Who Are the TRUE CONTENDERS for the OKC Thunder?

Oklahoma City Thunder raise the bar yet again—have they separated from the rest of the NBA pack? Rylan Stiles and columnist Joe Mussatto break down the Thunder’s elite 17-1 start and what’s driving their evolution from reigning champions to potential dynasty. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s jaw-dropping leap as a playmaker and near-50/40/90 season, to Isaiah Hartenstein’s crucial interior presence and AJ Mitchell’s breakout as a key offensive threat, OKC’s roster growth is turning heads across the league. The conversation highlights rising defensive metrics, roster continuity, and which teams—like the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets—stand as true contenders. Can Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets or Ime Udoka’s revamped Rockets halt the Thunder’s championship repeat? Joe Mussatto offers sharp insights on Western Conference power dynamics, while Ryland Stiles weighs in on playoff matchups and evolving offensive firepower. Don’t miss this power-packed analysis of the Thunder’s quest for NBA supremacy. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! DoorDash Next time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50 the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop. DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply. No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit https://DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details. DoorDash — In your bag all season long. DripDrop Stock up now before the heat hits hard — and keep your body and mind performing at their best with DripDrop. Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNBA. Wayfair Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. Head to Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday sale for up to 70% off. Gusto Gusto is the all-in-one, remote-friendly payroll and HR platform. Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/lockedonNBA and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Robinhood You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.