Collect Moments from your 2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren!

With a single possession left to determine the winner in a duel between two of the Western Conference’s elites, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed the defending champions that some things, unfortunately, cannot be defended. Calm and collected in the types of moments that define reputations and Most Valuable Player cases, the Oklahoma City Thunder star uses a shifty behind-the-back to gather intel on a defender, following it up with a left-side drive. Sensing a chance to use a defender’s momentum against him as only he can, Gilgeous-Alexander spins and pivots before calmly raising into a game-winning fallaway jumper, silencing the Denver Nuggets’ crowd. The two-time All-Star proved ready for his close-up in a Playoff-like environment, producing a sizzling-hot 11-point fourth quarter takeover on the way to 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and two steals, fueling a big-time win on December 16, 2023.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Thriving in his once-unlikely role as Oklahoma City’s around-the-rim anchor, Jalen Williams coordinated a game-altering 16-0 run that confirmed one thing: the Pelicans’ victory hopes on November 13, 2024 may have been out of reach, but their shot attempts certainly weren’t. Literally everything and everywhere throughout the Thunder’s third quarter takeover, Williams monitors the whereabouts of Javonte Green’s seemingly-well-timed slip screen from afar, rotating over to meet his verticality with an assertive swat. Appalled to learn that the lesson wasn’t learned the first time, Oklahoma City’s third-year forward maintains high alert, elevating once more to give Green déjà vu through a humbling second swat. Excellent enough to earn an unprompted endorsement by the Oklahoma City Thunder’s head coach afterwards, Williams’ dazzling display oversaw 31 points (on 10-of-18), six rebounds, seven assists, four steals, two blocks, and four 3-pointers. Riding said wave, Oklahoma City offered the New Orleans Pelicans a similar result to last spring’s postseason, as they moved to 10-2, the franchise’s best start since its Finals-bound journey in 2011-12.

Jalen Williams

Not far removed from throwing an eight-rejection block party at the Denver Nuggets’ house just a season ago, Chet Holmgren had just the idea of how to upgrade this year’s celebration: classic jams. Disciplined and well-armored upon absorbing the shoulder shivers of Nikola Jokić’s powerful 284-pound frame, the Oklahoma City Thunder star keeps his arms extended, ultimately meeting the three-time Most Valuable Player’s layup attempt with a swat. Lightening the mood of the now-muted Ball Arena, Holmgren, unguarded in his transition rim-run, takes an in-stride pass before powering through a jam that rivaled the sound of an early-July fireworks display. The second-year standout required little time in illustrating the many dimensions of his game, both previously-shown and newly-added, as he helped coordinate an early-season win over one of the Thunder’s prospective Western Conference foes on October 24, 2024. A dominant presence across the board, Holmgren lit up the statistical charts for 25 points (on 11-of-18 shooting), 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and four blocks.

Chet Holmgren

Arriving to Oklahoma City with a championship-winning DNA and the hustle to match, Alex Caruso passed every test on October 24, 2024, even the postgame initiations that tested his vocal cords during the Thunder’s trademark, celebratory bark. Perhaps such success was only appropriate, given that his night’s energy rivaled that of a dog chasing the mailman. Dominating one early-quarter possession without a single traditional statistic to prove it, Caruso presents his top-of-the-league instincts, hustling to the far left 3-point corner to eliminate the idea of a drive-and-kick before racing back to his original assignment. Nearly deflecting his way into a steal, the still-energetic Caruso tracks down Jamal Murray once more, this time from the left wing, offering just enough of a disruptive presence to force a lost ball turnover. Remarkable on a level slightly behind the box score’s explanation during the win over the Denver Nuggets, Caruso produced a six-rebound, four-assist, two-deflection showing, all the while allowing Denver’s scorers to shoot just two-of-six as the nearest defender.

Alex Caruso

Kawhi Leonard knows a thing or two about game-winning shots — but not when Luguentz Dort is guarding him. Following a couple of misfires on the offensive end, it was up to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s defensive stopper to save the day as Dort hounded Leonard with relentless pressure and refused to let the LA Clippers star even get a final shot off before time expired. Dort’s enormous defensive stand, as well as his seven points and six rebounds, helped the Thunder claim a 101-100 road win on March 21, 2023. 

Luguentz Dort

Finding the bar already high following a 57-win masterpiece in 2023-24, the Oklahoma City Thunder —  and anyone with predictions on this year’s champion — were left to metaphorically wonder: just how much higher could they vault? Three days into the NBA’s premiere week, Cason Wallace reached back, providing a most-thrilling answer. Drawing a rare start for just the 14th time of his burgeoning career, Wallace gives the always-supportive second unit something to celebrate, offsetting a seemingly-even three-on-three fastbreak with a speedy, ambitious race down floor. Showing nary an ounce of hesitation upon seeing 6-foot-10 Nikola Vučević hindering his rim path, Wallace merely rises with ferocity through an in-traffic jam, prompting every player in a blue-and-orange-colored warm-up out of their seat. The Thunder followed Wallace’s from-the-jump example, pouncing on the Chicago Bulls early, a luxury that guided a 19-point win on October 26, 2024. A fitting, hand-in-glove fit on both either side of the floor, and in any lineup combination Oklahoma City experimented with, Wallace’s contributions included nine points, six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a +15 plus-minus.

Cason Wallace

As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adds different elements to his game, his impact grows with it. Now in his fifth season and developing into one of the most electrifying young talents in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard showcases his skills on both sides of the ball against the visiting LA Clippers. First, Gilgeous-Alexander teams up with Mike Muscala to reject a Clippers shot before leading the counterattack on offense. He finishes the possession taking on two defenders, spinning around both en route to a smooth kiss off the glass. Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for a game-high 33 points along with five rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks in the Thunder’s 108-94 victory on October 25, 2022.

Though touted for his elite on-ball defense, it didn’t take long for the unacquainted to learn there’s much more to Cason Wallace. Working off of a screen from fellow rookie Chet Holmgren, Wallace seizes an opportunity to create space from his defender and pull up for a jumper. Wallace didn’t miss in his October 25, 2023 debut, shooting 5-for-5 in a lopsided Oklahoma City Thunder victory.

You’re gonna have to take care of the rock better than that when Luguentz Dort is on the floor. The standout Oklahoma City Thunder sophomore snatches a soft pass away from the Portland Trail Blazers on one end of the court, then takes the ball the length of the floor for a dunk on February 16, 2021.

Nobody posted more 30-point games than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the 2022-23 season — but that’s far from the only way he can beat you. The first-time Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star and All-NBA First Team selection thought about a drive to the basket with Jarrett Allen guarding him before stopping short at the foul line and bouncing a pass between the legs of Caris LeVert into the waiting hands of Jalen Williams. Gilgeous-Alexander produced a game-high 35 points to pair with five rebounds, eight assists and two steals as the Thunder picked up a 112-100 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 27, 2023.

The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breakout tour rolled on with yet another clutch bucket. The 2023 first-time All-Star laid the groundwork for his future selection as he haunted the Portland Trail Blazers with a game-winning baseline fadeaway over Justise Winslow as time expired. The emerging star capped an incredible performance with a game-high 35 points that included a flawless 14 for 14 showing at the foul line while also chipping in six assists and two blocks as his Oklahoma City Thunder picked up a 123-121 win on December 19, 2022. Gilgeous-Alexander finished fifth in MVP voting in his fifth pro season, and his 31.4 points per game was the fourth-best mark in the league. He was one of just six players to average 30 points or better in 2023 and led the NBA with 669 free throws made. 

