The Oklahoma City Thunder’s playoff run came to an end with a heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite the disappointing finish, the Thunder’s season solidified them as legitimate championship contenders, with general manager Sam Presti making strategic moves throughout the year. Presti’s decision not to make major trades at the deadline was intentional, as he believed the team needed to further develop before making significant changes.
The playoffs provided valuable experience for the Thunder’s young core, including standout performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continued his stellar play from the regular season. Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional performance in the playoffs solidified his role as a franchise player for the Thunder moving forward. Young players Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also gained valuable experience in their first postseason, learning from their ups and downs against tough competition.
While the Thunder’s Big Three of Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams showed promise, rookie Josh Giddey’s struggles in the playoffs raised questions about his long-term fit with the team. Giddey’s inconsistent three-point shooting and offensive production exposed a need for more shot creators on the roster. The Thunder will need to address this issue in the offseason to better complement their core players.
Rebounding was identified as a weakness for the Thunder, particularly highlighted in their series against the Mavericks. Dallas’s size and length disrupted OKC’s offense, emphasizing the need for additional frontcourt help. The Thunder have ample salary-cap space and draft assets to address roster deficiencies, with potential targets in free agency such as Jonas Valanciunas or shooters like Malik Monk, Gary Trent Jr., or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Moving forward, the Thunder have a unique opportunity to make significant roster upgrades this offseason. With the experience gained from their playoff run, the team can make informed decisions about their priorities and make necessary changes to prepare for future postseason success. The Thunder’s blend of young talent, cap flexibility, and draft assets positions them well for a promising future in the NBA, and they will look to build on their playoff run next season.
