OKC Thunder Moves to No. 6 in ESPN's Power Rankings After Impressive Double-Win

Two wins against two bona fide teams on either side of the NBA added together to help boost the Oklahoma City Thunder's resume, which has only looked stronger as the season carries on.

If Christmas Day marks the unofficial start to prime-time NBA basketball, then the Oklahoma City Thunder is undefeated and looking mighty impressive.

After missing out on the official Christmas-Day slate, the Thunder hit the court the next evening to face the West's No. 1 team in a statement battle. Beating the Minnesota Timberwolves would be a chance for Oklahoma City to not only add another win to its resume, but also prove it could beat any top team in the league.

Dec 27, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots between New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) during the second half at Paycom Center / © Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

It already had wins against Phoenix, Denver and the Los Angeles Lakers, so adding the Timberwolves would be a strong boost to an already-impressive resume. And after 48 minutes, the Thunder not only took care of business, but looked good doing it.

Every Oklahoma City starter finished in double figures, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge on a 34-point outing, and the Thunder rolled past Minnesota with a 23-point win. And that was a game prior to beating the Knicks — both games of which added to the young team's high power ranking on ESPN. 

"Oklahoma City has gone 7-0 when Williams, last season's Rookie of the Year runner-up, hit the 20-point milestone," the site wrote. "Williams and Chet Holmgren have established themselves as the efficient 2A and 2B behind superstar Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 17.4 and 17.2 points per game, respectively, for a Thunder team that ranks in the top 10 in both offense and defense." 

The numbers are there. The Thunder looks and plays like one of the league's top squads, and has all season long. The difference now, however, is that with as many games under its belt as it has, there are no longer questions regarding the Thunder's legitimacy. 

It's proven time and time again that it's prepared for any team or challenge that gets thrown its way, and the NBA world is beginning to recognize that. 

And if the Thunder keeps winning, a top-5 ranking wouldn't be so far-fetched either.

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