Shai Gilgeous Alexander, OKC Keep Unstoppable Streak

Oklahoma City sits at 24 wins and 1 loss and has outscored opponents by 437 points, the largest gap in NBA history. The piece maps a string of matchups and argues the Thunder will sweep through the NBA Cup and most December dates, with the author confessing, "I'm not sure I believe them." Merlin sees the sources of their power: youth, relentless full floor pressure and a knack for turning turnovers into easy points. Fatigue, back to back nights and a veteran Golden State on New Year Eve are the likeliest cracks. That lone loss in Portland will sting and sharpen them. As the writer put it, "All OKC does is win. Still."