Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander become the Oklahoma City Thunder's third NBA Most Valuable Player, joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook? We'll figure out the answers in the months to come, but here's how The Oklahoman sports staff predicts the 2024-25 season will go for the Thunder and the rest of the NBA: More: How OKC Thunder roster construction was built to protect the king: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander More: OKC Thunder bold predictions: What will Chet Holmgren,

It was a commanding 102-87 win led by Chet Holmgren and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who both had superb stat lines. Barkley was especially excited about the Thunder because he boldly declared that OKC will win the championship this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, Chet Holmgren added 25 as part of a stellar all-around performance and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets.