Three NBA Teams Are Still Undefeated: Here’s How
The start to the ’25 to ’26 NBA season has been a delight, full of nail-biting duels, shocking player performances, and enticing off-court drama. And in the heat of the arena, a few teams have shown full dedication to ensuring an early-season hot streak.
The importance of a good starting record cannot be overstated – it offers security in case of slumps, player injuries, or roster changes later in the season. In an era of parity, giving yourself a margin for error is non-negotiable – and three teams understand that to its fullest capacity. Here’s who they are, and how they’ve put together these early masterclasses.
The Oklahoma City Thunder: Champions’ Formula
- Season Record: 6-0
- Record of Opponents Faced: 9-21 (.300)
- Average Margin of Victory: 9.3
The reigning champions have had no difficulty sustaining their dominance, compiling victories against opponents of all levels. Oklahoma City has stayed true to their hardcore defensive identity, ranking 2nd in defensive rating, forcing the fourth most opponent turnovers per game, and allowing the second-least opponent assists per game.
And if there’s any green flag to add to the collection, all of this has occurred without their two-way star Jalen Williams. Thunder role players Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins have stepped up in his absence, not to mention Chet Holmgren’s offensive leap. This effortless restructuring of the team’s shot distribution has made Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s job astronomically easier, as the guard continues to deliver upwards of 30+ PPG on positive efficiency.
Clutch execution is what throws the champions into another tier of operation – they crush late-game metrics and the eye test confirms it. The Thunder average 11.8 clutch points per fourth quarter, second only to the Los Angeles Clippers (who have only played one game under these stipulations). They also rank top 4 in field goal percentage and assists, confirming that their composure influences healthy ball movement and high-quality shots.
Even with these intimidating strengths, the Thunder are not unbeatable, though. Both the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers have taken them into competitive overtime periods, with the former losing by a single point. However, it would be unwise to anticipate a loss until it has already happened – the could easily go on a big-time streak to start the year.
Next 5 Games
- Nov. 2: New Orleans Pelicans
- Nov. 4: Los Angeles Clippers
- Nov. 5: Portland Trail Blazers
- Nov. 7: Sacramento Kings
- Nov. 9: Memphis Grizzlies
Prediction Through Next 5: 5-0
The Chicago Bulls: Giddey’s Extravaganza
- Season Record: 5-0
- Record of Opponents Faced: 11-16 (.407)
- Average Margin of Victory: 8.8
The most shocking of the league’s early titans, Chicago has bought in on their core in full confidence. The franchise is notorious for their organizational incompetence and unsure direction, creating a perspective of indifference – however, their desperate search for a fundamental reset has resulted in a core that can throw down with any conference foe.
Josh Giddey’s ascension has been the key to their successes. A proto-typical high-output guard with lead scoring and playmaking duties, the 23-year-old is now among the NBA’s most productive players. His greatest improvements are tied to finishing, where he is averaging a career-high 68% at the rim and FTr+ of +45. This has massively improved the quality of his created advantages, especially the three-point kickout – Chicago ranks 2nd in assisted three-pointers, with 94% of their takes from deep coming from a pass. Giddey himself has also leaped as a shooter with a blistering 45.5% mark from three.
The remarkable play of Tre Jones has also bolstered their efficacy, ensuring that a competent playmaker is on the floor at all times to keep pace high and movement fluid. Jones is also red-hot from three, at a certainly-unsustainable 62.5%, but his low volume of attempts means that an inevitable drop will hardly hurt the Bulls’ offense.
High-efficiency marks have fueled the team up to this point, and a natural regression should be expected. That does not take away from the potency of Chicago’s offense, however – they will test any team’s defensive aptitude and look legitimately determined to make the playoffs.
The next 5 games will be a major test of their legitimacy, with five big-time opponents and three road games. If they can exit this stretch with a 7-3 or higher record, some conversations about their place in the East deserve to happen.
Next 5 Games
- Nov. 2: New York Knicks
- Nov. 4: Philadelphia 76ers
- Nov. 7: Milwaukee Bucks
- Nov. 8: Cleveland Cavaliers
- Nov. 10: San Antonio Spurs
Prediction Through Next 5: 2-3
The San Antonio Spurs: The Alien’s Fortress
- Season Record: 5-0
- Record of Opponents Faced: 7-19 (.269)
- Average Margin of Victory: 14.4
San Antonio’s ascension was universally expected, but certainly not to this extent. Victor Wembanyama has taken the proper leap of a generational talent, averaging career highs in four of the five major statistics and leading the NBA in both RPG and BPG. The center looks like an MVP candidate and has showcased the ability to make major swing plays with his defensive intimidation and nightmarish mismatch threat on the other end.
Young pieces such as Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper have also provided a much-needed scoring punch and improvement to the Spurs’ aggregate ball-handling, making it easier to Wembanyama to operate in isolation. The big man is averaging a career-high in unassisted field goals and efficiency simultaneously, proving his newfound self-creation abilities are a combination of natural progression and a healthier offensive environment.
The most impressive aspect of this run is that the Spurs are still without former All-Star De’Aaron Fox and the 22-year-old Jeremy Sochan, two integral pieces to their playoff aspirations. Fox’s threat of offense will make San Antonio’s schemes more multi-dimensional and lead to easier defensive coverages for his teammates, while Sochan’s jump as a rim pressure threat will be invaluable, especially in non-Wemby minutes.
If there’s any concern to be had with the squad, it’s that their strength of competition has been very unimpressive to start. The only winning team they have faced is the Miami Heat, who were without leading scorer Norman Powell. That’s not to say the Spurs haven’t impressed – as their clutch execution is great for such a young core – but eyes will be on them as they face higher-scale opponents that push their weaknesses to their limit.
Next 5 Games
- Nov. 2: Phoenix Suns
- Nov. 5: Los Angeles Lakers
- Nov. 7: Houston Rockets
- Nov. 8: New Orleans Pelicans
- Nov. 10: Chicago Bulls
Prediction Through Next 5: 3-2
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