NBA Power Rankings: Thunder Eye Historic Win Record, Suns and Grizzlies Struggling, Knicks on the Rise

Only two NBA teams have ever reached 70 wins in a single season: the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors and the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. The Oklahoma City Thunder are on track to join this elite group, potentially making history and capping off what has been an unforgettable campaign.

However, to reach 70 wins, the Thunder must win their next six games against the Rockets, Lakers (twice), Suns, Jazz, and Pelicans. Assuming the last two are easier wins, even with potential player rest, it will largely depend on the upcoming four games. While OKC players and staff will claim that 70 wins don’t matter without a championship, it undoubtedly holds significance, just as the Warriors breaking the Bulls’ single-season record did.

The Thunder are in top form, riding an 11-game winning streak that has nearly guaranteed them the best record in the NBA and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Chasing 70 wins could serve to sharpen their competitive edge as the regular season winds down, preventing a lack of motivation in these final games.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns are both struggling, each on a four-game losing streak at a critical point in the season. The Grizzlies have slid down the playoff rankings, now facing the Play-In after spending most of the season in the top three. The Suns, however, find themselves in an even worse spot, dropping to 11th place and out of the playoff picture entirely. Their hopes of making a comeback are dimmed further by Kevin Durant’s ankle injury, which will keep him out for at least the remainder of the week.

With the regular season concluding next Sunday, many positions are still up for grabs. Here’s a look at the latest NBA Power Rankings as the season reaches its thrilling final stretch.