The Oklahoma City Thunder are rewriting the NBA playbook, and not just with their on-court dominance. With three weeks left in the 2024-25 regular season, the Thunder sit atop the Western Conference at 59-20, and one of their quirkiest traditions is turning heads: after wins, the entire team—yes, all 15 players—crowds onto the court for postgame interviews, shunning the usual spotlight on stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, or Jalen Williams. It’s a move that’s raised eyebrows, but as Holmgren told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview, it’s a big reason why this young squad is on the verge of an NBA Finals run.
This unorthodox tradition started small. “I just remember in my first Summer League game, they tried to pull me aside for postgame media,” Holmgren recalled. “I think I then pulled over Josh [Giddey] and told them, ‘I’ll only do it if he joins me.’” From there, it snowballed—three players, then five, and after a 121-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, the whole team joined in. “We don’t do it to send any sort of message,” Holmgren said. “It’s more so just us genuinely being there for one another.” It might look silly to some, but it’s a perfect snapshot of the Thunder’s culture—no egos, just a tight-knit group that’s all about collective success.
That bond has translated to the court in a big way. The Thunder’s rise under GM Sam Presti has been a masterclass in patience and vision. They traded away stars like Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and Paul George, let Kevin Durant walk in 2016, and still built a juggernaut. Those moves netted them Gilgeous-Alexander (via the George trade to the Clippers), draft picks that turned into Holmgren and Williams, and a treasure trove of future first-rounders—15 through 2030, per Spotrac. Gilgeous-Alexander is the likely 2024-25 MVP, averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.0 steals on 53.5% shooting. Holmgren, in his second year, is a two-way force with 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks, while Williams, a first-time All-Star, adds 19.4 points on 54% shooting. Together, they’ve made OKC the league’s best team, with a +8.7 net rating, per NBA.com.
The Thunder’s depth and character shine through in their play. They lead the West in steals (8.5 per game) and rank third in defensive rating (110.2), thanks to players like Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace, who lock down the perimeter. Offensively, they’re fifth in points per game (120.1), with Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking and Williams’ versatility opening up the floor. Holmgren’s growth as a rim protector and stretch big—he’s shooting 37.1% from three—has been a game-changer. “We have a group of guys that have all the talent in the world,” Holmgren said. “We have a coaching staff that has every answer… We are playing to win the last game of the season.”
Off the court, the Thunder’s bond is just as strong. Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams see each other as brothers, constantly pushing one another. They’ve teamed up with AT&T for a new campaign, following last year’s viral “What a Pro Wants” ad—a cover of Christina Aguilera’s hit. This year’s spot, set to “Thunderstruck,” features the trio in matching outfits, poking fun at their tight connection. “We came up with another cool one,” Holmgren laughed. “My talent is not scriptwriting, so I just trusted those entrusted with the powers above me.” These off-court moments—like their group interviews—reinforce a chemistry that’s rare in the NBA.
The Thunder’s path to this point wasn’t easy, but Presti’s meticulous moves have paid off. Last season’s 57-25 record under 2023-24 Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault was their best since 2014, and this year, they’re on pace for 62 wins. As they head into the playoffs, the goal is clear: a championship. “Our goals are dreams, and to reach these dreams, we have to take it one day, one game, at a time,” Holmgren said. With their talent, depth, and unbreakable bond, the Thunder aren’t just the NBA’s best team—they might be its next dynasty.
