who could have predicted this turnaround? Certainly not me.
As we approach the new year, with just over 30 games into the season, we’ll gain a more accurate assessment of the team’s capabilities.
OKC’s next 10 games include matchups against Sacramento tonight, Denver, Memphis, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Denver, Brooklyn, and on January 2, they’ll face the league-best Boston Celtics.
Nine out of these 10 games are against teams currently in the top eight of their respective conferences.
While there’s some uncertainty about the sustainability of OKC’s strong start, several aspects about the team are clear.
Last year wasn’t a fluke; SGA is the real deal.
Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, boasting a shooting percentage of 51% from the field and 34.5% from 3. He made his debut appearance in the NBA All-Star game.
This season, he continues to shine with an average of 30.1 points, a career-high 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Leading the league in steals with 2.8 per game, SGA also showcases a career-best 55% shooting from the field, 34.3% from 3, and an impressive 91.7% from the free-throw line.
As the Thunder rise, so does SGA, demonstrating his ability to elevate his performance alongside the team’s increasing talent.
Jalen Williams is no fluke either, he’s extremely good
J Dub, in his second season, displays versatility without glaring weaknesses. While SGA remains the focal point, Williams has proven his capacity to carry the team when needed. After an outstanding rookie campaign, Williams maintains his high-level production, averaging 17.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game with efficient shooting percentages.
Despite sharing the spotlight with rising star Chet Holmgren, Williams holds his ground as a reliable third option for OKC, depending on the matchup.
OKC’s other rookie is thriving, too
Cason Wallace, though not a consistent high scorer, showcases basketball IQ, solid decision-making, and Dort-like defense. Averaging 7.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, Wallace impresses with shooting percentages of 59.1% and a league-leading 52.1% from 3.
In the midst of uncertainties about the Thunder’s true potential, Wallace’s consistent performance in critical moments, like the nail-biting win over the Dallas Mavericks, adds depth to the team’s roster.
While the true extent of this Thunder team’s greatness remains unknown until the playoffs, their collective performance thus far has undoubtedly left fans and the organization curious about their ultimate ceiling.
