Tale of 2s: NBA's 2nd Youngest Squad Earns No. 2 Spot in Lastest CBS Power Rankings

The Oklahoma City Thunder aren't the youngest team in the NBA. 

That honor — though in most cases, it's more of an identifier than a positive distinction — belongs to the San Antonio Spurs, who have quickly become a must-watch team for Victor Wembanyama alone. Oklahoma City doesn't have a 7-foot-4 rookie, but it does have a 7-foot-1 star paired with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 

Chet Holmgren has made a strong case for Rookie of the Year honors, but it isn't just him that's made noise on the Thunder's young roster. So young, in fact, that it landed the No. 2 spot for youngest age in the NBA. But unlike the Spurs, Oklahoma City has found ample success on the court, having been able to translate team growth to the court. And because of that, it's also earned the No. 2 spot elsewhere: 

CBS Sports' latest NBA Power Rankings. 

The list, which includes all 30 franchises, was based off of each team's respective performances throughout the week, and given Oklahoma City's undefeated streak, it both earned a high ranking and high praise from the site. 

"What a week for the Thunder," CBS Sports began. "[Its] winning streak now sits at five following wins this week over the Spurs, Blazers and two against the Warriors. The offense has been ridiculous, averaging 125 points per 100 possessions this week, as Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the way."

So far this season, that's been the story. After posting impressive numbers during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Gilgeous-Alexander began to really garner attention across the league from many who hadn't previously been familiar with his skillset. 

The question of whether or not he was the best player in the world came up quite often, but while it was never officially resolved, the conversation shifted when the regular season came around: Could he truly lead a young squad to contend in the Western Conference? 

Safe to say, he's done so already this season, though adding Holmgren to the mix has certainly helped.

"Rookie Chet Holmgren had the breakout game of his young career," CBS Sports continued. "[He] put up 36 points and 10 rebounds in the overtime win over Golden State, including the turnaround, game-tying 3-pointer from the sideline as time expired in the fourth quarter." 

That was just one game, but Holmgren this season has already shown why his presence matters to the Thunder. Between his ability to create shots on offense to his impressive defense, Holmgren has and will continue to make waves on the floor. 

Between him, Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of Oklahoma City's role players, the Thunder are piecing together a strong season worth noting. It's been a tale of twos for them — second youngest, No. 2 in the West and now No. 2 in the power rankings. 

It just hopes it can continue to roll as the season progresses.

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