The stop and pop for the win! With only seconds left to play in regulation, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder backs down his defender with the awesome stutter step dribble, creates just enough space, and drains the clutch jumper to give his team the lead and seal the victory against the Charlotte Hornets on December 26, 2020. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds in the down-to-the-wire win.

Deemed unlikely to play before the game and at less than 100 percent during it, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved once more that when the task merely requires getting a bucket, even improbable odds remain tilted in his favor. One act of greatness away from overcoming both the New York Knicks and the injury bug, the two-time All-Star adds to his clutch résumé, freeing himself to receive an inbounds pass along the left baseline. Decisive in his move with only four seconds remaining, the Oklahoma City Thunder star raises up, burying a crowd-silencing 15-footer over Miles McBride’s outstretched arms, securing the victory on March 31, 2024. Hampered by a stubborn quadriceps injury, Gilgeous-Alexander put toughness on display during a 19-point, three-assist, one-steal performance along with one 3-pointer, helping the up-and-coming Thunder punch their ticket into the postseason for the first time since 2020 along the way.

When Oklahoma City Thunder wing Luguentz Dort hits a proverbial launchpad in the paint, a powerful slam is usually next to come. He makes a hard cut in the lane and soars for a nasty, one-handed jam over the defender. Dort finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and two assists in the matchup with the Chicago Bulls on January 24, 2022.

An unstoppable force with the ball in his hands and downhill momentum, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams knows how to deliver. After scooping up a loose ball on one end of the floor, the sophomore leads the charge in transition, smashes straight into the paint then slips a no-look dime ahead to Ousmane Dieng. Williams finished the October 30, 2023 matchup with 19 points, seven boards and six assists.

In search of answers with their once-commanding lead completely erased and their opponents battling to save their season, the Dallas Mavericks knew exactly where the Oklahoma City Thunder’s fourth-quarter takeover would come from; but against the man of endless pivots, stepbacks, and surprises, they just weren’t sure how he would do it. Officially in his zone and in the middle of an inside-the-arc performance for the archives, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adds another excerpt, using a pick-and-roll to hunt out a mismatch before driving down the left baseline. Out of real estate with Tim Hardaway Jr. to his right and the out-of-bounds line to his left, the two-time All-Star gets creative, using a subtle shoulder bump, buying enough space to bury a high-arching, over-the-backboard bucket to silence the home crowd. Unmatched in his consistency and dependability, Gilgeous-Alexander scored or assisted on 18 of the Thunder’s final 22 points, riding the wave to a postseason career-high 34 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks. The signature showing helped the Thunder clinch a series-tying win on May 13, 2024, despite trailing for 41 of a possible 48 minutes.

Luguentz Dort and the Oklahoma City Thunder kept the good times rolling in 2023. After finishing the 2022 portion of the schedule at 15-21, Dort and company turned the page as the fourth-year guard unleashed some style points on Chris Duarte when he went between-the-legs straight into a crossover before finishing with a layup. Dort deposited 22 points and grabbed a career-best 11 rebounds in his squad’s 126-106 win over the Indiana Pacers on January 18, 2023. The victory was the Thunder’s fourth straight and seventh in nine tries in the New Year, with all seven coming by double-digit margins.  

Luguentz Dort plays the game of basketball with a palpable energy and an infectious passion. Both are on display here as the Oklahoma City Thunder third-year player tracks a teammate’s three attempt and revs his motor for a monstrous putback slam before spinning into the corner with a celebration for the home fans. Dort exploded for a game-high 34 points to go with eight rebounds in the win on November 17, 2021.

Isaiah Joe didn’t enter the game until the fourth quarter, so he had plenty of catching up to do. Despite the fact that he only played nine minutes, the Oklahoma City Thunder reserve guard had a massive impact on the outcome against the Dallas Mavericks when he buried a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer off a dish from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Joe made every shot he attempted in the fourth quarter and overtime — 4 for 4 from the field, 3 for 3 from downtown and 4 for 4 from the foul line — en route to 15 clutch points in the Thunder’s 117-111 victory on October 29, 2022. 

Isaiah Joe

On an occasion in which everything was raised —  from a 2023-24 Northwest Division title banner, to the stakes and pressures of postseason basketball — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, predictably, elected to make his game and approach a part of that list. Mere hours removed from being named as a finalist for the league’s Most Valuable Player Award, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar introduced the New Orleans Pelicans to a few reasons why, with the game deadlocked into a tie with under a minute remaining. Stationed calmly along the top of the key in a triple threat position, the two-time All-Star proves decisive in his move, charging into the heart of the Pelicans’ defense with a swift gather step before balancing himself into a hanging, highly-contested and-one bucket. One of just three players to score at 100+ clutch points on at least 50 percent shooting, Gilgeous-Alexander added to his late-game legend in Game One, connecting on a pair of buckets over the game’s final two minutes to guide the Thunder to a thrilling series-opening victory on April 21, 2024. Tremendous throughout, Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Aaron Wiggins wasn’t letting anyone stand in his way in his quest to end a five-game losing streak — especially not the Utah Jazz defense. The Oklahoma City Thunder reserve guard produced like a starter as he fooled his defender with a crossover dribble before he spun his way toward the basket and converted a driving layup in traffic. The second-year pro connected on 12 of 16 shots for a game-high 27 points to go with four rebounds and two steals as he helped the Thunder secure a much-needed 130-103 win on March 3, 2023. 

Aaron Wiggins

Though he’s earned his reputation as a defensive specialist, what Luguentz Dort brings to the Oklahoma City Thunder is so much more. A calming presence while down one in the final minute of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dort takes his spot beyond the arc and waits for a series of swing passes to find him for a drive and go-ahead hoop. Dort finished with 25 points in the October 27, 2023 contest and his squad walked away with the win.

Sky-high enough in his potential to convince the Oklahoma City Thunder to both trade five picks and select him ahead of consensus, Dillon Jones, on November 1, 2024, cashed in on his first legitimate opportunity to repay that belief. Flawlessly within flow of Oklahoma City’s involve-everyone offense, Jones catapults his teammate into an opening, using a handoff-and-screen combination before popping backwards towards the 3-point arc. Having already planted the seeds required to disorient the Portland Trail Blazers’ defense, Jones takes advantage of a wide-open spot-up, burying a 3-pointer for his NBA career’s inaugural bucket. Standing at 6-foot-5, and with both plenty of on-court experience following a four-year collegiate run, and the athletic versatility to match, 2024’s No. 26 selection lived up to the hype in his first-ever game with double-digit minutes. Joining 11 other rotation players on the scoring column, Jones contributed seven points (on three-of-five shooting), four rebounds, two assists, and a 3-pointer.

Dillon Jones

Down one, on the road, and against the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander concluded that it was time to do what ascending superstars do. Entrenched in one of his customary fourth-quarter takeovers, Gilgeous-Alexander calls his own number with a minute left in the fourth, creating an island of space between himself and a defender with a fake between-the-leg, stepback combination before sticking the game-clinching 3-pointer. The Oklahoma City Thunder star rose to the occasion brilliantly, leading the way with a game-high 33 points, along with six assists and two steals on January 20, 2024.

The talk of the NBA's town, in some discussions at least, may center around Jalen Williams’ transition towards the trees as one of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s theoretically-undersized “bigs,” but make no mistake about it. When the time arrives for one of the Wild West’s elites to box in a victory through lockdown defense, No. 8 remains as good as it gets along the guard-dominated perimeter. Skipping fanciness and opting for brute force against Devin Booker’s drive, Williams superbly plays his role as a help defender, effortlessly plucking the basketball from the four-time All-Star’s grasp as if it were a relay race baton. Keeping said energy on a profitable three-on-one fastbreak, Williams unselfishly delivers a backward pass to a teammate, diverting the Phoenix Suns’ lone defender’s focus before receiving it right back for a powerful two-handed alley-oop flush. Williams’ contributions in November 15, 2024’s victory were all-encompassing, as he produced 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two rejections.

