There is nothing like the feeling of being the top dog. Just ask the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team enters the new season as champions. That also means having the biggest targets on their back. However, with a relatively unchanged team and the enthusiasm of being first-time champions, the Thunder are on cloud nine.
There’s no shortage of confidence. With a spring in their every step, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. are primed to defend their throne. And their status has also been redefined as a team that has set a high competitive benchmark around the league.
Without much delay, let’s see what the season schedule holds for the Larry O’Brien holders.
A fast rise in media reputation for the champions
It took the NBA some time to truly realize how dazzling OKC really are. But a banner makes their prestige undeniable. Likewise, the league was made aware that all the eyes, of fans and the league are on the Thunder. So it’s only right that no other team gets more exposure than the SGA-led thunderstorm.
The Thunder will feature on television 34 times, tied for the most with the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and the New York Knicks. It did create some controversy for Silver, but none that discard’s the Thunder’s stand. Eight of these games will be featured on ESPN, while NBC and its Peacock app combine for 15. These include some captivating matchups for the defending champs.
Let’s look a little more into that.
The games to watch out for
As the champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder will open their season at home. A magical night fans have craved for years. They will see their banner hoisted at the Paycom Center, and each player will get their championship rings to commemorate their journey last season. But then it’s quickly back to business.
OKC will arguably face its biggest competitors on opening night. They host the Houston Rockets, now with Kevin Durant on October 23 to kick off the NBC era. That promises to be an intense contest as two of the top Western Conference teams collide to begin the season.
May 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) dive for a loose ball as forward Aaron Gordon (32) and guard Christian Braun (0) look on in the fourth quarter during game four of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Then come their arch rivals. The Denver Nuggets pushed the Thunder to seven games in their playoff encounter. On February 2, they will revisit their rivalry, this time with a score to settle. The Thunder will hit the road for that game and will face the Nuggets a further three times over the rest of the season.
As expected, OKC did make it to Christmas Day. They will go up against the young and fast-rising San Antonio Spurs.
February and March, the toughest months for the Oklahoma City Thunder
If we judge off last season, only eight teams managed to defeat OKC in the regular season. So the Thunder don’t have much to be worried about. But the atmosphere around them is different this season. They have the throne that every team is gunning for. So sustaining a high standard is key. But the months of February and March will test the champions.
Their February includes two games against the Nuggets, a road trip to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, and a clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 22. The trend continues in March when they play the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and the Timberwolves in a span of just 10 days. Three of these teams managed to upset the Thunder last season. Moreover, with these clashes coming in the latter half of the season, fatigue could play a role.
Finally a run at the NBA Cup?
The Thunder wore the biggest crown at the end of last season. But before doing so, they had to face a major heartbreak. During the In-Season Tournament, the Thunder were sensational all the way to the Finals. But there came an uncharacteristic performance. The Milwaukee Bucks’ three-point barrage left OKC speechless.
Mar 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to pass the ball under pressure from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
They carry that burden into this season, where they have another chance to make it back to Las Vegas. With a group comprising the Phoenix Suns, Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, and the Sacramento Kings, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. will give themselves a strong chance to make it to the knockout.
And if the NBA landscape has learned anything, it’s that the Thunder don’t miss twice. They corrected their wrongs in the postseason from two years ago. Now, they are charged with the thought of taking all the chips with them if they do make it to Las Vegas again. As champions, they are going to be one of the favorites to take home the ginormous prize.
What are your thoughts about the Thunder’s 2024-25 schedule? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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