Oklahoma City Thunder Aim to End NBA Parity Era with 2026 Title

The Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning NBA champions, are focused on defending their title and aiming for a repeat in the 2025-26 season amid a highly competitive Western Conference. Despite the league's recent parity with seven different champions in seven years, the Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are seen as favorites, with 80% of NBA general managers selecting them to win the 2026 NBA Finals. The team retains its core from a 68-win championship season and is motivated not only by the title defense but also by the pursuit of the Emirates NBA Cup, an in-season tournament they have yet to win despite reaching last season's final. The Thunder were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks in last year's NBA Cup final but ultimately won the NBA Finals, and this season they face a West Group A with teams they have previously dominated, including the Timberwolves, Kings, Suns, and Jazz. Winning the NBA Cup would provide both competitive validation and financial rewards, adding to their ambitions for the season. Overall, the Thunder aim to solidify their dominance in the league by capturing both the NBA championship and the Emirates NBA Cup.