Thunder keep rolling, open up season 15-1 to match elite champs company

Defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a scorching 15-1 start, marking the second-best opening by a reigning champion.

The 2016 Golden State Warriors began 16-0 and went on to finish the season with a 73-9 record, which is still the best in NBA history.

Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dropped 33 points in their most recent win over the Kings, OKC has looked dominant on both ends of the floor. Their early season run has drawn strong comparisons to historically great teams – including the Warriors, 1996 Bulls and 2000 Lakers – thanks to their combination of defense, pace, and youth.

The Thunder’s net rating through these games is surpassing even their own title-run levels, signaling that their back-to-back championship expectations is very much in play.

If OKC sustains this form, they’re not just defending champions – they’re positioning themselves to set a new standard for repeat contenders in the modern NBA – the first in eight years.