Key Takeaways:
- Oklahoma City Thunder finished 29-1 against Eastern Conference teams – best interconference record in NBA history
- Average margin of victory in those 29 wins: a staggering 19.2 points
- Thunder notched 24 double-digit victories out of their 29 wins against the East
Eastern Conference No Match for Rampaging Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have completed a stunning demolition of the NBA’s Eastern Conference this season, finishing their interconference campaign with a near-perfect 29-1 record. This dominant run stands as the best interconference performance in NBA history, eclipsing legendary seasons from the likes of the 1999-2000 Lakers and the 2015-16 Warriors.
The Thunder’s Eastern campaign came to a thunderous conclusion with a comfortable win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. At 64-12 on the season, Oklahoma City’s assault on the history books continues – but it’s their near-sweep of the East that has captivated fans and analysts alike.
The Thunder will finish the season with a 29-1 record against Eastern Conference opponents. Their 96.6% winning percentage is the highest against an opposing conference since the 1970-71 season, the first season the @NBA realigned into conferences. pic.twitter.com/kZUsUXKHhA
— Crazy Stats (@NBAcrazystats) April 3, 2025
Only Cleveland Escapes the Storm
Only one Eastern Conference team managed to hold its ground against the surging Thunder—Cleveland. The Cavaliers and Thunder split their two meetings this season, each side securing victory on home soil. That narrow contest spared Cleveland from falling into the growing list of teams beaten by Oklahoma City in interconference play.
“I don’t know the answer to that,” said Thunder General Manager Sam Presti last May, when queried on why the Western Conference has historically been superior. “But it’s hard to dispute it.” This season, that statement rings especially true for his own team’s dominance.
Crunching the Numbers: Thunder’s Eastern Blitz
The raw statistics behind the Thunder’s record against the East highlight just how emphatic their victories have been.
| Category | Numbers | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Average margin of victory | 19.2 points | The Thunder outscored East teams by nearly 20 points per game |
| Double-digit victories | 24 out of 29 | Over 82% of wins came by 10 points or more |
| Single-digit victories | 5 | Four by 6 points, one by 7 points |
| Closest loss | Vs. Cavs | Cleveland’s win was the only game within 5 points |
| Last home loss to East | 12 March 2024 vs. Pacers | Ended a 386-day streak at home vs. East foes |
| Field goal % vs. East | 49.8% | Higher than the team’s 47.1% vs. West |
| Opposition FG% (East teams) | 42% | Thunder’s defence was stifling vs. Eastern teams |
Historical Context and Recent Milestones
Prior to this season, the best interconference records belonged to iconic teams. The 1999-2000 Los Angeles Lakers, 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks, and 2015-16 Golden State Warriors each went 27-3 against the East. The Michael Jordan-led 1995-96 and 1996-97 Chicago Bulls posted 25-3 marks against the West. Those numbers have now been surpassed by the 2023-24 Thunder, setting a new benchmark at 29-1.
It’s worth noting that this record discounts Oklahoma City’s loss to Milwaukee in the NBA Cup Final. As that game didn’t impact regular-season standings, the Thunder’s official loss tally against Eastern Conference opposition stands at just one.
Conclusion: A Thunderous Statement
Whether the Thunder can carry their dominance into the postseason remains to be seen, but their performance against the East undoubtedly sends a strong message. A combination of ruthless offence, suffocating defence, and tactical consistency made Oklahoma City a nightmare for every Eastern opponent. This campaign will live on in the NBA annals as one of the greatest interconference runs ever seen.