In 2024-25, the OKC Thunder were the only Western Conference team to have two representatives from the same franchise participate in the annual All-Star Game, as both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were selected to play in the prestigious exhibition.
Throughout the season, the duo has proven to be a tremendous, one-two punch for Oklahoma City.
On top of the fact that both were named All-Stars, they led the charge toward the ball club accumulating the fifth-most wins in a single season in league history (68) and have the team recording a +11.5 point differential per 100 possessions when they are on the floor together, a mark that ranks in the 94 percentile.
Now, following a blowout win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their quarterfinals matchup, they have only further instilled confidence among the oddsmakers that this Thunder squad deserves to be viewed as this year's title favorites and, from a more individualistic standpoint, have even convinced former Warriors big man DeMarcus Cousins that they may be the best duo in the playoffs.
DeMarcus Cousins takes Thunder duo over Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler
During an April 21 appearance on FanDuel's Run It Back, the four-time All-Star was asked by host Michelle Beadle if there was "a duo right now in these here playoffs" that he would take over Golden State's highly accomplished star tandem of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Though Cousins may be a former member of the Warriors and a past teammate of Curry's, the big man was rather quick with his response to the question, as he emphatically said "absolutely" and further exclaimed, "I could go with the duo of Jalen Williams and Shai."
Frankly, following Sunday's showing, this take, even from a former member of the Dubs, should come as no surprise.
If nothing else, Game 1 showed that the Thunder not only have one stud talent who can run the show in Gilgeous-Alexander but two when you add in Williams.
Heading into the playoffs, arguably the biggest concern regarding this OKC team was whether they could flourish without being overly dependent on SGA, their biggest downfall from last year's playoff run.
In this past weekend's opener, not only did they prove capable or doing so, but J-Dub, specifically, showed that he can take the reigns as head honcho when need be, as he paved the way with his sensational all-around box score of 20 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block on 62.5 percent shooting.
Such a performance would have undoubtedly been celebrated on its own, but considering it came during a night where Gilgeous-Alexander had his worst game of the season (15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks on a mere 30.8 percent shooting), it only added credence to the notion that the Thunder roster one of the best duos the association has to offer.
According to Cousins, they may even be the best in this year's postseason. At the very least, he has them higher than Golden State's top two talents.