It is always a tall challenge to win the NBA Finals, even for defending champions. Oklahoma City, for what it’s worth, is pushing to get back on top after winning it all last year. This team has been facing some adversity this season. Some are even calling them frauds, but it seems they are proving critics wrong. Despite some hiccups, OKC’s record is headed to a promising trajectory this season. In fact, they are closing in on a title-defining feat.<\/p>\n
Past the midpoint of the season, the Thunder are scrapping their way through injuries<\/a>. They are grinding one game at a time with the hopes of reaching 40 wins before 20 losses — a feat worthy in defining championship teams. The Thunder record stands at 37-8, which means they’re definitely not that far from doing better than their previous season; a record of 40-9 upon reaching win No. 40.<\/p>\n The 40-before-20 rule is a rare feat for teams in the NBA. It is a theory by former coach Phil Jackson, noted for his league-leading 11 championships in the league. There are many known contending teams in the league, but the 40 before 20 standard is quite reasonable: A team that reaches 40 wins before suffering 20 losses is worthy of being a championship team. Coined in 1980, all but four champions ended up winning the title by meeting this standard.<\/p>\n Oklahoma City has been a promising team to watch this season. They are, however, not without some notable flaws. For starters, they have been missing some key players down the stretch. Jalen Williams<\/a> is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury. Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> has missed a huge chunk of the season<\/a>\u00a0so far. And now top candidate for Sixth Man of the Year Ajay Mitchell<\/a> has suffered an abdominal stain. Nothing has been easy for the Thunder, and yet here they are with a promising 37-8 record—the best in the NBA.<\/p>\n Only the Pistons, Spurs, and Nuggets have won 30 games so far. OKC is pushing to reach 40 wins right now, and they’re going to be the first should they not lose in the next three games. If you’re not impressed, the Thunder went 40-9 last season upon hitting the 40-win mark. That’s an impressive number, and certainly is the best that the franchise has seen overall.<\/p>\n Forget 40 before 20. <\/p>\n OKC just hit 40 wins before 10 losses. pic.twitter.com\/KKyGDpMeWV<\/a><\/p>\n — Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) February 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nOKC Record Inches Close to Championship-Defining Feat<\/h2>\n
The Thunder Record is Worth Keeping an Eye On<\/h3>\n
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