Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams propelled Oklahoma City's rebuild into a championship-level run, with Williams earning All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defense honors while navigating a wrist injury in the playoffs.

Holmgren's arrival and a rapidly maturing, youthful core pushed OKC to the top seed and a title run, even as Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets tested them. The Thunder's patient development and asset-rich depth suggest a sustained, future title contention for years to come.