The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken the NBA by storm, roaring out to an undefeated start in the 2024-25 season. With dominant performances and double-digit victories over each opponent, including a recent 12-point triumph against the San Antonio Spurs, the Thunder are turning heads across the league. However, not everyone is fully convinced by their early success, as Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green recently shared his thoughts on the young squad’s potential and behavior.
A Promising Start for the Thunder
The Thunder’s impressive beginning to the season has been fueled by the stellar play of their young core. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren have led the charge, each averaging over 20 points per game. The team’s depth and chemistry have been on full display, as they’ve consistently outperformed their opponents on both ends of the court.
Oklahoma City’s success has sparked conversations about their potential to become a force in the Western Conference. Many analysts believe that the Thunder’s moment has arrived, and they are no longer a team simply building through the draft. Instead, they have emerged as a legitimate threat to contend for a playoff spot and potentially make some noise in the postseason.
Draymond Green’s Praise and Concern
While acknowledging the Thunder’s undeniable talent, Draymond Green expressed some reservations about the team’s approach. On a recent episode of his podcast, Green praised Oklahoma City’s special talent but pointed out one aspect that he finds alarming: their postgame interviews.
“Seven guys in the interview. There’s a certain seriousness that it takes to win in this league, and there’s a certain fear you have to instill in a team in order to win. You should have fun, but you have to understand, their moment is now.”
Draymond Green on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis
The Thunder have gained attention for their unique postgame tradition, where the entire team joins the featured player for the interview, and they all proceed to bark together. While this display of unity and excitement has become a signature of the young squad, Green believes it may not align with the level of seriousness required to achieve sustained success in the NBA.
The Importance of Instilling Fear
Green emphasized that to win consistently in the league, a team must instill a certain level of fear in their opponents. He suggested that the Thunder’s lighthearted postgame antics might not convey the necessary gravity and intensity required to maintain their winning ways over the course of a grueling NBA season.
The veteran forward also pointed out that the Thunder’s moment began last season when they showed significant improvement and potential. Green believes that Oklahoma City has now arrived on the scene and must adapt their mindset accordingly. They are no longer a team that can afford to be satisfied with moral victories or incremental progress; instead, they must embrace the challenges that come with being a legitimate contender.
Looking Ahead: Thunder vs. Warriors
The Thunder will have an opportunity to prove themselves against Green and the Warriors on November 10th. This matchup will provide a litmus test for Oklahoma City, as they face off against a championship-caliber team led by experienced veterans. If the Thunder emerge victorious, their postgame celebration will likely feature plenty of barking, much to Green’s chagrin.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how the Thunder navigate the challenges of heightened expectations and increased scrutiny. Will they heed Green’s advice and adopt a more serious demeanor, or will they continue to embrace their unique identity and let their play do the talking? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Oklahoma City Thunder have the attention of the NBA world, and they appear poised to make some serious noise in the coming months.
