The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the surprise packages of the 2023-24 season. Thunder fandom expected them to push on from their 10th place finish last season. However, no one expected them to be this good so soon. They currently occupy the 2nd spot in the Western Conference standing, with 38 wins from 55 matches.

One of the key factors contributing to the OKC Thunder’s resurgence is the stellar performances of franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 25-year-old guard has performed at an MVP-level so far this season. 3x NBA champion Danny Green has suggested that Shai could win the MVP award if the Thunder finish in the top-2 of the Western Conference standings. During a conversation on Run It Back podcast, Green said, “If OKC ends up in the top 2, I like Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] for it.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has recorded 31.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists, along with league-high 2.1 steals per game this season. In recent seasons, SGA has blossomed into one of the most lethal scorers in the league, with his 31.1 ppg the second best in the NBA, only behind Luka Doncic. He is certainly in the running for the MVP award, with only the likes of Doncic and Jokic standing in his way. However, Gilbert Arenas, the ex-Washington Wizards star, has chosen Shai for the MVP award over the likes of Doncic and Jokic. He said, “This is the MVP, Shai is the MVP this year.” 

With the MVP award up for grabs, SGA would look to end the regular season on high. If the Thunder manage to lock in the 1st or 2nd seed, Shai’s chances of winning the MVP award would increase significantly, and it could also set them up for a favorable playoff matchup in the first round.

Will the OKC Thunder be a threat in the playoffs?

The OKC Thunder could prove to be a legitimate threat to title favorites like the Nuggets, Celtics and Clippers. After a few seasons in NBA obscurity, the Thunder are finally ready to challenge for the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy again. Shai’s scoring brilliance, backed up by Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, make the Thunder one of the favorites for the title.

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The underlying statistics also offer encouraging signs for OKC fans. They currently possess the third best offense, with an offensive rating of 121.5. Additionally, the Thunder also have the fifth best defense, with a defensive rating of 113.1. The only thing working against them is youth. The Thunder are one of the youngest teams in the league, and that could hamper their progress in the postseason.