JJ Redick isn't one to mince words, and his latest take on the Oklahoma City Thunder has the basketball world buzzing. The former sharpshooter and current analyst didn't hold back, calling this iteration of the Thunder "one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history."
As the Thunder storm into their Round 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers after a clean sweep in the first round, the numbers back up Redick's bold claim. Oklahoma City enters as the overwhelming favorite, and for good reason—they've been the league's dominant force all season, looking to become the first back-to-back champions since the Curry-Durant Warriors era.
Redick broke down the staggering stats that put this Thunder squad in rarefied air. "We saw a stat in our morning meeting. Teams that have had back-to-back, 10 or more better net ratings in consecutive seasons—you're talking about the '95-'96 Bulls and '96-'97 Bulls and the '15-'17 Warriors. You're literally talking about two of the greatest teams of all time," he explained.
The numbers don't lie. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on track for a second consecutive MVP award, the offense was firing on all cylinders in Round 1, and their defense remains a nightmare for opponents. To make matters worse for the Lakers, the Thunder have already dismantled them in four regular-season meetings with a jaw-dropping plus-117 point differential.
With Luka Doncic's availability in question due to a hamstring strain, the Lakers face an uphill battle that Redick described as needing "a seismic upset." But the Lakers' coach sees this as a challenge his team respects. "I think our guys recognize that and respect that. We know what kind of task we have in front of us," Redick added.
Whether you're a Thunder fan looking to celebrate this historic run or a Lakers supporter hoping for an underdog story, one thing is clear: this series is shaping up to be a showcase of basketball at its highest level. And for those who love the game, watching greatness in action is always worth the price of admission.
