The Oklahoma City Thunder is the defending champion, so the target is on his back. This led to discourse surrounding their title defense. Former two-time NBA champion Udonis Haslem thinks Thunder is ready for pressure.
After the 2024-25 season victory, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be on a tough road. Shy Gilgaus Alexander remains one of the best players in the league. However, the spotlight is on the Thunder title defense.
Two-time Miami Heat champion Udonis Haslem gave his thoughts on the Thunder. He knows there is what he needs to be competitive. The hype is true that he does it again, as Gilgeous-Alexander has earned praise from his peers.
The 2025-26 season is close by and certainly will be a competitive campaign. The Thunder is a favorite to win the title again. But they have some tough competition, including the Denver Nuggets.
The Eastern Conference has several tough teams, including the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. All teams in the league consider the Thunder to be their biggest target. They were impressive champions in 2025, but the team prepares for them with matchups.
It’s up to Coach Mark Deigno and his staff to guide this team. They are talented in the trio of Gilgauss Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmglen. It’s fair to expect them to be repeated as champions because of the approach that Haslem loves.
“I think this team is matured beyond the years. They’ve shown it in the past. They’re ready when they step into the arena, so they’re ready. I think what you get from the other teams is different.”
“Every team in the NBA will fire for you. Every night you enter, it will be the opposing team’s championship game.”
“It just reminded me of defending our championships, and there were a lot of games we were down in the fourth quarter.
OKC will be the team to watch in the 2025-26 season due to its position as a favorite. However, the rest of the league will also try to compete at the same level. It’s not a cake walk for Thunder, especially as the team is studying the game.
Thank you to Thunder fans, they have an incredible group of players. They are mainly young teams, so they want to continue to prove themselves. Defense should continue to be one of the best in the league. Along with Gilgeous-Alexander and “Hidden Superstar” Williams, the team is in a good position to win games frequently.
As more teams try to overthrow Thunder’s title hopes, they will continue to improve. The Thunder wants to continue to win because he wants to continue to succeed. As the 2025-26 season progresses, people should expect the Thunder to continue playing well.
They start with a few big games, including a showdown with former Thunder star Kevin Durant. It’s already a big story as the champion is having a ring ceremony while Durant is in the building.