The Oklahoma City Thunder‘s surge to the 2025 NBA Finals has ignited comparisons with recent champions. This year’s squad is comparable to many other recent champions, such as the 2021 Bucks, the 2023 Nuggets, or the 2019 Raptors. However, the most notable comparison is to the 2024 Celtics. Boston was celebrated heavily last season for their defensive grit and star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown; the Thunder are better in many aspects and show why they will win the Finals. Oklahoma City’s blend of elite star power, abundant depth, and unmatched defensive versatility makes them undeniably better than last year’s Celtics.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s MVP season has elevated the Thunder to a level surpassing what the Celtics achieved with Tatum at the helm in 2024. Shai led the NBA with 32.7 points per game in the regular season and has continued to deliver constant historic performances throughout this year’s playoffs. The MVP has had multiple 30-point, 5-assist outings. What truly sets him apart is his composure and leadership in the face of adversity.
After the Thunder were blown out in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, SGA rallied his squad, maintained a great focus, and delivered two valuable performances in Games 4 and 5. This level of poise and consistent excellence in high-pressure moments is something Boston’s stars never showed during their run.
Oklahoma City’s roster construction is a testament to the brilliance of owner Sam Presti and his player development. Unlike the C’s, who leaned heavily on their starting five, OKC boasts a deep and versatile lineup that has withstood injuries these playoffs. The Thunder’s bench, featuring key contributors like Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace, provides crucial minutes, maintains defensive intensity, and helps sustain the offensive flow. They provide balanced scoring with four of their starting five averaging double digits, making them difficult to scheme against and less reliant on any single player.
OKC’s defense is not just elite, it’s historically dominant. The Thunder finished third in the league in scoring defense (107.6 points allowed per game). It led the league in opponent field goal percentage (43.6%) and three-point defense (34.2%), outperforming the “elite” Boston defense in each category.
Their ability to switch positions, provide ball pressure, and their persistence have helped them achieve considerable success. This OKC squad’s resilience and adaptability have allowed them to stifle high-powered offenses and close out games. While Boston’s defense was formidable, OKC’s statistical edge puts them a tier above.
The 2025 Thunder have redefined what it means to be a top contender in the NBA. With SGA’s brilliance, a deep and balanced roster, and a defense that suffocated opponents, the Thunder are better than the Celtics in every meaningful way. Their ability to respond to adversity and statistically dominate makes them a formidable opponent for whoever emerges from the East.
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