DeMar DeRozan shared his personal opinion on a major factor contributing to the success of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. DeRozan is a veteran and six-time NBA All-Star who has played in the league since the 2009-10 season.
Although he has not been able to win a championship so far, DeRozan is well informed about what it takes to win at a high level. That much was shown with his perspective on Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.
DeMar DeRozan Praises Unity Displayed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Throughout the 2024-25 season, the Thunder dominated most of their matchups to finish with an impressive 68-14 record. After each victory, one of the players on the roster, usually the one who had a huge impact, was interviewed courtside.
While most stars from other teams took the interview individually and were likely eager to be done with it and move on, the Thunder squad displayed a remarkable sense of unity. When one player was being interviewed, the rest stood in the background to bring more life to those interviews and also display their support and appreciation.
During a June 14 episode of the “Wy Network by Dwyane Wade” podcast, DeRozan noticed this sense of unity and credited the young squad.
“What’s great about OKC…The consistency and the connection that they had, you see it. Every game they win the whole team behind whoever getting interviewed. That go a long way man. So whenever I watch them offensively, defensively, how connected they are…It’s incredible. But it all starts from, not just on the court, but off the court. You know what I mean?” DeRozan said.
“What’s great about OKC [is] consistency and the connection that they have… every game they win, whole team is behind whoever’s getting interviewed.”@DeMar_DeRozan is most impressed by how connected this OKC Thunder team is and their chemistry off the court. pic.twitter.com/82ngSrv7CX
— Wy Network by Dwyane Wade (@wynetwork) June 14, 2025
“That little interview? I don’t think people realize how important that is. Everybody be standing there behind whoever getting interviewed the whole year. You (others) tryna get out of there. Everybody staying there and they walk off together. That shows to me, that shows everything about them.”
This young Oklahoma City squad has undoubtedly been one of the most entertaining teams to watch throughout this season. Not only have they shown a remarkable sense of unity and togetherness, but they have also done their best to have fun and enjoy things that others might find mundane, such as postgame courtside interviews.
As things stand, the Thunder are just two wins away from winning an NBA championship. If they are able to get the job done this year, they will be one of the youngest teams ever to win it all. The fact that they have been enjoying themselves all season long makes their success all the sweeter.
The Thunder will look to go up 3-2 in the NBA Finals when they host Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers. The contest will take place on June 16 at 8:30 p.m. ET.