The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading to their first NBA Finals since 2012 following a dominant 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. It may be the first of many appearances for this young juggernaut.
The Thunder proved to be an elite unit all year. They finished the year with the highest point differential by a team in NBA history. They also held the second best net rating of all time.
That success has comfortably translated to the postseason. The only real challenge they have faced so far was a seven-game series in the second round against the Denver Nuggets. One former player offered a flattering comparison for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) celebrate after a play.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), guard Luguentz Dort (5) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) celebrate after a play.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Former player compares Thunder to all-time dynasty team
It's important to not get ahead of oneself when setting the bar for what expectations are reasonable when it comes to the Thunder. However, it can also be difficult to hold back that excitement when looking at everything Oklahoma City has.
They already have a flourishing young core that has been great enough to guide them to an NBA Finals appearance. Sam Presti also continues to hold onto a handful of draft picks that can replenish or boost the team at any given notice.
This kind of positioning is rare. It had Jay Williams believing the Thunder could turn out to enjoy success similar to that of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty.
"I still think this OKC team is underhyped, but there is definitely a Spurs-like dynasty feel to them. No drama, no flash, no superstar celebrity energy, just inevitability.
And the core of SGA [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander], Chet [Holmgren], and Jalen Williams is more complimentary than the KD, Russ, Harden era ever was. And that's no shot to them.
It's just a reflection based upon the trust, the balance, and the culture that is established. This just feels like it's a system built to last for a long time throughout this season."
-Jay Williams
The Thunder await the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. One of those two teams will be faced with the difficult task of stopping the start of a potential dynasty, at least in Williams' eyes.