Bontemps: Thunder Could Defy History Again While Warriors Stay Relevant and Blazers Scramble for Wins
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ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps believes last season’s 65-win Oklahoma City Thunder might be even better in 2024-25. Speaking on the network’s offseason outlook, Bontemps noted Oklahoma City became only the 22nd team in NBA history to reach 65 victories and could join the 1995-96 and 1996-97 Bulls and the 2014-15 and 2015-16 Warriors as the lone clubs to hit that mark in consecutive years.
Why Oklahoma City Might Buck the Trend
• The Eastern Conference looks weaker after several high-profile injuries; the Thunder went 29-1 against East teams last season.
• Roster continuity remains intact, and more availability from Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein could shift the math. The duo missed a combined 75 games, yet Oklahoma City posted a 59-10 record when at least one played—a 70-win pace.
Bontemps is not forecasting 70 victories but said coaches and executives he consulted “are not betting against” the Thunder finishing with the league’s best record again.
Golden State Still in the Conversation
Bontemps also warned against dismissing the Golden State Warriors. While the roster skews older and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga remains unsigned, the Stephen Curry–Jimmy Butler tandem produced a 22-5 mark in the 27 games they shared the floor last season.
Pending additions Al Horford, DeAnthony Melton and Gary Payton II are expected once Kuminga’s situation is resolved. Age and injuries are concerns, but Bontemps projected Golden State to surpass its current win-total forecasts as long as Curry, Butler and Draymond Green stay healthy.
Portland’s Steeper Hill to Climb
The outlook is tougher for the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland finished 2023-24 with 36 wins, helped by late-season victories over lottery-bound opponents. The club flipped Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday this summer, pairing the veteran guard with Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and rookie center Donovan Clingan.
Defensively, Portland ranked fourth in the league from mid-January through the end of the season after sitting 25th in the first half. Whether that stronger version endures remains uncertain. With the Western Conference loaded, Bontemps called betting on the Blazers to climb the standings “a hard sell,” even with the added perimeter defense Holiday provides.
Source: Hoops Wire
