Oklahoma City Thunder’s Impressive Start
In the 2025-26 NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have made an impressive statement, starting strong with an 11-1 record. This remarkable achievement sees them currently leading the league, posting an average point differential of plus-14.4. Their start includes an eight-game winning streak, tying them for the sixth-longest opening run by a defending champion in league history, reminiscent of the Golden State Warriors‘ success in 2015-16.
High Expectations and Upcoming Challenges
The Thunder’s dominant performance is especially noteworthy given the high expectations following their recent 68-win season and championship victory. Looking ahead, they aim to bolster their record against the Los Angeles Lakers in an upcoming game on Wednesday night at 9:30 PM ET on ESPN. A strong performance could further solidify their spot among the best starts ever recorded by a defending champion.
Historical Context of Strong Starts
Historically, teams have had varied degrees of success following such hot starts. In the paradox of dominant beginnings and playoff fates, the Warriors set an unprecedented record during the 2015-16 season, winning 24 consecutive games to start the year. Despite having the best overall record in NBA history at 73-9, they faced heartbreak in the NBA Finals, losing to the Cavaliers after leading the series 3-1. Stephen Curry made history that season by becoming the first unanimous MVP, averaging over 30 points per game and hitting an astounding 402 three-pointers.
Another notable instance of a strong opening was the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers, who finished their run with an 11-1 record over the first 12 games and continued to dominate throughout the season with a formidable 58-24 record. They seamlessly transitioned into the playoffs, dropping only one game until clinching their third consecutive championship against the New Jersey Nets.
The Chicago Bulls, following their iconic 72-10 season, echoed this success in the 1996-97 season by winning their first 12 games. Michael Jordan‘s exceptional performance, which earned him a second-place finish in MVP voting, propelled them to dip only twice during the season and drop just two games in the playoffs before claiming their fifth championship.
Further back, the Boston Celtics had a similar impressive launch in the 1980s after securing their second title, winning 15 of their first 16 games. Under the stellar play of Larry Bird, who averaged impressive statistics during the season, the Celtics aimed for another championship but ended up losing to the Lakers in a thrilling 1980s rivalry.
The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also experienced a strong start in the early 1970s, beginning the season at 30-4. Despite their high performance and Abdul-Jabbar’s MVP-worthy season, they faced off against the eventual champions, the Lakers, in the Western Conference Finals and fell short after a valiant effort.
Conclusion
As the Thunder gear up for their next challenge, they attempt to carve out their own legacy in a league filled with examples of both triumphs and tribulations from defending champions who started strong on their quest for another title.
