The Oklahoma City Thunder are not just defending a title-they’re making a statement. At 20-1 heading into their Tuesday night matchup with the Golden State Warriors, OKC sits atop the NBA standings with the league’s best record and a 12-game winning streak in their back pocket. And while it’s still early in the season, the way this team is rolling has people around the league whispering about something historic: could the Thunder actually chase down Golden State’s legendary 73-9 record from 2015-16?
It’s a lofty goal, no doubt. But when you’re dominating the way Oklahoma City has been, the conversation becomes unavoidable.
The Warriors were without Stephen Curry due to a quad contusion, which certainly changed the dynamic heading into the game. But even with Curry sidelined, this matchup carried weight-both because of what the Thunder are doing right now and because of the history in the building.
Steve Kerr, who coached that record-setting 73-win Warriors team and played on the 72-10 Chicago Bulls squad in 1995-96, was asked pregame about OKC’s scorching start. If anyone knows what it takes to flirt with 70-plus wins, it’s Kerr.
“Overall, a team mindset of zero agendas. Just win every night,” Kerr said.
“Obviously, great talent. But I think high-IQ players.
The two teams you're referring to that I was part of, both had really, really high IQs individually and as a team.”
Kerr sees that same blend of intelligence, chemistry, and unselfishness in the Thunder.
“That’s what I see with OKC-really, really smart players, great coach, really connected. They're on pace to shatter the record. It’s pretty remarkable what they're doing.”
That’s high praise from someone who’s lived through two of the greatest regular seasons in NBA history.
And he’s not wrong. This Thunder team isn’t just winning-they’re dismantling opponents.
Heading into the Warriors game, they had a staggering +325 point differential, the best in the league. That kind of margin doesn’t just happen by accident.
It’s the product of elite execution on both ends of the floor, depth, and a clear identity.
At the heart of it all is reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to elevate his game and lead by example. While no one from OKC has come out and said they’re chasing the 73-win mark, you’d be hard-pressed to believe it hasn’t at least crossed their minds. These guys are wired to compete-and to win.
Still, Kerr’s point about mindset might be the most important takeaway. Chasing a record like 73-9 isn’t just about talent.
It’s about consistency, focus, and the ability to block out distractions over an 82-game grind. That’s what made the 2015-16 Warriors and the 1995-96 Bulls so special.
They brought it every single night.
So far, the Thunder are doing the same.
We’re a long way from April, and a lot can happen between now and then. But if Oklahoma City keeps playing with this level of cohesion and confidence, we might be watching the early chapters of something historic.