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Oklahoma City Thunder: 2025-26 NBA Championship Favorites!

10/10/2025

Summary

Thunder Championship Favorites

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to win the NBA championship in the 2025-26 season, receiving 80% of votes in the annual NBA GM survey.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets each received 7% of the votes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams form the league's top young trio, with Gilgeous-Alexander voted the best point guard at 73%.
The Thunder are also recognized as the best defensive team, earning 83% of the votes.

Summary

Durant Reflects on Thunder

Kevin Durant expressed mixed feelings about attending the Oklahoma City Thunder's ring ceremony on October 21, 2023, celebrating their first championship.
He acknowledged the ongoing narrative regarding his 2016 departure from the Thunder but emphasized the importance of the Thunder's achievement.
Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, noted the game is significant as the opener for the NBA's new NBC broadcast.
The matchup is expected to reignite the Thunder-Rockets rivalry, with both teams contending for Western Conference supremacy.

History

Historical Context

The Oklahoma City Thunder's first NBA championship on October 21, 2023, follows a tumultuous history since relocating from Seattle in 2008. After losing the 2012 Finals to the Miami Heat, the franchise faced challenges, including Kevin Durant's controversial departure in 2016. Their 2023 victory against the Indiana Pacers marks a significant turnaround, reigniting rivalries, particularly with the Houston Rockets.

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Thunder Championship Favorites

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to win the NBA championship in the 2025-26 season, receiving 80% of votes in the annual NBA GM survey.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets each received 7% of the votes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams form the league's top young trio, with Gilgeous-Alexander voted the best point guard at 73%.
The Thunder are also recognized as the best defensive team, earning 83% of the votes.

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