MIAMI — The recent days have been anything but routine for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following a defeat in the NBA Cup final against the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas on Tuesday, the team faced a whirlwind travel schedule that included crossing four different time zones on Wednesday. However, they bounced back by securing wins against the Orlando Magic on Thursday and the Miami Heat on Friday.
This intense schedule is certainly a challenge, even by the standards of the NBA, yet the Thunder managed to rise to the occasion without a hint of complaint. Their recent victory against the Heat by a score of 104-97 on Friday night marked their impressive record of 22-5, solidifying them as the best team in the Western Conference while achieving a successful Florida sweep.
Coach Mark Daigneault expressed his astonishment at how consistently his players deliver, regardless of the difficulties they face. “I’m almost surprised when we don’t answer the bell, no matter how difficult the challenge is,” he stated. “These guys have just made a habit of having an uncommon mindset and seeing challenges as opportunities rather than excuses.”
This level of performance is not entirely unexpected. Since the beginning of the 2023-24 regular season, Oklahoma City holds an impressive overall record of 79-30, including 35-20 on the road, which ranks just behind the reigning champions, Boston. Last season, they were the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs, and they currently occupy the No. 1 slot in the West for this season as well.
Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the team’s determination. “We do whatever it takes to win,” he said, showcasing the team’s resilience and drive. Thankfully for the Thunder, their demanding travel schedule is coming to an end as they prepare to return home. Although other teams might choose to stay in Miami after playing the Heat, the Thunder were eager to return after spending the last 11 games split between various locations away from Oklahoma City.
“We didn’t want to make any excuse,” Gilgeous-Alexander noted. “I like to say we have the best jobs in the world. It sounds crazy, but it’s a little bit spoiled. We play basketball two nights in a row and get paid to do so. We have an amazing opportunity. We’re blessed to be in this position.”
Currently on a seven-game winning streak—excluding their loss in the NBA Cup final—this is the second time they have achieved such a streak this season. Gilgeous-Alexander is among four players on the roster averaging over 30 points per game, while the team is on track to accomplish more steals than any other team in the last three decades. Remarkably, they are achieving these feats without any player exceeding the age of 30.
Daigneault praised his team’s competitive spirit, stating, “These guys are monsters competitively. We’ve done a good job. We’ve been on the road nine days, and we used our off days in Vegas wisely to ensure that we were ready for the long haul.” After such an exhausting schedule, the anticipation to return home was palpable among the players.
Jalen Williams, who scored a season-high 33 points against the Heat, echoed the sentiment of fatigue but excitement as well. Looking for a means to ascend the 18-inch riser in the postgame interview room, he sighed, “Ready to go home. You have no idea.”
