3 reasons the Oklahoma City Thunder have overachieved this season

2) Alongside the vets, the youth movement has has taken form

Led by the exploits of the 21-year-old native of Toronto, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s youth have impressed.

Gilgeous-Alexander is building upon a strong rookie campaign with the Clippers last season with an even more profound sophomore season with Oklahoma City. His length works synonymously with his ability as a slasher or disruptor on the defensive end; he’s beginning to learn how to pick his spots and when to act as the aggressor on offense, and his rise to stardom is all but imminent at this point. Currently, he’s averaging 19.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per contest.

Darius Bazley, the former 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, was showing glimpses of future greatness before sustaining an injury to his right knee that will sideline him for 4-6 weeks. His versatility on both ends of the floor was tantalizing, and the teenager will likely only improve with time.

What Terrance Ferguson lacks on the offensive end he more than compensates with stout defense, and having the likes of Hamidou Diallo, Abdel Nader, and surprise two-way standout Luguentz Dort all make the tail-end of the depth chart a little more appealing.

The Thunder’s youthful talent has meshed gracefully with the team’s veterans, which is a crucial reason for their success.