Last month, I witnessed something remarkable in Oklahoma City as the Thunder dominated the Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals. It wasn’t even a contest—the Thunder outclassed their opponents on both ends of the court.

Under the tactical genius of Coach Mark Daigneault, the Thunder deployed 6’5” Alex Caruso to defend against the towering 6’11” Nikola Jokić, and to everyone’s surprise, it worked wonders. Jokić appeared frustrated and unable to assert his usual dominance, while teammates Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein provided effective support. The Thunder defense moved cohesively, nullifying Denver’s rhythm completely.

Following that game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned the title of league MVP, leaving Jokić in his wake—a well-deserved accolade after his stellar performance.

The Thunder’s defensive prowess was on full display again in the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In a pivotal Game 5 win that propelled them to the NBA finals, their defense was once again the cornerstone of success. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards aptly described their defense as "one string, 15 puppets on one string.” That’s the essence of what has propelled this team throughout the season.

As I revel in the resurgence of this Thunder team, I can't help but reminisce about the team I played for back in 2010. The current squad is gaining momentum as they prepare for the NBA finals against the Indiana Pacers, starting Thursday, and they're the youngest team to reach this stage since that Thunder roster made their finals run in 2012. I am convinced—had the original core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka remained together, multiple championships would have been theirs.

Back when I was part of that 2010 team, we were a bunch of young guns under Coach Scott Brooks. It was James Harden's rookie year, and I still remember him greeting me with a heartfelt handshake, reminiscencing about my college days at Syracuse. That moment made me realize I was the veteran amongst these rising stars.

Throughout that season, fellow veterans like Kevin Ollie and Nick Collison often found ourselves astounded by the raw talent and potential of the younger players.

It all began with Kevin Durant. At that time, he was not only the youngest leading scorer in the league but also an embodiment of unmatched work ethic. I vividly recall a post-practice drill where KD faced off against an invisible opponent, showcasing a fierce determination that felt akin to a championship battle.

Even after the practice session ended, KD was still grinding away, drenched in sweat—proving that when the star player leads with such intensity, the rest of the team naturally follows suit. This level of commitment sparked a relentless work ethic within every player.

Harden quickly adapted to this environment, diligently improving every day and learning from KD's discipline. Just as Russell Westbrook played with unyielding ferocity, picking up full court, he embodied a determination that resonated among teammates. Mentored by Maurice Cheeks, Westbrook’s hunger for improvement was palpable.

We also had Jeff Green—an exceptionally skilled player often overshadowed but integral to our success. His work ethic was fierce, and his versatility on the court made him a valuable asset.

Ibaka, though raw, absorbed everything he could from his teammates, learning the nuances of their games and adapting to their rigorous standards.

Let’s be clear: I'm not blaming anyone for the breakup of our dynasty-in-the-making. This Thunder team could have achieved legendary status, and the memories of what could have been will linger as one of the greatest what-ifs in NBA history.

Today’s Oklahoma City Thunder echoes that historical talent, and they stand on the brink of achieving what the past team could not. With the NBA finals approaching, they have the opportunity to carve their names into history—this time, they might just finish what they started.