The Oklahoma City Thunder may currently hold the best record in the NBA, but there is one specific opponent who could give them serious trouble in a postseason series.
While the Western Conference features many contenders, the Denver Nuggets are the squad to keep close tabs on.
Why the Nuggets are the biggest threat to the Thunder
One of the reasons for the Nuggets' potential to defeat the Thunder is simply Nikola Jokic.
He's still arguably the best player in the league despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning the MVP last season. Jokic has become a cheat code in the NBA, finishing at the basket with ease, scoring from anywhere on the floor, and being the game's best passer despite being a center.
Of course, the Nuggets feature more star power than just the three-time MVP and boast a deep roster. The Thunder are still better overall right now, but anything can happen in the postseason.
Oklahoma City registers in with the best defensive rating in the NBA, currently sitting at a mark of 102.8, per NBA.com.
The Thunder's ridiculous defensive rating tells the story, as they clearly have the league's best all-around defensive unit.
With that being said, the Nuggets have somewhat quietly become one of the league's most underrated defenses. Their 109.4 defensive rating -- while still well behind the Thunder -- is the second-best in the NBA.
The situation becomes even more interesting when looking at their offensive rating.
The Houston Rockets' 123.4 mark is currently the league's best, but Denver's 122.4 is second overall.
With the second overall offensive and defensive ratings, this Nuggets squad deserves respect. Meanwhile, the Thunder are fifth with a 118.2 offensive rating.
The Nuggets are also a better team when it comes to sharing the basketball. They have a better assist-to-turnover ratio to go along with more assists per contest. Jokic obviously plays a pivotal role in Denver's success, but the Nuggets' all-around roster makes a difference.
At the end of the day, the reigning champion Thunder are still the team to beat.
SGA won MVP for a reason last year, and OKC understands what it requires to win big games.
The Nuggets are only a few years removed from a championship run of their own, though.
An improved roster and the best player in the league will give the Nuggets a legitimate opportunity to upset the Thunder should the teams meet in a playoff series this year.