2024 has been a mightily kind year for the OKC Thunder.
Not only have they been firing on all cylinders during these first few months of the season, but they've been on an eye-catching upswing ever since the calendar page flipped to January during their last campaign.
Now, with the New Year right around the corner, Oklahoma City is looking to keep their momentum going.
However, in order for them to do so, it may be wise for them to understand what, in particular, has made them so special and has separated them from the rest of the pack in the NBA over the last 365 days.
Facts that show how special Thunder have been throughout 2024
1. Youngest team to clinch a top-seed in a conference standings
Last season was the breakout for this new era Thunder squad.
After surprising many with their Play-In Tournament appearance during the 2022-23 campaign, Oklahoma City took a massive step forward in their progression in 2023-24 as they managed to win 17 more games and jumped nine spots in the standings to claim the top seed in the West.
By accomplishing such a feat at an average age of 23.9, on April 13, 2024, they officially became the youngest team in NBA history to secure the number one spot in either conference.
2. Youngest team to win a playoff series
Though their 2024 postseason bid fell short of the ultimate goal of winning an NBA Championship, as they were ousted in round two in six by the Dallas Mavericks, along their excursion they still managed to thrust themselves into the league's history books.
Despite finding themselves in uncharted territory, as OKC had just two regular contributors (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort) who had experienced playoff action before, the ball club managed to overcome this disadvantage by besting their first-round opponent, the New Orleans Pelicans in four games.
With this, they became the youngest team in league history to win a playoff series.
3. 18-3 record since Chet Holmgren injury
Generally speaking, when one of the best players on a team goes down with an injury, the club's success rate falls off. Following the grueling hip injury to Chet Holmgren back in early November, this was projected to be the fate for Oklahoma City.
However, due to their sensational all-around talent and elite play from stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, not only have the Thunder staved off such a happening but they've managed to further separate themselves from the rest of the Western Conference (more on that later) by going 18-3 without their rising star big in the fold.
The depth, drive, and overall versatility this team has displayed throughout this stretch have been truly remarkable.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on pace to join exclusive club
It goes without saying that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is amid yet another sensational season in 2024-25.
One of the game's most elite two-way talents, the Thunder star is posting nightly averages of 31.0 points, 6.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks on 52.3 percent shooting from the floor.
On the surface, these numbers are undoubtedly seen as elite, but, when looking back at the league's history books, it's evident that the guard finds himself on pace toward accomplishing a truly legendary feat.
Throughout the NBA's 77 year existence, there has only been one player to average at least 31.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals while shooting 50 percent or better from the floor for an entire season.
Said player: Michael Jordan.
5. The degree of separation between Thunder and rest of Western Conference
Through 31 games played, the Thunder find themselves sporting a record of 26-5, good enough for the second-best record in the league and the top record in the Western Conference.
To put context to just how impressive their lead over those residing in their respective standings actually is, the degree of separation between them and the number two seeded Grizzlies (22-11) is five games.
Such a margin is significantly bigger than Memphis's separation between them and the 10-seeded San Antonio Spurs (16-16).