It was an interesting scene in Miami today as the Heat tried to defend Kaseya Center against the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder. In the end, however, their efforts were in vain as the Thunder were able to end the night with a 104-97 victory.
After a brief stint in the NBA Emirates Cup (they lost in the Finals to the Bucks), the Thunder are officially back in the swing of the regular season and this latest victory marks their 7th straight. On X, fans are convinced that the Thunder are the team to beat in the West.
“My analysis: Really good first four quarters for OKC on the road,” posted a fan on X. “Given the circumstances, tough game to bring energy and focus, and the Thunder had it those first… 48 minutes.”
The best part about this 22-5 start for the Thunder is that it’s come without Chet Holmgren, who has played in just 10 games total this season. It was mostly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who led the team to victory with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists on 10-25 shooting. Jalen Williams also stepped up with 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on 12-25 shooting.
“It’s crazy how successful the Thunder have been without Chet,” wrote one fan. “I figured there’d be at least some form of a drop-off, but they’ve continued to be a great team without him.”
Of course, while the Thunder did lose in the NBA Cup Finals earlier this week it didn’t actually count toward the standings and it’s why this win counts as their 7th straight despite some initial confusion from the fans. It’s the longest active win streak in the NBA right now.
“What a f***ing dub,” wrote one fan. “This time last year we lose that game. Amazing to see how far we’ve come!”
The Miami Heat lost Jimmy Butler early in this game and they didn’t have enough juice to win without him. But even with him at full strength, they likely would have struggled to keep up against the best team in the West. After the loss was official, the Heat were berated by the fans for the state of their roster and their uninspired style of play.
“The Miami Heat not only suck but are also the least exciting team in the NBA,” said one fan in a flaming hot take. “0 exciting players and a coach who’s a stickler. That team is painful to watch.”
The Thunder are well on their way to another first-place finish in the West this year and it makes sense given the depth and star power of their roster. But after last year’s loss in the Western Conference Semi-finals, there are still some lingering doubts that the Thunder will pose any threat in April, May, and June.
“Regular season team lol they gonna choke in the playoffs as usual they don’t know how to win big games the in-season tournament final proved that again,” posted one X user on the subject.
Of course, it’s impossible to say if the Thunder can translate their success into the playoffs but for such a young team that’s getting better every year, they are surely one squad that opponents would rather not face.
It’s up to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to help steer the team in the right direction and so far he’s on the right track with averages of 30.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game on 51.3% shooting. For now, the best thing he can do is be ready for the next game and do everything he can to keep the streak going.
After tonight, their next game is on Monday, December 23rd, at home, against the Washington Wizards at 8:00 PM EST. They head out to Indiana on December 26th for a game against the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7:00 PM EST. Finally, the Thunder play the Hornets at Spectrum Center on Saturday, December 28th, at 6:00 PM EST.
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