The Oklahoma City Thunder are already the best team in the NBA, but there is a way they can get even better -- a frightening thought for opponents, to say the least.
If the Thunder can find a way to implement fastbreak scoring on a more consistent basis, their Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren-led offense could realistically take a big step forward.
According to NBA.com, the Thunder are 21st in fastbreak points per game at 14.3. OKC is also 22nd in pace of play.
Nevertheless, they're still sixth in offensive rating (118.5), first in player impact estimate (58.9), and fourth in points per contest (122.5). In other words, this offense is already extremely impressive, but it has the potential to become even more lethal.
The offense of OKC Thunder could become even more dangerous
Oklahoma City's 12-1 record is the best mark in the entire league as of this writing. The Thunder will have a realistic opportunity to repeat as NBA Champions even if they just continue doing what they have done through their first 13 games of the season.
Getting out in transition and making plays for teammates could lead to a more balanced offensive approach, though.
As things stand right now, SGA and the Thunder often take their time on offense. Setting up their scoring attack is by no means a bad approach, but mixing in some fastbreak drives adds an entirely new element to an offensive scheme.
Of course, Oklahoma City's defense is already the best in the NBA. The Thunder's roster is talented and deep, and there is no clear way for opponents to consistently handle them right now.
With that being said, opposing squads do not currently have to worry about fastbreak attacks from the Thunder all that often. It will be intriguing to see if Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and the rest of the Thunder can begin implementing an all-around faster pace of play as the 2025-26 campaign moves forward.
The Thunder will likely be fine during the regular season, but a quicker pace of play would prove to be especially beneficial in the postseason. Momentum is pivotal in the playoffs, and multiple fastbreak points can change the outcome of a game as the crowd becomes involved.
Oklahoma City still has a few months before worrying about the postseason. Fortunately, because of this, the Thunder have plenty of time to work on implementing fastbreak scoring on a more consistent basis.