The Oklahoma City Thunder is definitely a team to keep an eye out for this season. Even though they lost 4-2 to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs, they made a big splash by finishing first in the Western Conference with an impressive 57-25 record. That’s a huge leap from their 2022-23 season, where they barely scraped into 10th place. This offseason, the Thunder pulled off some smart trades that look like they’ll boost their chances of contending for the championship.
As the new NBA season approaches, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s nine-year Christmas Day game streak has officially ended. When the NBA released the schedule for this season, the OKC was excluded from the Christmas slate. With a solid 6-3 record in those matchups, they won’t be taking the court this holiday season. General Manager Sam Presti spoke on this shift, making it clear it’s not personal, as reported by Clemente Almanza. “I don’t think it’s a personal issue because we played on Christmas nine times,” Presti said. Instead, he sees it as a challenge for the team to showcase their true potential. “We have to earn it … We gotta go out there and show them we’re capable,” he added.
Even though Sam Presti sees the potential in the OKC Thunder this season—with new additions like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso—he underscores the need for focus and commitment to their plans to unlock their full potential. “We have to accept that those possibilities could go into a contending team. It doesn’t have to go that way; there are probably more ways that it doesn’t go that way,” Presti said. While there’s a buzz around the chance of contending, he knows things could turn out differently. So, he emphasizes, “can’t take our eye off the ball.”
Polls of the day Poll 1 of 5 Do you think Sam Presti made the right call by not pursuing Alex Caruso? Absolutely No way Time will tell Who cares? Do you think Lester Quinones will make a significant impact on the Philadelphia 76ers? Absolutely Maybe Not at all Who is Lester Quinones? Whats your Perspective on: Have an interesting take? Join The Debate Do you think NBA expansion will improve the league? Yes No Depends on the cities chosen Not sure What do you think of Jimmy Butler’s new hairstyle at Miami Heat Media Day? Love it Hate it It’s just a distraction It’s hilarious