It’s easy to sell a pumpfake when you can’t miss from downtown. After cradling a pass at the top of the key in a halfcourt set, Joe teases a panicked defender with a shot fake, then sidesteps into position for another deep three. Joe finished the night 7-of-7 from beyond the arc, good for 21 points in the Oklahoma City Thunder victory on November 16, 2023.

On an Oklahoma City Thunder team filled with scoring machines and versatile young talent, Jaylin Williams has mastered the art of doing the little things. Last season’s leader in charges taken, Williams earns a double highlight in transition, first rotating over to reject a layup attempt before going to his signature move by drawing a charge. Despite not scoring, the Thunder big brought the intangibles with eight rebounds, four assists and a block in a blowout win over the defending champion Denver Nuggets on December 29, 2023.

Jaylin Williams

Blowing warmth into the previously-broken hand that temporarily postponed his arrival alongside a different orange-and-blue-colored contender, Isaiah Hartenstein —  amending for lost time — dedicated his Oklahoma City Thunder debut to leaving a noticeable fingerprint on a much-needed NBA Cup victory. Putting an ironic twist on the phrase, “Delayed, but not denied,” Hartenstein patrols Portland’s “Iverson cut” and seemingly-well-designed alley-oop lob attempt from afar, ultimately meeting Shaedon Sharpe and his 49-inch vertical head-on for an authoritative swat. As if a message hadn’t been sent already, Oklahoma City’s $87 million man races the floor in preparation of another, matching his teammates’ vibe by tracking down his own ferocious alley-oop flush. Hartenstein gave the once-undersized Thunder a reprieve, helping guide a paint-dominant win over the Portland Trail Blazers on November 20, 2024. Back as if he hadn’t left, the seventh-year center offered 13 points (on 6-of-12 shooting), 14 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks.

Isaiah Hartenstein

Helping claw the Oklahoma City Thunder out of a 23-point second-half hole, Aaron Wiggins found time to do a little digging before hitting the Toronto Raptors with the proverbial shovel himself. Predictably efficient during one of his season’s premier games, the third-year sniper plays the off-ball game expertly, staying within his teammate’s field of vision for a pass before easing his way into the game-clinching triple from the left corner. Wiggins’ reliable 3-point accuracy ensured him a part of history, as the Thunder completed the fifth-largest comeback win in franchise history on February 4, 2024. Consistently clutch throughout the double OT triumph, Wiggins was one of five Thunder players to hit the 20-point plateau with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists, and four 3-pointers.

Recognizing the importance of maximizing one’s chances on a title-contending team with considerable talent from one bench’s end to the other, Aaron Wiggins entered 2024-25 through a pledge: maintaining one’s same focus on efficiency, even with additional shot attempts. In taking his role as one of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s many second-unit sparks, Wiggins tracked an opportunity to back said promise with action on Opening Night. A dynamic open-floor presence throughout October 24, 2024’s season-opening win, Wiggins — helping engineer Oklahoma City’s fast-paced start in more ways than one — hunts down a teammate’s rebound tap, immediately shifting his focus to the fastbreak. First utilizing a right-to-left, continually-weaving dribble that keeps Michael Porter Jr. on his heels, Wiggins eventually pivots into a nifty spin move before guiding an outstretched layup through, pushing a late-game lead to 18. In a statement-making win over the Denver Nuggets, the always-efficient Wiggins was a factor, tallying 15 points (on seven-of-nine), six rebounds, one assist, and a 3-pointer.

For generations, Greek mythology has warned one about the pitfalls of “flying too close to the sun”; yet, with the athleticism required to offset any plan Phoenix could present, Isaiah Joe, on November 15, 2024, proved himself to be fully prepared. Intentional in his aggressiveness, even with the Oklahoma City Thunder comfortably ahead in the third, Joe sets a plan in motion, first through a decisive, hard right drive to take advantage of Devin Booker’s hard, yet unconvincing closeout. Finding Josh Okogie in prime position to stonewall any at-the-paint finish, Joe — somehow elevating both vertically and horizontally at once — ups his creativity, whirling an underhand reverse over his shoulder for a dazzling and-one bucket. Joe’s score served as an aesthetically-pleasing one in an otherwise gritty, workman-like victory. Joining three others in double-figures by night’s end, Joe contributed 11 points (on four-of-eight shooting), alongside five rebounds, two assists, and two 3-pointers.

The complexities of day-to-day life can confirm that there are thousands of things that simply can’t be accomplished in 10 minutes' time. Through an impactful-as-can-be showcase on May 20, 2025, Kenrich Williams provided proof that impacting the trajectory of a Western Conference Finals game, amazingly, isn’t among them. Bordering on brilliant during his nine-minute, 36-second cameo, Williams found time to pack highlights by the boatload. The end-of-game reel included brake-pumping midrange pull-ups — the types of plays often reserved for his All-Star teammates — followed by pick-and-pop triples, and, perhaps most importantly, seismic changes on the scoreboard by shift’s end. Earning endorsements from his teammates thereafter, Williams’ impact went tracked through a +19 plus-minus, instrumental in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 26-point rout over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game One. Williams’ box score also included a just-as-impressive eight-point contribution (on three-of-three shooting), three rebounds, and two 3-pointers, giving the Thunder a trustworthy change-of-pace option to pair alongside their trademark two-big lineups.

Kenrich Williams

Truly elite teams throughout the NBA’s eight-decade-long history are often cherished for their ability to orchestrate runs during critical points, and in more ways than one, Chet Holmgren has left it guaranteed that few do it quite like the 2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder. Seemingly built in a lab, given his 7-foot-1 frame, positionless gifts, and matching two-way ambition, Holmgren fuses every aforementioned trait into one, initially by holding ground against Nickeil Alexander-Walker along the perimeter. Eyeballing a transition party immediately after recognizing the Minnesota Timberwolves’ turnover, Holmgren — with Donte DiVincenzo draped to his back like an alternate jersey — trampolines through the air for a crowd-rocking alley-oop flush. The moments before, during, and afterwards laid out the full “Chet Holmgren Experience”; just a minute-and-a-half later, the ever-competitive Holmgren collected a similar poster, all the while earning a perhaps-worth-it technical foul for his troubles. No. 1 in dunks (34) throughout the postseason, Holmgren enjoyed a slamfest during May 22, 2025’s win, joined by 22 points (on 8-of-17 shooting), four rebounds, two assists, and one 3-pointer.

Diligent in the ways in which he planned to attack one of league history’s greatest defenses, Tyrese Haliburton wisely made mention of never wanting to show the Oklahoma City Thunder the “same look twice.” In response, Alex Caruso settled into his defensive stance, ironically prepared to offer opponents a visual they undoubtedly grew tired of seeing: a steal, followed by a one-man fastbreak with No. 9 leading the charge. Sixth-best across the entire postseason in points scored off turnovers (56) — this, while coming off the bench — Caruso brings his best to a high-profile matchup, using a pinball-like tap of the ball to strip Indy’s All-Star from behind. Knowing the perfect way to finish the charge, Caruso banks home a transition layup, adding yet another highlight to his 11-point, four-steal opening half. The now-two-time NBA champion was an ultimate game-wrecker during the must-have, series-tying win over the Indiana Pacers, as he finished with 20 points (on seven-of-nine shooting), three rebounds, five steals, one block, and a 3-pointer on June 13, 2025.

