The Oklahoma City Thunder have started the 2025-26 NBA season with a 20-1 record, putting them on pace to challenge the Golden State Warriors' mark of 73 wins from 2015-16. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess, the defending champions have won 12 straight games after an initial 8-1 mark. Their average margin of victory stands at 15.5 points, the highest in league history.
A decade after the Golden State Warriors set the NBA regular-season record with 73 wins, the Oklahoma City Thunder are positioning themselves to potentially surpass it. Through 21 games, OKC sits at 20-1, joining an elite group as the fourth team since 1970 to achieve that or better. At this pace, they project to 78 wins, needing 53 more victories in their remaining 61 games to tie the record and 54 to break it.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander anchors the Thunder's dominance, averaging 32.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game with a 33.1 player efficiency rating. He has scored at least 20 points in 92 straight contests, tying Wilt Chamberlain's mark. In close games, SGA has shone: 35 points in a 1-point double-overtime win over Houston on Oct. 21, including game-winning free throws; 55 points in a 6-point double-OT victory against Indiana on Oct. 23; and 37 points with 15 in the fourth quarter of a 4-point win versus Phoenix on Nov. 28.
Jalen Williams returned from wrist surgery on Nov. 28, contributing 11 points and eight assists in his debut after missing the first 19 games. Last season, he averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Chet Holmgren adds 18.2 points, eight rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, complementing Isaiah Hartenstein in the frontcourt.
OKC's depth shines with Ajay Mitchell as the third-leading scorer, Aaron Wiggins fourth, and contributions from Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Jaylin Williams. Their top-rated defense and +15.5 point differential—better than the 2015-16 Warriors' +12.9—have led to 13 wins by 10 or more points.
The Thunder's only loss came by 2 points to Portland on Nov. 5, despite a 22-point halftime lead. Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized team unity: “We want to lay a strong foundation of competitiveness and togetherness on both ends of the floor.” Upcoming challenges include a Dec. 2 game at Golden State, where Warriors coach Steve Kerr doubted the record's breakability: “Somebody’s got to go 74-8. I don’t see it.”
Injuries remain the primary hurdle, especially for SGA, as OKC balances the pursuit with championship defense.
