The Oklahoma City Thunder came out of nowhere to have an incredible 2023-24 NBA regular season. They surpassed even the most optimistic of expectations, earning the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
Their first-place finish was a historic one. The Thunder were the youngest team in NBA history to ever finish in first place in a conference. Their average age of 23.92 years old makes them one of the youngest teams to ever make the postseason.
Because of their youth and inexperience, there were a lot of people who thought the Thunder could struggle in the postseason. At points in the regular season, they were overwhelmed in the paint or by teams that played with physicality.
In the NBA Playoffs, those are two keys to a team finding success. But, to this point, the Thunder have continued defying conventional wisdom. They are ahead 2-0 in their series against the New Orleans Pelicans, winning a slobber knocker in Game 1 before picking up a blowout in Game 2.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander- 2024 NBA Playoffs, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
In their 124-92 victory, the Thunder made some more impressive NBA history. According to the NBA on ESPN account on X, Oklahoma City is the first team to ever have all of their points in a postseason game scored by players who are 25 years of age or younger.
Leading the way with 33 points scored was 25-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is in the MVP race this season. He was one of five Thunder players to score in double-figures on Wednesday night as New Orleans had no answers for their explosive offense.
Playing at home in the NBA Playoffs is always easier for young teams. It will be interesting to see if this level of play continues with the Thunder heading on the road for Games 3 and 4. Going on the road will be a good test for this up-and-coming team.
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