Sometimes, being the elder statesman on the NBA’s youngest title-winner in five decades requires teaching youthful teammates how to pop championship champagne. At others, as Alex Caruso has learned, the process merely calls for keeping opponents bottled up. Perfectly capable of handling both asks, Caruso turned Game Four of the 2025 NBA Finals into a clinic on how a complementary player impacts matchups, offering game-altering contributions on both sides.  A hand-in-glove fit upon arrival, Caruso mixed in heads-up attacks of the rim, disruptive defense — headlined by one pickpocket of Tyrese Haliburton — and timely plays whenever needed, as the Oklahoma City Thunder preserved their season in a must-win Game Four. Wanting no parts of a 3-1 deficit, Caruso continued what had quickly become a brilliant four-game Finals stretch, pairing his second 20-point performance of the series with three rebounds, five steals, one block, and a 3-pointer on June 13, 2025. Nine days later, performances of that caliber became storybook, as the Thunder overcame the Indiana Pacers in an exhilarating seven-game series.

A considerable portion of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s “aura,” as the kids say, stems from their ability to turn simple quotes into lyric-like bars, and after explaining that his “whole career has been a Game Seven,” Alex Caruso had done just that. Poised, therefore, for brilliance during his first-ever win-or-go-home postseason game, Caruso left behind countless examples, most notably through a quick-handed pickpocket of Nikola Jokić’s handle after cancelling the Denver Nuggets’ pick-and-roll plans. Turboing out in transition with an already-charged Thunder crowd elevated and ready for another source of celebration, Caruso outwits Christian Braun with a behind-the-back dime to his superstar teammate, setting the stage for a transition jam. Confirming his Oklahoma City arrival to be among those, the former 2020 NBA champion helped punch the franchise’s Western Conference Finals ticket through a +40 plus-minus —  off the bench, mind you — alongside 11 points, three assists, three steals, and a triple on May 18, 2025.

Even all-time great teams struggle through occasional cold spells, and as the Oklahoma City Thunder worked to unthaw themselves after a 44-point first half, the night’s commentators reasoned that their defense “bought them a half” until their offense caught up. As true as that might’ve been, it certainly didn’t Isaiah Hartenstein from pickpocketing found money along the way. Channeling the superpower of invisibility as a help defender, Hartenstein introduces a two-sided sequence, starting with an invasion of Julius Randle’s dribble. With a step on the Minnesota Timberwolves’ fastbreak defense, and an unselfish teammate already looking in his direction, Hartenstein reaps the rewards with a rim-bending alley-oop flush, sending an early message in Game One. Hartenstein’s defense-to-offense display told the story of the Western Conference Finals series-opener, as Oklahoma City forced 19 turnovers — per usual — and turned those into 31 points. Individually, Hartenstein contributed 12 points (on six-of-eight shooting), five rebounds, and a steal in just 20 minutes on May 20, 2025.

Disciplined in his eating habits, even during the festive holiday season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — in the aftermath of November 29, 2024’s must-have victory — acknowledged a plan to limit his cheesecake consumption to just one plate. Given the 15-point final-quarter avalanche that the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar used to overwhelm the NBA’s reigning In-Season Tournament champions, the Los Angeles Lakers were likely left wishing his on-court shot diet followed similar restrictions. Extraordinary throughout the see-saw finish, Gilgeous-Alexander, sensing his chance to extinguish Los Angeles’ repeat hopes in the final minute-and-a-half, sets up his own Black Friday-like shop above the right 3-point wing. Testing Max Christie’s stance with first a series of pivots and jabs, the top-of-the-league two-guard connects on a knockout blow, burying a crowd-quieting triple to put the Thunder ahead by four. Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics in guiding Oklahoma City’s win created a three-way tie atop the NBA Cup’s West Group B, which the Thunder would clinch days later. Looking the part of the player who finished as last season’s Most Valuable Player runner-up, Gilgeous-Alexander’s concluding tally encouraged 36 points, six rebounds, nine assists, two steals, one block, and three 3-pointers.

n collecting his thoughts after seeing the Houston Rockets shoot under 40 percent (on 96 shots), commit 16 turnovers, and be suffocated at every turn, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s superstar guard left the NBA Cup Semifinals well-recapped in five words: “Tonight was a Lu Dort night.” Stringing together what some deemed to be one of his career’s finest two-way performances in Thunder threads, Dort shows what victory means to him personally, literally diving face-first to collect an errant dribble. Setting the tone for what Oklahoma City’s breakaway second half would soon entail, Dort, keeping on high alert even while grounded, finishes the sequence by flinging a pass to a teammate, setting up a breakaway layup. The defensively-minded affair on December 14, 2024 proved to be right in Dort’s wheelhouse, as he tallied 19 points (on 5-of-11 shooting), nine rebounds, one assist, three steals, five 3-pointers, and a +10 plus-minus. Dort’s selfless contributions soon went rewarded with victory, as Oklahoma City solidified their spot in Vegas’ NBA Cup Championship game.

As the NBA’s most disruptive defense battled the league’s leader in turnovers, the story of December 3, 2024’s Northwest Division clash had, perhaps, already written itself to get ugly. And yet, even as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s takeaway machine of a defense hustled its way into 32 more shot attempts than the Utah Jazz by game’s end, few commanded discussion quite like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s third quarter sequence. As matchup-proof a scorer as the Association reasonably has, Gilgeous-Alexander feasts eyes on a mismatch, putting Walker Kessler’s 7-foot frame through gymnastics with a beautifully-executed behind-the-back, behind-the-leg dribble, opening the door for a paint drive. Welcoming of any additional challengers, Gilgeous-Alexander allows Lauri Markkanen the opportunity of joining his teammate’s misery, leaving both defenders dazed and airborne as he —  grinning before the shot even drops — rocks backward into a 10-foot bucket. Oklahoma City arrived with NBA Cup point differential-related incentives, but after having forced 29 giveaways, 45 points off turnovers, and a 30-point lead relatively early on, said blowout proved effortless. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Month, in just three quarters, deposited contributions through 26 points (on 11-of-19 shooting), six rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two 3-pointers.

Behind on the scoreboards, and yet, ahead of schedule in nearly every other facet, it was only right that Jalen Williams and the Oklahoma City Thunder knew just the way to beat the clock on October 27, 2024. Accepting the challenge of recharging the Thunder's understandably-sluggish offense — battling through the finale of a three-games-in-four-nights set — Williams migrates towards the paint, hopeful to provide reinforcements during his teammate’s off-balanced 3-point attempt. As if instinctually aware that the shot would fall just shy, “J-Dub” appropriately offers a “winning play,” tracking down the misfired shot, redirecting it through for a buzzer-beating putback. Sending a noticeable surge through Paycom Center’s sellout crowd, Williams supplied the energy Oklahoma City needed to engineer a second-half runaway victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The seeds were beginning to be planted for a memorable, All-Star-type Year Three, as Williams, keying the Thunder’s 3-0 start, contributed 20 points (on 8-of-17 shooting), nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a +14 plus-minus.

It would have been an understatement to call the Oklahoma City Thunder’s early fourth quarter stretch “crucial,” given the status of its nearly-erased 21-point halftime lead, and its Most Valuable Player candidate on the sidelines resting. For Jalen Williams, it was all the drama one needed to illustrate why he was a soon-to-be-named first-time All-Star. Sparked, perhaps by both the Orlando Magic’s physicality and his head coach’s post-timeout message, Williams ups his ambition, escaping Cory Joseph’s defensive resistance with a blur-quick between-the-leg dribble, followed by a dazzling spin and off-hand finish through heavy traffic. Officially in a zone, and ready to try his hand at a bucket on three straight possessions, Williams springs himself free after a teammate’s ghost screen, bouldering downhill for a passionate one-handed flush. In what became as memorable an 11-point performance as one could produce, Williams, noticeably fired-up throughout, complemented the late-game mini-takeover with seven assists and a 3-pointer as Oklahoma City survived Orlando’s comeback attempt on December 19, 2024.

