The Oklahoma City Thunder is off to one of the most dominant starts in NBA history. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, they have made their case as a title contender once again, like last year.
Their performance to begin the 2025-26 NBA campaign has garnered recognition from former guard Austin Rivers.
Austin Rivers’ Hot Take on Thunder Squad
Rivers played 11 seasons throughout his NBA career from 2012 to 2023. He represented seven teams throughout that timeframe, his longest being with the Los Angeles Clippers for four seasons. He averaged 8.5 points, 2.1 assists, and two rebounds per game throughout 707 career appearances, including 184 starts.
Rivers reflected on the Thunder’s historic start during an episode of his Off Guard podcast. He compared the team’s form to that of the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who ended the regular season with an NBA-record 73-9 performance. Rivers was with the Clippers during Golden State’s historic campaign.
“It’s an issue. I mean, like, it’s not an issue that the NBA can do. People are like, ‘Adam Silver do something,’ like Adam can’t do anything. But the thunder right now, they’re just beating everyone. Badly. 24-1 is giving those days of trauma. Sadly, I was playing during this time when the Warriors had that team, when KD came to the 73-9 team, it felt like no one could beat them,” Rivers said.
Austin Rivers says OKC is giving KD Warrior vibes
“They’re just beating everyone. Badly. 24-1 is giving those days of trauma when KD came to that 73-9 team”
(Via @AustinRivers25) 👀 pic.twitter.com/tj6zKojsia
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) December 13, 2025
Golden State reached the NBA Finals that year, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games. Oklahoma City is coming off of winning its first championship since moving from Seattle in 2008, looking to defend its throne this season.
What Lies Ahead for Thunder?
Rivers has witnessed plenty of talented teams throughout his career. The 2015-16 Warriors, however, were unique to him in their dominance in nearly every game. When he looks at how the Thunder are playing, it makes sense to see why he has flashbacks to Golden State’s dominance during that era of the league.
In the meantime, Oklahoma City looks to continue its historic start to the season. Their 24-1 record puts them at the top of the league, including the Western Conference standings. They are 5.5 games ahead of the Denver Nuggets and 6.5 games ahead of the Houston Rockets.
The Thunder have dominated on both sides of the ball, per Basketball Reference. They possess the second-best offense (123.6) and best defense (106.2) in the league while ranking fourth in offensive rating (121.9) and first in defensive rating (104.7).
Rolling with 16 consecutive wins, the Thunder will gear up for their upcoming NBA Cup semifinals matchup in Las Vegas. They face the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. ET.
