The Oklahoma City Thunder’s journey to the 2025 NBA Finals has been nothing short of spectacular. As the youngest team to reach the championship round, their blend of explosive offense, suffocating defense, and youthful energy has captivated fans and analysts alike. Drawing from the NBA’s breakdown of their playoff dominance, we dive into the five key stats that defined OKC’s remarkable postseason run, while adding fresh insights into how this team has redefined expectations for a young roster in the modern NBA.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-Caliber Scoring (32.7 PPG, 51.9% FG)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 NBA MVP, has been the heartbeat of OKC’s success. Averaging 32.7 points per game on an efficient 51.9% field goal percentage during the regular season, SGA elevated his game in the playoffs, dropping a career-high 40 points in Game 4 against the Timberwolves. His ability to manipulate defenses with his silky mid-range game and clutch free-throw shooting (5-for-6 in the final 15 seconds of Game 4) has made him a nightmare for opponents.
Why It Matters: SGA’s scoring prowess isn’t just about volume—it’s about efficiency and timing. His ability to take over games, like his 34-point, 7-rebound, 8-assist masterclass in Game 5 against Minnesota, shows why he’s a generational talent. For a team as young as OKC, having a reliable closer like SGA provides a foundation that most contenders lack early in their development.
2. OKC’s Elite Defensive Rating (101.6 in Playoffs)
The Thunder’s defense has been a game-changer, boasting a playoff-best defensive rating of 101.6. Their swarming, versatile defenders—led by Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Chet Holmgren—have suffocated opponents. In Game 7 against Denver, OKC forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 32 points, while Caruso’s pesky defense on Nikola Jokić earned him a team-high plus-40. Against Minnesota, they limited All-Star Anthony Edwards to just 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting in Game 4.
Why It Matters: OKC’s defensive identity is built on relentless pressure and depth. Their ability to switch seamlessly and disrupt ball-handlers like Edwards (held to 22.3 points on 36% shooting in the regular season) showcases a system greater than the sum of its parts. This stat underscores why OKC can compete with any team, even in a potential Finals matchup against the high-octane Indiana Pacers.
3. Big Three’s Combined Firepower (95 Points in Game 4)
OKC’s youthful “Big Three”—SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren—delivered a staggering 95 points, 19 rebounds, and 16 assists on 51/50/83 shooting splits in Game 4 against the Timberwolves. Jalen Williams added 34 points, including a clutch 3-pointer, while Holmgren’s 21 points and 3 blocks provided two-way impact. This trio, all 26 or younger, has flipped the script on the NBA’s traditional reliance on veteran star power.
Why It Matters: The Thunder’s core isn’t just talented—they’re consistent. Unlike many young teams that falter under playoff pressure, OKC’s Big Three thrives. Their Game 4 outburst showed they can outscore any opponent while maintaining defensive intensity. This stat highlights why OKC’s future is bright, with a core that’s already Finals-ready and still improving.
4. Unprecedented Playoff Depth (27 Non-Paint FGs in Game 4)
OKC’s depth shone in Game 4, where they made 27 field goals outside the paint out of 53 attempts—an absurdly efficient jump-shooting display. Players like Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso complemented the stars, with Caruso’s 11 points and 3 steals in Game 7 against Denver proving his value as a chaos-creating role player. This depth overwhelmed Minnesota, who had more turnovers (14) than made field goals (12) in the first half of Game 5.
Why It Matters: Depth is OKC’s secret weapon. Their ability to sustain high-level play across a deep rotation fatigues opponents, as seen in Denver’s second-half collapse in Game 7. This stat reflects a team built for the modern NBA, where versatility and bench production are critical in long playoff series.
5. Historic Regular-Season Dominance (68-14 Record)
OKC’s 68-14 regular-season record tied for the fifth-most wins in NBA history, setting the stage for their playoff rampage. They swept three playoff rounds, including a 4-1 rout of Minnesota, and went 12-0 in the postseason at one point—an unprecedented feat for a team this young. Their Game 5 blowout (124-94) over the Timberwolves capped a dominant Western Conference run.
Why It Matters: This stat isn’t just about wins—it’s about consistency. OKC’s ability to dominate from October to May, even against battle-tested teams like the Nuggets, proves they’re no fluke. Their 95.6% win probability when leading 3-1 in a series (283-13 historically) underscores their ability to close out opponents.
What’s Next for OKC?
As OKC awaits the winner of the Pacers-Knicks series, their Finals matchup will test these strengths. The Pacers’ league-leading 118.5 points per 100 possessions could challenge OKC’s defense, but the Thunder’s ability to throw multiple defenders at Tyrese Haliburton mirrors their success against Edwards. Meanwhile, a Knicks matchup would pit OKC’s depth against New York’s grit, though the Knicks’ 3-5 home playoff record suggests vulnerabilities.
Final Thoughts
The Thunder’s 2025 Finals run is a testament to their unique blend of star power, defensive tenacity, and depth. From SGA’s MVP heroics to Holmgren’s two-way impact and a bench that never quits, OKC has rewritten the playbook for young teams. These five stats tell the story of a team that’s not just here to compete—they’re here to win it all. As the Finals tip off on June 5, the basketball world will be watching to see if this young juggernaut can claim the ultimate prize.
What do you think of OKC’s chances in the Finals? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!