The Thunder lead the way in odds for NBA Champion and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the frontrunner to win MVP, but the West is loaded. Can Oklahoma City repeat as champions? Can SGA repeat and win back-to-back MVPs? Let’s talk about it.

Unlike last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder were in the comfort of their own homes as the 2025 NBA Cup finals played out. All eyes in the NBA world were on the New York Knicks as they beat the San Antonio Spurs to win the in-season tournament.

The San Antonio Spurs toppled the defending league champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup, and surge in the power rankings as a result.

Robert O'Connell of the Wall Street Journal believes the 2025-26 Thunder is en route to becoming the best NBA team in history.

As Gilgeous-Alexander alluded to, NBA teams can quickly ascend from rebuilds to contenders. Look at the Thunder. Wasn't that long ago when they were one of the worst teams. But because of the reigning MVP's historic rise, they've been at the top of the league for two years.

This past Saturday, Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs took a highly impressive win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, being just the second team to hand