Though we may be in an era where offensive firepower is all the rage in the game of basketball, the OKC Thunder are living proof that defense is still the ultimate game-changer.
Sure, they may have been one of the better ball clubs throughout the regular season in the scoring department, as they ranked fourth in points per game (120.5), seventh in field goal percentage (48.2), and sixth in three-point percentage (37.4), but it was Oklahoma City’s efforts on the less glamorous side of the ball that truly seperated them from the rest of the league.
One of the greatest defensive units of all time, the Thunder wrapped up 2024-25 with the top defensive rating (106.6), steals per-game average (10.3), and opponent field goal percentage (43.6) in the association, while registering the highest point differential for an entire season in NBA history (12.87 per game).
As a result of this elite two-way play, the Thunder stormed into the NBA Playoffs as clear favorites to take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy, and, though their offensive efficiency may be somewhat underwhelming through two games of action, their defensive prowess has more than sustained this lofty status.
Thunder on track to prove ‘defense wins championships’ philosophy right
Though they may be leading all teams in points with 124.5 per game, the Thunder have been far from the most effective offensive ball club in this year’s postseason.
In two games played against the Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City finds itself placing in the bottom half of the league in long-range shooting percentage (34.4) and unassisted field goals made.
Yet, despite this, they are also sporting the highest average point differential by far at +35.0 — the second-best rate is held by the Cleveland Cavaliers at +15.0.
The biggest reason for this stupendous production is, without question, their suffocating defensive play.
As things currently stand, the regular season’s sixth-best offense and second-highest scoring team in the Grizzlies is averaging a putrid 89.5 points per game on a ridiculously low 38.6 percent shooting from the floor and 24.6 percent shooting from deep, all three of which rank as the worst in this year’s playoffs.
What’s more impressive is that the Thunder’s defensive efforts have had a direct effect on their offensive punch and, in turn, their success rate, as their 10.0 steals per game and 19.5 forced turnovers have translated to a league-leading 49 points off turnovers and 48 fastbreak points.
If nothing else, what this shows is that even when an offense becomes stagnant, falling back and focusing on defensive efforts can help make up for any type of shortcoming.
At 2-0 and while playing like the most dominant team in the postseason, the Thunder appear well-positioned to prove that the old philosophy of “defense wins championships” remains true even in this age of offense-driven play.
