24 games remain between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the playoffs. It will be the team's first trip to the playoffs proper since Chris Paul led a three-point guard lineup into a hotly-contested matchup with the Houston Rockets in the Orlando Bubble. Four years later, a much younger Thunder team looks poised to make some noise this season.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP favorite and is the team's unquestioned best player, it has been a team effort to reach this point. How has each player on the team done this season? Let's go through all 14 players on the roster and provide a one-sentence summary of the season thus far.
We start at the end of the bench, where the Thunder have some talented names that aren't able to consistently see the court.
End-of-bench guys
No. 14: Lindy Waters III
Offense-first guard with good size and a smooth shooting stroke can absolutely light it up from downtown and has been dynamic when he sees minutes in both the G League and in the NBA.
No. 13: Ousmane Dieng
Still raw two seasons in but with the size and skill to become something special if he can translate it to consistent impact, because when it clicks (usually with the Blue) he is dominant.
No. 12: Bismack Biyombo
Proven veteran center brought in to give the Thunder size, strength and rebounding behind Chet Holmgren, but he won't play often as they lean into their 5-out system.
The Bench Mob
No. 11: Jaylin Williams
The best charge-taking big man in the league, Williams' motor is always running and he shoots just well enough to stay in the regular rotation despite being just 6'9" as a small-ish center.
No. 10: Aaron Wiggins
Not related to Andrew, Aaron Wiggins is carving out his own place in the league and the Thunder's rotation because of his energy, hot shooting and solid defense; he may be here to stay.
No. 9: Kenrich Williams
The Thunder always seem to play better when this undersized do-it-all forward is on the court, but even though he is shooting 41.1 percent from deep this year his offensive impact is much lower than past seasons.
No. 8: Isaiah Joe
One of the best movement shooters in the NBA, Isaiah Joe has been an integral bench player for the Thunder and not only for his shooting; he's defending better than he ever has before.
No. 7: Cason Wallace
Rookie guard has been one of the most efficient players in the league, shooting the lights out from everywhere on the court and playing lockdown defense right from the jump.
No. 6: Gordon Hayward
The only former All-Star traded at the deadline, veteran Gordon Hayward is easing into the rotation but boasts the shooting, playmaking and savvy to be a crucial rotation piece when the playoffs roll around, assuming he stays healthy that long.
The Starters
No. 5: Josh Giddey
An extremely talented point forward whose inbounds passes are legendary, but his lack of shooting and defense could make him a playoff Achilles heel and lead to a reduced role when defenses truly lock in.
No. 4: Luguentz Dort
Small but strong, Lu Dort will take on any defensive assignment and make their life miserable, and shooting a career-best 40.4 percent from deep makes him an invaluable role player.
No. 3: Chet Holmgren
A historically special big man, Chet Holmgren is already breaking records and elevating the Thunder to new heights with his combination of shot-blocking, playmaking and shooting that has led to a hotly-contested Rookie of the Year race.
No. 2: Jalen Williams
From small-school prospect to fringe lottery pick to breakout two-way star, Jalen Williams got All-Star buzz this year and is the No. 2 option on one of the league's best teams.
No. 1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Give him the MVP, because SGA is destroying opponents in the midrange, slithering to the rim at will and has even unleashed a stepback 3-pointer, all while leading the league in steals for a team in the mix for the No. 1 seed.