For every generationally-great, yet slightly-unproven NBA talent, there often arrives a postseason moment that allows them to both stamp their legacy through a big-time play, and silence remaining doubters at once. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s postseason past is littered with could-be contenders — and inevitable others in the future — but in present day, few stand out quite like his finish to Game Five of 2025’s West Semis. Having already taken steps towards “iconic status” in 2024-25, Gilgeous-Alexander uses a late-game pick-and-roll to spring into a few more, with the Denver Nuggets’ drop coverage inviting him to take a pull-up triple. Fearless in taking, ironically, one of the few shots that hadn’t accurately translated from regular-season to postseason, the presumptive Most Valuable Player buries a dagger, propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder’s lead to six in the final minute. Late-game, late-series pressure points are often the separator between great players and truly transcendent ones, and on May 13, 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander looked the part of the latter. Particularly brilliant in the second half, Gilgeous-Alexander moved within a game of the West Finals by finishing with 31 points on business-like efficiency overall (12-of-23) and from the foul stripe (six-of-six), alongside six rebounds, seven assists, and one 3-pointer.

The journey that took Isaiah Joe from a No. 49 pick to a key contributor on a title-winner was a lengthy one, and on June 11, 2025, the fifth-year forward found the perfect way to bring everything full circle: back-to-back buckets from far away. Both punctual and purposeful in his two-minute, 54-second cameo during the second quarter, Joe prepares to deliver the second of back-to-back triples, first by working a pick-and-pop alongside his Most Valuable Player-winning teammate. Outsmarting Tyrese Haliburton through a well-timed shot fake thereafter, Joe steps into rhythm before burying a game-tying trifecta. The Indiana Pacers — buoyed by the opportunity to host their home fans in the NBA Finals for the first time in a quarter-century — eventually got the better of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three. Nevertheless, Joe demonstrated how a supporting cast player can impact a game in just four minutes, finishing with six points (on two-of-two shooting) and two triples.

From their hit rate on year-to-year draft selections to the accuracy with which they score the basketball, the Oklahoma City Thunder have proven themselves to be the definition of can’t-miss in 2024-25. One night after finding success during his first-ever regular-season NBA start, Ajay Mitchell keeps the Thunder’s offensive attack in downpour mode, organizing a set through a pick-and-roll before migrating towards the floor’s opposite corner. Invisible, seemingly, to everyone other than his teammates, 2024’s No. 38 pick takes full advantage of a wide-open look, cashing in a left side trifecta, helping balloon Oklahoma City’s lead to 27 and ultimately, its winning streak to 11. Drawing the well-deserved praise of his coaches and teammates alike, Mitchell shined on December 29, 2024’s stage against the Memphis Grizzlies, turning in 17 points (on 6-of-11) shooting, alongside one rebound, three assists, one steal, three 3-pointers, and a +20 plus-minus.

Ajay Mitchell

With the home crowd in a frenzy and Oklahoma City closing in on a dominant Game 1 victory, Jalen Williams adds an exclamation point to the Thunder’s statement win. Cutting baseline with surgical timing, the second-year star takes flight as Cason Wallace lofts a perfect lob over the defense. Williams snatches it mid-air and hammers it home with two hands—pure electricity. The dunk punctuates a massive second-half run and sends a clear message: this young Thunder squad is ready.

With the 2025 NBA Finals tied 2–2, Jalen Williams rose to the occasion — and then some. The Oklahoma City Thunder wing erupted for 40 points in a do-it-all performance in Game 5, putting his full offensive arsenal on display. Whether it was slicing drives, smooth pull-ups, or powerful finishes, Williams had an answer for every defensive look the Pacers threw at him. His poise and aggression helped lift OKC to a pivotal 120–109 win and one game away from the franchise’s first NBA title.

Much was made of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s perceived lack of experience in high-pressure postseason situations, especially in comparison to the “been-there-done-that” Denver Nuggets. By series’ end, though, Isaiah Hartenstein and his rim-protecting teammates could rebuttal through a well-known phrase of their own: “You can’t teach size.” Quietly settled among the NBA’s elites in terms of shot contests, rejections, and opponent field goal percentage around the rim, Hartenstein finds the ultimate test awaiting, with celebrated aerial artist Aaron Gordon using a plus-sized pick-and-roll to create his to-the-paint runway. Completely vertical in his leap, Hartenstein swats the dunk attempt away forcefully, accompanying his display with a well-earned staredown thereafter. Replayable two-way sequences defined Hartenstein’s performance on May 13, 2025, as Oklahoma City survived its season’s most critical game to date through his 15-point, seven-rebound, two-assist, one-steal, one-block outing (on 7-of-10 shooting). Reaping the ultimate reward five days later, Hartenstein helped guide the Thunder’s first Western Conference Finals berth since 2016 in a seven-game triumph.

Diverting from the two-giant lineup that helped oversee their path to the Western Conference Finals was, perhaps, slightly risky, but as the Oklahoma City Thunder confirmed during Game One, even their 6-foot-7 replacements were capable of coming up big. The latest in a long line of “unsung heroes” for the top-seeded Thunder, Kenrich Williams leaves behind as seismic an impact as one could in a 10-minute appearance, starting with a pick-and-pop that tests the Minnesota Timberwolves’ defensive priorities. Completely uncovered after the Wolves double up on his Most Valuable Winner-winning teammate, Williams dials an accurate long-distance connection, turbocharging the Thunder’s game-changing third quarter run. Williams’ bucket became one of many that helped Oklahoma City definitively win the third quarter tug-of-war during May 20, 2025’s 26-point win. Flawless in his contributions, Williams collected eight points (on three-of-three shooting), three rebounds, two 3-pointers, and a +19 plus-minus.

Scouting reports and pre-game strategy meetings aren’t for the public eye, but for flies on the wall during the Utah Jazz’s conversations on January 22, 2025, it’s likely that avoiding turnovers was point of emphasis No. 1. A month-and-change after pocketing 18 steals, and turning 29 forced turnovers into 45 points during an early-December clash against Utah, the Oklahoma City Thunder search for encores after Cason Wallace telegraphs Isaiah Collier’s ill-advised cross-court pass. Challenged by Drew Eubanks’ deceptively-quick stride in transition, Wallace keeps his foot pressed to the gas, speeding the length of the floor for a fastbreak flush during the first quarter. By game’s end, Wallace’s defensively-brilliant Thunder experienced something akin to déjà vu, as they forced 27 turnovers, collected 15 steals, and parlayed that into 39 points themselves during a victory. Smooth in complementing his teammate’s 54-point career-high, Wallace tallied 13 points (on six-of-eight shooting), four rebounds, one assist, three steals, one 3-pointer, and a game-high +20 plus-minus.

Having already enjoyed a 125-point offensive show from along the Oklahoma City Thunder’s sidelines, Branden Carlson decided that, upon the check-in of his NBA debut, the favor would immediately be returned. Hopeful to make the most of his two-minute, 44-second arrival to the Association, the 7-foot big keeps the floor well-spaced, ultimately finding the ball hot-potatoing in his direction with three seconds remaining on the play clock. Channeling, perhaps, the powers of the offensive talents sitting behind him, Carlson coolly elevates a buzzer-beating one-handed floater beyond Jordan McLaughlin’s pesky defensive reach, collecting his career’s first-ever score. Through a team effort, the Thunder were able to win on the Sacramento Kings’ home floor for the first time since 2020. Among the standouts, Carlson — equal parts poised and ambitious in chasing down loose balls — left November 25, 2024 as one to remember with two points and four rebounds.

