The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially stamped their name into the NBA history books, finishing the 2024-25 regular season with the greatest inter-conference record ever recorded: 29-1 against the Eastern Conference.
With their only loss coming in a tightly contested game on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Thunder obliterated the previous best mark of 27-3, which had been shared by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, the 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks, and the 1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers.
1 . Oklahoma City Thunder (2024-25): 29-1
T-2. Golden State Warriors (2015-16): 27-3
T-2. Dallas Mavericks (2006-07): 27-3
T-2. Los Angeles Lakers (1999-00): 27-3
T-5. Chicago Bulls (1996-97): 25-3
T-5. Chicago Bulls (1995-96): 25-3
7. Denver Nuggets (2011-12): 16-2
T-8. Boston Celtics (1986-87): 21-3
T-8. Philadelphia 76ers (1982-83): 21-3
The final blow came in the form of a 119-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons, which not only clinched the historic record but also marked OKC’s 50th win by double digits this season.
It’s the kind of dominance we haven’t seen from a young, up-and-coming team since perhaps the early stages of the Warriors dynasty, and it has turned Mark Daigneault’s squad into legitimate title contenders with a frightening mix of athleticism, efficiency, and discipline.
What makes this record even more impressive is the variety of styles and opponents they’ve faced and dismantled. From gritty defensive teams like the Magic and Pistons to offensive juggernauts like the Celtics and Knicks, the Thunder have not just survived against the East—they’ve thrived. And they’ve done so with a roster that, while young, has proven to be mature beyond its years.
Leading the charge is MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s having a season for the ages—averaging 32.8 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 52.0% from the field.
Alongside him, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have formed one of the league’s most versatile and dynamic supporting casts. Add in defensive ace Lu Dort and recent additions like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, and OKC looks deeper and more battle-ready than ever.
Coach Daigneault deserves immense credit. His adaptive system has allowed the Thunder to succeed regardless of personnel—whether playing big, small, or going deep into the bench. Even in the absence of Holmgren for 39 games due to a hip injury, OKC went 32-7, proving that their system is sustainable and scalable.
This isn’t just a statistical anomaly—it’s the result of a culture that emphasizes player development, positional versatility, and buy-in. It’s a statement that OKC is no longer just “ahead of schedule.” They’re here. They’re terrifying. And they are not going anywhere.
But as many players have already stated, including Shai himself, these regular-season records—while appreciated—mean little without postseason success. History remembers champions, not just those who dominated in March and April. Teams like the 2016 Warriors and 2007 Mavericks know that better than anyone.
Still, a 29-1 record against an entire conference is not just rare—it’s unprecedented. The Thunder didn’t just win games.
They sent a message: The next generation has arrived. And unless someone finds a way to slow them down in the playoffs, Oklahoma City might be preparing to cap off a historic regular season with an equally historic postseason run.
