The Oklahoma City Thunder finished the regular season 64–18 despite battling major injuries throughout the year, and this article breaks down and grades each key player’s performance heading into the playoffs.
After wrapping up the regular season on Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns, the Oklahoma City Thunder finished the regular season with a 64-18 record and secured the number one seed throughout the playoffs for the second straight year. It marks the second best record in franchise history, trailing only last season’s championship run when they went 68-14.
Their record becomes even more impressive when factoring in how they navigated injuries throughout the entire season, making it a particularly frustrating year for the Thunder on the health front. Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Hartenstein, Nikola Topić, and Alex Caruso all missed significant time due to injuries, forcing the Thunder to constantly adjust their rotation throughout the season.
Even with injuries consistently testing their depth, the Thunder still managed to find ways to win. The setbacks forced constant adjustments to the rotation and opened the door for unexpected contributors, as different players were required to step up at various points throughout the season.
With that in mind, it’s time to take a closer look at the roster, evaluate individual performances, and hand out some season grades.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – A+
When it comes to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander it only seems fair that he receives an A+ for his performance this season. For starters, he passed Wilt Chamberlain’s record for the most consecutive games with 20 points or more. A record [126 games] that stood for more than 60 years.
He is the favorite in the MVP race which would be his second straight, improved three point shooting, and this was his fourth year as an All-Star, third as a starter. It is also his fourth straight year averaging 30 or more points which is something only a few players have done in history.
What more could he do?
Chet Holmgren – B+
This season, I think that Chet did a good job of establishing himself as one of the top two-way players in the league. Unlike in previous seasons, outside of his first year playing, he didn’t have to deal with any major injuries and remained healthy throughout the year.
Chet was also selected to be an All-Star for the first time in his career and received Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month in December and will more than likely be an All NBA Defender for the first time in his career.
Considering all of that, I feel he deserves a B+.
Isaiah Hartenstein – B- (A+)
The Thunder big man has been really solid and important for this team this season. His rebounding skills have improved, setting new career highs for rebounding nights grabbing more than 15 on a few occasions.
Another area that Hartenstein has continued to excel is his passing and overall playmaking. While I do think Hartenstein should receive a B- for his performance on the court, I also think he should get an A+ for the continued community work he has put in including being honored by the Boys and Girls Club for his impact on youth in the community.
Even though he has only been in OKC for two seasons, he has ingrained himself so well into the community it feels like he has been here for much longer.
Jalen Williams – C+
This grade may seem bad at first glance, but there wasn’t much to grade for Williams, considering he faced multiple injuries and missed forty five games. The good news is that he will enter the playoffs with a fresh set of legs. “I feel extremely fresh because I played like 12 games,” Williams said at practice this week.
Isaiah Joe – B+
Joe has arguably been one of the most consistent players for OKC this season. He posted the best three point percentage on the roster at 43.3% through the regular season. He also put up the third most points on the team behind Shai and Chet.
Another area where he took another major step is on the defensive side of the ball. He wasn’t just a guy opponents could pick on possession after possession this season. He held his own and showed he was more than just a three point shooter.
Jared McCain/Nikola Topic – A+
It wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t highlight these two guys. Between Topic overcoming cancer and McCain joining the team midseason both of these players have brought joy to the game this season for Thunder fans.
As you can see, this season has had its ups and downs for the Thunder. While some players exceeded expectations, others might not have had the season that they intended.
But, in the end the players’ performances reflect the regular season that they had. Although the regular season has come to end, OKC has started preparing for the playoffs and the preparation continues as they wait for their playoff opponent. They will either face the Warriors, Blazers, or Clippers in the first round.