Branden Carlson

On the list of players to produce a 40-point game in Oklahoma City Thunder colors, one can find future Hall of Famers, former Most Valuable Player winners, and flat-out franchise legends. During what became his career’s greatest hit to date, Aaron Wiggins used February 1, 2025’s stage to confirm that to be the type of company he aspires to someday keep. Maestro-like in his ability to move off-ball throughout the evening, Wiggins — guaranteed both a new career-high and added defensive attention — produces another example, remaining reactive after the Sacramento Kings thwart his dribble handoff plans. Smoothly backpedaling towards the somewhat-uncovered corner, Wiggins turns a catch-and-shoot opportunity into a spot-on triple, bringing Paycom Center to its feet. There were once questions, regarding how Oklahoma City would survive absences from one of its soon-to-be All-Stars, an All-Rookie Team center, and key depth pieces. Answering every call, Wiggins erupted for a career-best 41 points (on 16-of-30 shooting), alongside 14 rebounds, three assists, and six 3-pointers, as the Thunder cruised to a blowout win.

In the heat of Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Jalen Williams seized the stage. Driving with purpose in the second quarter, Williams delivered a thunderous two-handed dunk that brought the home crowd to its feet. Williams finished the game with a team-high 40 points and became just the second Thunder player in franchise history to score 40 points in the NBA Finals.

On-court attire might look slightly different these days for Isaiah Hartenstein, but even before the debut of his distinctive black mask, the Thunder’s new center was already going airborne and saving his city from trouble, just as Gotham City’s superheroes do. In-sync with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s attack as if he’d been there for years, Hartenstein cuts from the dunker’s spot, providing his driving teammate with an answer to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ defensive collapse. Finding an alley-oop lob pass perfectly parallel to the rim, Hartenstein finishes the job himself, showcasing super strength on an awkwardly-angled, hook shot-like flush that extends the Thunder’s early-game lead. February 24, 2025’s clash marked one of the season’s crazier games, with Minnesota rallying from a 25-point deficit to beat the Western Conference’s No. 1 team. Forced to leave just 15 minutes in after a facial injury, Hartenstein was productive beforehand, chipping in a four-point, five-rebound, two-assist, one-steal effort.

Diverting ever-so-slightly from their normal, drive-heavy gameplan, Isaiah Joe and the Oklahoma City Thunder entered halftime’s tunnel with both an unusually-high 31 3-point attempts, and one question about if they would “scale back” and attack the rim going forward. As fate would have it, they would, in fact, scale it back —  but certainly not in a way the Dallas Mavericks would’ve liked. Mindful of Dallas’ comeback abilities following last spring’s postseason, Joe begins a memorable sequence by keeping aggressive in crashing the glass during a teammate’s end-of-quarter scoring attempt. Soon finding a teammate’s diving tap pass bouncing fortuitously his way during the final three seconds, Joe balances into a buzzer-beating 28-foot heave, breathing additional life into Oklahoma City’s already-electric arena. Through a recipe that included 50 3-point attempts and 19 turnovers forced, the Thunder eventually stamped their ticket into the NBA Cup Semifinals. Guiding the Thunder’s second unit, Joe finished with nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and three 3-pointers.

As it turns out, picture-like smiles after seemingly-gut-wrenching postseason losses are completely acceptable when you’ve got the power to change the trajectory of a series immediately thereafter. Four days after saying “cheese” to the cameras after falling into a 2-1 series hole, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got to work on saying “goodbye” to the Denver Nuggets, turning on Most Valuable Player-like superpowers in Game Five’s late-game setting. On all night like a 24-hour diner’s open sign, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, appropriately, unleashed the full offensive menu: physical pull-ups over Jamal Murray’s glue-tight defense, spin-and-scoop finishes past Christian Braun, all for the culmination of one top-of-the-key isolation. Akin to a dramatic movie reaching its climax point, Gilgeous-Alexander stood ready for “his” moment, stamping his superstardom through a cold-blooded pull-up triple to push Oklahoma City to a game-clinching six-point edge with 47 seconds remaining. One step ahead of Denver’s resilient approach on May 13, 2025’s night, Gilgeous-Alexander rept rewards through a 3-2 series edge, closing with 31 points (on 12-of-23 shooting), six rebounds, seven assists, and one 3-pointer.

Experience is often deemed “the greatest teacher,” and after being tested by twice as crunchtime minutes as the Oklahoma City Thunder during regular-season play, the Denver Nuggets likely felt confident in their ability to ace any late-game postseason exam. That is, until Lu Dort entered Game Five’s final frame with an answer key of his own. Unbothered by a nine-point deficit in the last eight minutes, Dort metamorphosed into the literal definition of “3-and-D,” burying back-to-back, much-needed trifectas over a 30-second span to inject life into Oklahoma City’s comeback bid. Finding all great things to come in threes during May 13, 2025’s high-stakes stretch, Dort holds steady along the right wing, capping off his “hat trick” by turning his teammate’s drive-and-kick into yet another trifecta. It proved eerily reminiscent of Dort's memorable long-range takeover against the NBA’s then-defending champions in early-January. Reasonably described as a big-game wild card, Dort closed the must-win with 12 points, three rebounds, one assist, four treys, seven shot contests, and four deflections.

Backed by the endorsements of both teammates and coaches, Ajay Mitchell required only the 2024-25 season’s first week to craft his considerable case for a spot within the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rotation. Given the low post spin cycle that he introduced Stephon Castle to on October 30, 2024, it certainly wouldn’t go down as the only type of rotation the No. 38 pick would become associated with. Able to perhaps smell blood in the water with Oklahoma City ahead by a dozen in the game’s final seven minutes, Mitchell enters attack mode, collecting an ambitious skip pass before quickly shifting his focus to a post-up. Comparative in size to his fellow 2024 NBA Draft classmate from the San Antonio Spurs, Mitchell offsets any potential standstill by smoothly pivoting into a nifty spin, allowing him to bank in a powerful paint bucket. Generating buckets in an assortment of ways, Mitchell helped guide the Thunder’s 4-0 start, recording 12 points (on five-of-six shooting), alongside four rebounds, two steals, and one 3-pointer.

If the Memphis Grizzlies thought Chet Holmgren’s competitive fire was difficult to withstand with a 29-point deficit in Game Three, they could at least be comforted in knowing it was equally noteworthy with 18-point leads in Game Two. Ambitious enough to leave one assuming the Oklahoma City Thunder were in a “win-or-go-home” situation — even with victory guaranteed in the final minute-and-a-half — Holmgren patrols until the final second, sniffing out Santi Aldama’s goal of an easy transition bucket. Like windshield wipers to a raindrop, Holmgren erases the layup attempt from behind, putting exclamation to a dominant two-game postseason open. No. 1 across the entire first round in rejections per game (2.8), Holmgren again a tonesetter, holding the league’s second-ranked scoring offense to a sub-100-point total in back-to-back matchups. Holmgren’s dynamic two-way performance encouraged a 20-point, 11-rebound, five-block masterclass, allowing him to become NBA history’s fifth-ever player to record said statline at age 23 or younger.

