Following the recent NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder's tactical prowess and depth have drawn significant attention among teams looking to replicate their success. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren leading the charge, their blend of skillful stretch bigs has proven essential in modern basketball. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers have shown resilience, with Tyrese Haliburton emerging as a vital player during their playoff run. The dynamic nature of the NBA offseason looms, with free agency set to stir up the league. Teams like the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans face pivotal decisions as they navigate their uncertain futures, especially with the looming 2026 draft, which is anticipated to be heavily loaded. The ongoing discussions of trades and player movements continue to shake up expectations for the upcoming season, highlighting the ever-evolving landscape of the league.

Kawhi Leonard is on the brink of making NBA history. If he leads the Los Angeles Clippers to a championship, he would become the first player to win three titles with three different franchises, separated by five years. This would add to his previous successes with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Currently, he appears to be in peak condition, reminiscent of his 2019 performance, showing resilience despite past injuries. Leonard’s recent play underscores his status among the greats of this generation alongside stars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

LeBron James continues to defy age with impressive stats, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game at 40 years old. His ability to score efficiently and adapt as an elite shooter positions him firmly in the postseason top five rankings. Playing alongside Luka Doncic, who ranks fourth, the Lakers have a dynamic duo that can dramatically impact playoff outcomes. Doncic's recent performance showcases his elite efficiency, making them a formidable pair on the court.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's stellar regular season has kept him in the conversation as a top player, but he still faces skepticism about his ability to lead the Thunder deep into the playoffs. At two, Giannis Antetokounmpo's outstanding all-around play, especially in recent games, secures his place among the elite, even as the Bucks navigate injuries. Finally, Nikola Jokic's high-efficiency scoring and playmaking solidify his top position, with the Nuggets hoping for playoff success to match his individual brilliance.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of making history as they aim for a 70-win season, currently boasting a 64-12 record with six games remaining. Achieving this feat would place them among the few teams in NBA history to reach such heights, only previously accomplished by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls and the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. Key to their success has been the stellar performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has scored 20+ points in 69 consecutive games. His MVP candidacy is bolstered by his incredible plus-minus rating this season, putting him in an elite category alongside Warriors greats from their championship runs.

Despite a tough remaining schedule facing teams like the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, the Thunder are not letting off the gas. Their strong point differential indicates their dominance in games, and their defense led by potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate Lu Dort is exceptional. Analysts note that while the focus often shifts to championship rings, the Thunder's potential historic regular season should be celebrated in its own right. If they remain healthy, particularly with Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, they are primed to be serious contenders not only for the regular season record but also in the playoffs.