The Thunder Are Here

There’s dominance, and then there’s what the Oklahoma City Thunder just did to the Memphis Grizzlies. In their opening game of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, OKC didn’t just win—they dismantled Memphis by 51 points. And they did it with MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring fewer than 20. By the time SGA made his second shot of the night, the Thunder were already up by more than 30 in the first half.

This wasn’t just a statement win—it was a declaration: The Oklahoma City Thunder are the best team in the NBA. And they’re coming for the title.

The Road Through the West

Unless Memphis stages a miracle of epic proportions, OKC is on track to sweep the first round. But the road to the Finals won’t be without challenges.

In the second round, the Thunder will likely face either the Denver Nuggets or the Los Angeles Clippers. Denver brings Nikola Jokić—arguably the best player in the world—and his MVP-level talent to the floor. But outside of Jokić, Denver’s roster lacks the defensive consistency needed to slow OKC. With a balanced core of SGA, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and a defensively elite guard rotation including Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and rookie standout Cason Wallace, the Thunder have too many weapons.

The Clippers, on the other hand, pose a real threat. Kawhi Leonard is back in Finals form, James Harden has rediscovered his rhythm, and Norman Powell is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Their defense is legit. But a grueling seven-game battle with Denver could leave them worn down before even reaching OKC.

Western Conference Finals Forecast

Assuming OKC handles their second-round opponent, they’ll likely see either the Lakers or Rockets in the Western Conference Finals. Both teams are explosive offensively but have significant weaknesses.

The Lakers—featuring LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves—boast the league’s best "big three" on paper. But their frontcourt, led by Jackson Hayes, lacks the firepower to handle Holmgren and Hartenstein. And OKC’s perimeter defense—anchored by Dort and Wallace—has the personnel to rotate and lock down opposing scorers, even Luka.

The Rockets, if they upset the Lakers, may bring size and athleticism, but their guard play doesn’t stack up against Oklahoma City's depth. Jalen Green and Amen Thompson have promise, but they aren’t yet ready to carry a series against this Thunder squad.

The Finals: Boston or Bust?

Let’s fast-forward to the Finals. The two likeliest opponents? The Boston Celtics or the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland is talented, but inexperienced. Their frontcourt pairing of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley lacks floor spacing, and their smaller guards could struggle against OKC’s size and length. The Thunder-Cavs regular season series was split, but OKC won convincingly in the rematch, showing they’d be ready for a playoff clash.

But if it’s the Celtics, we’re talking about an epic showdown. The reigning champs feature Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, with a deep, battle-tested roster. But Oklahoma City will have home-court advantage and a roster that’s both offensively and defensively superior on paper.

Shai vs. Tatum. Two of the NBA’s brightest young stars. A potential Finals for the ages.

Why OKC Will Win It All

• Depth: No team in the NBA boasts a deeper guard rotation. Every piece has a purpose—from SGA’s elite scoring to Caruso’s veteran poise.

• Defense: This isn’t just a fast-paced young team. The Thunder are among the best defensive units in the league and can switch across every position.

• Rest: With a potential first-round sweep and shorter series in the West, OKC may arrive at the Finals fresher than their opponent.

• Redemption: After falling short in last year’s Western Conference Finals, this team is older, stronger, and has filled the holes—literally—with the addition of Hartenstein alongside Holmgren.

The Thunder are no longer just "a team to watch for the future." The future is now. And barring something unforeseen, Oklahoma City looks ready to run through the playoffs and capture a dominant NBA Championship—one unlike anything we’ve seen in years.

Do you agree? Who—if anyone—can stop this Thunder storm? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social.