After an impressive run last season that saw them securing the fifth seed and go to seven games with Houston in the first round, it seems that Oklahoma City are still playing at a good level.

Heading to this season, the Thunder lost veteran star and the key factor for their success last season, Chris Paul, to Phoenix via trade.

They also lost veteran top-talent guys like Dennis Schröder, Steven Adams and Danilo Gallanari and changed their coach from Billy Donovan to Mark Daigneault.

Last season, the veteran guys along with the talented young guns like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort helped Oklahoma City overachieve despite having a mediocre team on paper.

This season, they added Al Horford, George Hill, Trevor Ariza and Justin Jackson. Obviously, they’re not on the level of the guys they replaced a season ago.

That’s why people are looking at the Thunder to be one of the worst teams in the league since their line-up is below mediocre. A composition of veteran and talented but inexperienced young guys with a first-time head coach leading the squad.

However, things aren’t looking too bad for this year’s squad.

With Gilgeous-Alexander undoubtedly leading the way, the Thunder are actually in the playoff picture in this early part of the season and actually have a better record than teams with dual stars like the Nets, Rockets, and Nuggets.

OKC are currently ninth in the West with a 5-5 record.

With zero prime All-Stars on the team, Oklahoma City is competing and beating some of the best teams in the league right now.

SGA, who’s been playing like an all-star and could be an all-star this season if he stays consistent, is leading the way in points and assists with averages of 21.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists in 47.9% shooting at the field.

Dort is right behind him with 12.4 points in 48.1% shooting at the field while Darius Bazley is proving his worth as combo-forward as he’s almost averaging a double-double with 11.2 points and 8.3 rebounds.

So far, it’s looking like OKC is once again in position to possibly shut down the doubters again and surprise everyone with another playoff run despite not having an All-Star on the team.

Things are looking good for the Thunder squad; the question is for how long?

Do you OKC can continue their stellar performance? Do you think SGA will be an all-star? Sound off in the comment section.