Given the banner hanging in its rafters — reasonably a few feet higher than even Isaiah Hartenstein could reach — the Los Angeles Lakers had reason to be somewhat confident ahead of their In-Season Tournament elimination game on November 29, 2024. Through lockdown defense, though, the Oklahoma City Thunder confirmed that, in more ways than one, this year’s race to the cup would feature a quite different result. Roughly a week into his return, Hartenstein camps along the rim, taking the onus of delivering the message himself by meeting Dalton Knecht at his apex and sending his once-promising tomahawk away for a forceful swat. Hartenstein’s fearless demonstration arrived in the opening quarter, but Oklahoma City would launchpad that defensive play into victory, holding the Lakers to 19 points below their season average. For the Thunder’s newly-signed big, it also marked his fourth double-double in as many games, as he accumulated 11 points (on four-of-seven shooting), 18 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block, alongside a team-high nine contested shots.

Hustle leaderboards have perennially painted Isaiah Hartenstein to be one of the Association’s most selfless, versatile go-getters. But, with 18,203 blue-shirted fans searching for reasons to cheer during Game Two of the 2025 NBA Finals, there was, perhaps, no better time than the present for an Exhibit A. Still urgent, even with the Oklahoma City Thunder in possession of a 15-point second-half lead, the do-it-all big man sacrifices his body, pairing his pickpocket of Pascal Siakam with a head-first dive to the floor for a steal. 14 seconds later, Hartenstein’s theft went rewarded through a teammate’s 3-pointer, one of the many plays that helped catapult the Thunder’s series-tying win. June 8, 2025 became a workmanlike day for Hartenstein, who finished among the elites in hustle-based playoff statistics such as: screen assist points (187, 1st), deflections (40, 14th), loose balls recovered (10, 18th), and shot contests (142, 4th). Said intangibles helped complement his three-point, eight-rebound, four-assist, one-steal evening, as the Thunder moved to within three games of a championship.

68 regular-season wins and back-to-back No. 1 seeds wasn’t enough to drown out the doubts of some, in regards to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s firepower against more experienced foes come springtime. For Jalen Williams and his well-rested teammates, that seemingly made Game One’s plan of attack quite simple: bring the crowd to such a level of celebration that critics couldn’t even be heard. Knowing multiple ways to fulfill the task, Williams begins with a heads-up telegraph of Desmond Bane’s pass, jumpstarting Oklahoma City’s trademark points-off-turnovers approach. Wisely unbalancing the Memphis Grizzlies’ transition defense with a skip-ahead pass, Williams gets rewarded with a lob pass back in his direction before promptly powering home an alley-oop flush. Tea leaves could be read, in terms of Williams’ elevation, given his increased scoring totals with the postseason approaching. During a 51-point blowout — the largest Game One win in the NBA’s postseason history — such brilliance encouraged a 20-point, five-rebound, six-assist, three-steal, one-block contribution, and a +44 plus-minus.

The benefits of being 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan have elevated Chet Holmgren to remarkable heights since arriving to the Association, and with the opportunity at a championship in Year Two within reach, they certainly didn’t let him down. Almost unfair in terms of his ability to defend both perimeter and interior, Holmgren leaves it for the nationally-televised audience to enjoy, shadowing T.J. McConnell’s persistent, maze-like dribble before rotating over to Aaron Nesmith. Barricading the baseline and padlocking the rim at once, Holmgren collects a good ‘ol fashioned “not in my house,” denying a layup to bring the Oklahoma City Thunder one possession closer to the NBA championship. Nine minutes later, the reward was theirs, as they overcame the Indiana Pacers to become league history’s youngest champion since 1977. Just as superb individually on June 22, 2025, Holmgren tallied 18 points (on just eight attempts), alongside eight rebounds, one steal, one 3-pointer, and five swats, the most ever by a player in a Game Seven.

For as talented as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s starters are, the threat of a blowout — and a seemingly-shared superpower in front of their home fans — leaves every game as a possibility that a reserve will do something truly unbelievable. Saving one of his greatest displays for the Game Seven spotlight, Cason Wallace hunts for his moment, first by running the floor after Michael Porter Jr.’s deep-range misfire. Detecting a could-be threat with Nikola Jokić’s 6-foot-11, 284-pound frame rapidly approaching, Wallace springboards through the air, putting the three-time Most Valuable Player on a poster through a crowd-riveting throwdown. Oklahoma City’s second-year guard presented himself as a two-way menace throughout Round Two, and by buzzer’s sound, rewards arrived through a 32-point win, and a trip to the West Finals. Doing some of everything, Wallace disrupted the Denver Nuggets’ plans through a seven-point, three-rebound, five-assist, two-steal, one-triple contribution on May 18, 2025.

Strict as always, in adhering to his long-range shot diet, Isaiah Joe had used his 3-and-D style to discover November 2, 2024’s game-winning recipe, long before he could’ve known it. Behind by a dozen, and thus, no longer able to merely trade baskets, the fifth-year swingman sets the standard, offsetting a teammate’s missed shot by reflexively intercepting a miscommunicated pass. Elevated into the top of his release before one could even say the word “steal,” Joe buries a 3-point bucket, offering the momentum the Oklahoma City Thunder needed to conquer the L.A. Clippers. A turnaround wasn’t far off as Oklahoma City — trailing by as much as 13 — used 22 forced turnovers and 16 3-pointers to flip the game on its head for a double-digit win. Among those helping the Thunder weather the early-game storm, Joe, shooting only 3-pointers, turned in 12 points (on four-of-eight shooting), alongside two rebounds and a steal.

Sometimes, being the elder statesman on the NBA’s youngest title-winner in five decades requires teaching youthful teammates how to pop championship champagne. At others, as Alex Caruso has learned, the process merely calls for keeping opponents bottled up. Perfectly capable of handling both asks, Caruso turned Game Four of the 2025 NBA Finals into a clinic on how a complementary player impacts matchups, offering game-altering contributions on both sides.  A hand-in-glove fit upon arrival, Caruso mixed in heads-up attacks of the rim, disruptive defense — headlined by one pickpocket of Tyrese Haliburton — and timely plays whenever needed, as the Oklahoma City Thunder preserved their season in a must-win Game Four. Wanting no parts of a 3-1 deficit, Caruso continued what had quickly become an extraordinary four-game Finals stretch, pairing his second 20-point performance of the series with three rebounds, five steals, one block, and a 3-pointer on June 13, 2025. Nine days later, performances of that caliber became storybook, as the Thunder overcame the Indiana Pacers in an exhilarating seven-game series.

To survive the one-on-one stage against James Harden — No. 1 in isolation frequency in seven of the NBA’s last eight seasons — a defender likely needs to be a “one-of-one,” in terms of his activity, intensity, and energy. Among the few willing to check said boxes year-after-year, Luguentz Dort keeps tabs on Harden’s counter-heavy dribble, keeping attached enough to force a tie-up and tipoff with the Oklahoma City Thunder clinging to a four-point, final-minute lead. Effectively sealing victory in both the high-profile head-to-head and on the scoreboards, Dort earns the opportunity to celebrate, as it leads to a runout and ferocious, game-sealing jam on the opposite end. Plays of that caliber were much-needed, as the Thunder survived the L.A. Clippers’ fierce comeback attempt from 20 points down. Among the key contributors in Oklahoma City’s undersized-yet-overpowered starting five, the three-and-D specialist deposited 19 points (on 7-of-14 shooting), alongside two rebounds, two steals, four 3-pointers, and four deflections on November 11, 2024.

Plenty can be learned about a team when they're in possession of a late-game lead, and on April 22, 2025, Chet Holmgren’s Oklahoma City Thunder taught a lesson of their own: lockdown, straitjacket-like defense doesn’t end until the final buzzer sounds. Unlikely to be chided, should he have allowed the Memphis Grizzlies’ heads-up full court pass to go rewarded with a score, Holmgren proves unwilling to concede even a moral victory, racing into position for a statement-sending chasedown swat. Holmgren’s final-minute rejection of Santi Aldama’s seemingly-innocent layup allowed the Thunder to — for the second-consecutive game — hold the league’s second-highest-scoring offense to under 100 points, all the while keeping momentum intact for the soon-to-follow Game Three. Enjoying the physicality and redemption arc of second trek through the postseason, Holmgren helped coordinate a blowout win through 20 points (on 6-of-14 shooting), 11 rebounds, five blocks, and three 3-pointers.

