TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Oklahoma City Thunder have climbed to No. 2 in the NBA Power Rankings despite the injuries they have faced.
The Thunder have won four consecutive games, including back-to-back victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers, a win against the Memphis Grizzlies, and a blowout victory over the Washington Wizards.
The reigning back-to-back MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is leading the charge. He has averaged 35.8 points per game during OKC’s winning streak. He’s also increased his volume of 3-pointers from last year. He shot 4.4 3-pointers a game last year, and he has increased that average to 6.9.
He has taken a leap in taking more difficult and daring shots, which has opened up the offense for the Thunder. This has added another dimension to OKC’s offensive strategy and has been crucial for their recent success.
Ajay Mitchell has also leaped recently. He has averaged 22.5 points per game during this stretch.
Guard Jared McCain and rookie Aday Mara are also key contributors to OKC’s recent success.
They may have surpassed the expectations of many; they have lost three key pieces for a large sum of the season. Former All-Star Jalen Williams alongside guard Cason Wallace are expected to be out for several months. Another All-Star, Chet Holmgren, is scheduled to miss a few months of action and is expected not to play until January.
It has been a next-man-up mentality for the 2025 NBA champions, and players are quickly adapting to their new roles.
OKC is looking ahead to back-to-back games against the Portland Trail Blazers, who have an impressive 6-3 start to the year. The Thunder will have the chance to show the league their strength in terms of depth and their franchise player, Gilgeous-Alexander.