We are officially at a fever pitch here in Springfield. After the Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Lakers in a clean sweep, we sat down with NBA insider Brandon Rahbar to see if this team has what it takes to go back-to-back. Whether you’re cheering from a sports bar in Nixa or tuning in from Republic, the buzz around this I-44 rivalry is undeniable.

Taking Care of Business Against LeBron We asked Brandon about the locker room vibe after eliminating LeBron James and the storied Lakers franchise. To our surprise, it was “business as usual”. While there is immense respect for the greats, this Thunder squad is focused on the ultimate goal: another title. They aren’t just happy to be here; they expected to win.

The Evolution of the “Spindly” Superstar Our own Ned Reynolds pointed out that Chet Holmgren looked a bit “spindly” coming out of Gonzaga. Brandon confirmed that those days are long gone. Chet has added significant strength and layers to his offensive game, including a deadly mid-range jumper. Combined with Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder now possess a versatile “inside presence” that functions as a rim-protecting, playmaking hub.

The conversation turned toward a potential Western Conference Finals matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. Brandon didn’t hold back, suggesting this might be the “true” NBA Finals given the defensive dominance of both teams. While the Spurs took four out of five in the regular season, Brandon believes the Thunder’s “championship experience” and depth in the backcourt—featuring SGA, Alex Caruso, and Lou Dort—will be the deciding factor in a tight Game 7 scenario.

 As the Thunder wait for the winner of the Spurs-Timberwolves series, the question of “rust” looms large. They will have played only eight games in 41 days by the time the next round starts. We’ll be watching closely to see if the extra time off helps them heal or hinders their rhythm as they chase another ring for OKC.