A few games before Lu Dort buried the top-of-the-key moonball 3-pointer that changed the trajectory of Game Seven, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 3-and-D dynamo was offering the Indiana Pacers previews of what was to come. No. 3 across the entire 2025 NBA Playoffs in terms of trifectas made, Dort prepares for one of his six-year career’s biggest, freeing himself on a pick-and-pop before rainbowing home a deep shot that all but secured a Game Five victory. The accurate long-range fire put the Thunder ahead 3-2, and promptly on the cusp of their first NBA championship since relocating in 2008. In a perfect complement to his teammates’ 40-point and 31-point outbursts, the All-Defensive First Teamer stretched the floor during his nine-point, three-triple contribution, alongside eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.

Talented teams of the NBA’s eight-decade-long past have sometimes found themselves guilty of, perhaps, having “too much depth.” But, for future franchises looking for a blueprint in avoiding similar “problems,” they need not look any further than NBA history’s youngest-ever No. 1 seed. Accepting the opportunity to play an alpha dog-type role for the shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder, Jaylin Williams mixes ambition with unselfishness, tracking down a 3-point misfire before immediately raising his antennas for any could-be cutters. Putting the cameramen to work through a behind-the-back feed that arrives before his teammate enters the frame, Williams collects a must-see highlight, setting the stage for an arena-igniting jam. 32-point blowout wins with two All-Stars missing simply isn’t the norm, but on March 19, 2025, Williams’ efforts helped the Thunder defy odds once more. Video game-like in his end-of-game numbers, Oklahoma City’s third-year big enjoyed a 19-point, 17-rebound, 11-assist breakout against the Philadelphia 76ers, alongside standout efficiency (7-of-11 shooting) and three 3-pointers.

Hearing, perhaps, his head coach’s pregame statement regarding how difficult it is for talented-yet-unproven players to crack the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title-focused rotation, Ajay Mitchell crafted his on-court case for more opportunities in the best way one could. Staying within the healthy confines of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s established offense, 2024’s No. 38 pick calmly maintains a live dribble after the Denver Nuggets’ defense sends a hard baseline pick-and-roll hedge his way. Diagnosing it quickly, Mitchell delivers an underhand pass to a star frontcourt teammate, collecting assist No. 1 of his NBA career. The second quarter sequence allowed the first-year Belgian to demonstrate his on-court IQ, all the while affording the Thunder a 10-point lead, momentum later used to secure a season-opening victory. Although Mitchell’s catch-and-shoot accuracy would arrive on a later date, positive impact arrived with express delivery, literally, as he offered a one-assist, one-rebound box score tally on October 24, 2024.

As if the first three rounds of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship journey hadn’t already proven it, Game Two of the NBA Finals illustrated it once more: at some point in any given game, Cason Wallace is going to make a “wow”-worthy, game-altering play. Free safety-like in his role within Oklahoma City’s end-of-quarter press, Wallace turbos from the 3-point arc’s top to the baseline in one second tops, an ambitious move that prompts both a staunch rejection and the crowd’s delight. In a series seemingly defined by momentum swings, Wallace’s effort in defending Aaron Nesmith — a well-documented end-of-clock bucket-getter — helped the Thunder sustain grip on a 19-point third quarter lead, and ultimately, a series-tying win. Wallace made the most of his 23-minute appearance on June 8, 2025, pairing his +12 plus-minus with four points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals, a block, and three deflections.

For all of the numbers and percentages that had gone the Oklahoma City Thunder’s way in 2024-25, game-to-game box scores could confirm that Isaiah Joe’s shooting numbers were among those that hadn’t just yet. Like rainfall on a dry crop, Oklahoma City’s talented marksman decided that all droughts would inevitably end on January 10, 2025. In double-figure scoring before even breaking a visible sweat, Joe offers one of his night’s most memorable displays, beating a quickly-draining shot clock by elevating into a 28-foot rainbow from the New York Knicks’ sidecourt logo. Officially in-rhythm, Joe kept momentum flowing post-halftime, connecting on a series of deep-range corner 3-pointers, ironically allowing the Thunder to keep one of the Eastern Conference’s elites at arm’s length on the scoreboard. Ultimately producing the type of game that coaches and teammates knew to be nearby, the fifth-year swingman finished with 31 points — his most since March of 2023 — and two assists on elite efficiency overall (11-of-16) and from deep (8-of-11).

As if unsatisfied about finishing six deflections shy of 2023-24’s No. 1 spot, the Oklahoma City Thunder — with resources unlike any other — perhaps gathered together, settling on one foolproof solution: acquiring the player who ranked atop the Association. Requiring all of two weeks to confirm that no passing lane would be safe with Oklahoma City in play, Alex Caruso foils Anthony Black’s plan, averting the ball’s trajectory enough to send it ricocheting towards the floor’s opposite side. 50-50 in his probability of winning the footrace against the Orlando Magic's Jalen Suggs, Caruso, floor burns be darned, unearths an advantage by diving to the hardwood, retrieving a hard-earned steal. Team-first plays of that caliber ultimately made the difference, as the Thunder prevailed in a battle between the NBA’s No. 1 and No. 2-ranked defenses on November 4, 2024. Often finding his on-court impact understated on a traditional box score, Caruso recorded a three-point, five-assist, one-steal, one-triple contribution, alongside five deflections, five contested shots, and a +10 plus-minus in 20 minutes.

Given that this year’s NBA Finals featured the shortest length of travel (688 miles) between two cities in nearly 70 years, perhaps it only made sense that Aaron Wiggins was often in search of separation against the Indiana Pacers. Encouraged to do just that during a top-of-the-key mano-a-mano against Tyrese Haliburton, Wiggins leaves the Indiana Pacers superstar playing hopscotch after a beautifully-sequenced between-the-leg, crossover, stepback trio, offering the necessities required for an uncontested 3-pointer. Wanting no parts of a 2-0 series deficit, the Oklahoma City Thunder found Wiggins’ contribution to be gargantuan, as they cruised to a 16-point win, forcing a tie on the flight to Indianapolis. Coincidental as it may’ve been, Wiggins’ shot chart — with five of his six makes arriving at roughly the same spot — told the story of a player who knew where his “hot shots” were. A +24 in just 20 minutes time, Wiggins’ game-changing impact went accompanied by an 18-point, four-rebound, one-steal, five-triple complement.

Healthy, and free of an eye injury that left him “seeing double” just two nights prior, Jalen Williams used a game-clinching two-play sequence to leave the Los Angeles Lakers with the most unwanted sight of all on November 29, 2024. Menacing throughout the evening’s defensively-minded affair, Williams — keeping his antennas raised during Los Angeles’ must-convert inbound play — perfectly times his pillage, raiding Austin Reaves’ pass attempt to set up a breakaway layup. Taking center stage with any dunk in his repertoire in play, Williams powers in a two-handed flush, propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder to a six-point lead inside of 20 seconds, essentially guaranteeing a pivotal NBA Cup victory. Four days later, the Thunder secured West Group B, with Williams’ fearlessness in high-leverage moments proving key. A consistent two-way dynamo, Williams held opposing Lakers to just 36.4 percent (on 11 attempts) to go along with traditional statistics that included 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two trifectas.

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