The Oklahoma City Thunder are operating at a historical speed, achieving a phenomenal 23-1 start to the regular season, a feat that immediately places them in the rarified air of the National Basketball Association’s most dominant teams. This virtually unprecedented run leaves the Thunder trailing only the legendary 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (who opened 24-0) for the best 24-game start in league history.

This achievement marks just the third time a franchise has begun a season at 23-1 or better. The only other team to reach this mark was the 1969-70 New York Knicks. This level of consistent, early-season dominance underscores the Thunder’s status as a generational squad.

Guiding this historic pace is All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The dynamic star has continued his MVP-caliber performance from last season, serving as the central engine for the team's high-powered offensive attack. His efficiency, scoring nearly 33 points per game while maintaining elite shooting percentages, has been key to the Thunder’s ability to overwhelm opponents nightly.

The team’s record-breaking start has been powered by a monumental 15 consecutive victories, a winning streak that ties the longest in the franchise’s Oklahoma City era. What makes this streak particularly notable is the resilience the team demonstrated in securing it. Even with Gilgeous-Alexander recently missing his first game of the season due to injury, the supporting cast—including forwards Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams—stepped up, leading the team to a decisive victory and preserving the franchise record tie.

Holmgren and Williams have provided significant complementary production, showcasing the depth and cohesion of the roster. Their contributions, particularly during moments when the team has faced adversity or injuries, underscore the developmental success of the franchise.

The Thunder will be immediately tested as they look to extend their historic run. Their next game is Wednesday, Dec. 10, when they host the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center. The contest is the quarterfinals of the inaugural NBA Cup, adding an immediate, high-stakes tournament environment to the team's already record-setting season.

The Thunder's historic beginning has instantly put the entire league on notice. They are now challenging the historical benchmark of 70-plus regular-season wins, a mark reached by only two other teams: the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls and the 2015-16 Warriors. While the NBA season is a marathon that contains tests and challenges still ahead, this 23-1 start and 15-game winning streak ensure that the Oklahoma City franchise, led by its standout guard, has already secured a significant and permanent chapter in the league’s record books, transforming a developing franchise into an immediate historical touchstone.