The Oklahoma City Thunder are soaring toward another Western Conference championship. Yet the Denver Nuggets remain a team no one can overlook, as both franchises have dominated the NBA landscape in recent seasons.
Both squads have surrounded themselves with dynamic young talent, powerful, athletic players who shine on both ends of the floor. Their intensity makes them explosive and nearly impossible to contain. At the center of this dominance are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Joki, whose leadership and performances continue to elevate their respective teams to elite heights.
To see the Thunder’s current form, one only needs to glance at their 2025-26 season record: six wins and zero losses. Their spectacular style blends seamlessly with their efficiency and consistent victories.
However, there’s another giant seemingly reawakening after years of slumber, a team intent on reclaiming what it once considered its rightful throne.
A new version of the Golden State Warriors
Since 2022, the Golden State Warriors have struggled to recapture their former NBA glory. Over the past three years, they’ve lived in the Thunder’s shadow and now appear determined to shake it off and shine once again.
This season, the Warriors look distinctly different. They play with discipline, depth, and a newfound defensive tenacity rarely seen in recent years. It’s a complete and radical transformation from the style that had defined them for so long.
Their 4-2 record early in the campaign reflects a revitalized energy and a level of competitiveness that hasn’t been visible for some time. The team looks strong, balanced, and well-positioned to return to playoff contention, and potentially challenge for the title, even if the season is still young.
From what’s been seen so far, Oklahoma City will have to take the Warriors seriously. Golden State seems to have shed the lethargy, the mental burden, and the frustration that weighed them down in previous seasons. They now look like legitimate contenders once again, capable of reaching the NBA Finals.
A powerful defensive identity for the Golden State Warriors
Under Steve Kerr, the Warriors built their reputation on offensive fireworks. Their philosophy was simple: no matter how many points opponents scored, Golden State would score more. That high-octane approach defined their identity for nearly a decade, until now.
What’s unfolding this season is a full-fledged evolution. Golden State has shifted from an offense-obsessed mentality to one anchored in defense. The team now focuses on stops, rebounds, and structured execution, turning defense into the foundation of their attack.
This transformation reveals a newfound maturity. The Warriors are not only dominating opponents but also controlling tempo and exploiting opportunities on both ends of the floor. In short, they are becoming a complete team in every sense.
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Al Horford, among others, have fueled this transformation, one that began late last season and is already paying dividends. If they sustain this form, the Golden State could once again find itself competing for championships.
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