The Oklahoma City Thunder have been off to a stellar start, going 3-0 with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. Their upcoming matchup against the San Antonio Spurs offers them a chance to extend their undefeated streak to 4-0. In their recent win, they dominated the Atlanta Hawks 128-104, displaying both offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
This strong start has not gone unnoticed around the league, including by Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green. Green’s attention signals how quickly the Thunder’s young core is gaining respect, especially as Gilgeous-Alexander continues to establish himself as one of the NBA’s elite guards. With continued solid performances, OKC is shaping up to be a potential playoff contender sooner than many anticipated.
Draymond Green’s praise for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on *The Draymond Green Show* highlights just how impactful this young OKC squad is becoming. Green emphasized Gilgeous-Alexander’s elite status, calling him “one of the best players in the league,” an acknowledgment of the Thunder guard’s growing reputation as a star. With a season-high 35 points on efficient shooting, along with 11 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks, and three steals, Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around performance underscores his potential to lead OKC to meaningful success.
Green also highlighted Jalen Williams as a special talent, reflecting OKC’s deep pool of young, capable players. However, Green pointed out a potential growth area for the Thunder: channeling their talent and fun spirit into a more focused, competitive edge. He commented on the large number of players participating in post-game interviews, suggesting that while camaraderie is valuable, the team could benefit from cultivating a sharper, more intimidating demeanor on the court. For Green, finding the balance between fun and competitiveness is key for OKC as they aim to rise in the league.
Draymond Green’s comments about the Thunder underscore the shift in expectations for this young team. He pointed out that Oklahoma City’s “moment is now” and that their rise isn’t just in the future—they’ve officially “arrived.” According to Green, the Thunder’s impressive regular season last year has kickstarted a new chapter, moving them beyond the rebuilding phase. They’re no longer just a promising team drafting for potential but a serious contender aiming to make noise in the NBA.
Green’s insight highlights the reality for emerging teams like OKC: success accelerates the clock. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are entering a phase where they’re expected to compete at a high level, balancing development with the drive to win now. It’s a major milestone, and if they can maintain their focus and edge, they could be a playoff threat this season.
Chet Holmgren’s emergence puts Thunder in Celtics territory, per NBA analyst
Draymond Green’s perspective on the Thunder captures a crucial moment for the team—a shift from potential to performance. By declaring that their “moment is now,” Green emphasizes that Oklahoma City is stepping out of its rebuilding phase and into genuine contention, with expectations mounting after last season’s success. This transformation is largely due to the emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a top talent, complemented by promising players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who add depth and versatility to the roster.
Green’s insight serves as a reminder that winning shifts priorities quickly, pushing young teams to accelerate their growth and focus on competing at the highest level. For OKC, maintaining their current momentum will involve balancing their youthful energy with the discipline and edge needed to compete with seasoned teams. If they can embrace this mindset, the Thunder are well-positioned to be more than just a playoff team—they could emerge as a genuine force in the Western Conference.
