LeBron James Declares Thunder NBA Title Favorites, But Nash Sees Flaws

The OKC Thunder have dominated the regular season, but Steve Nash believes they have some weaknesses that could be exposed in the playoffs.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:25pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting breaking down a basketball game into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of navy blue, orange, and white, capturing the strategic complexities of the Thunder's championship aspirations.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the strategic complexities and high-stakes intensity of the Thunder's quest for a second straight NBA title.Oklahoma City Today

NBA superstars LeBron James and Steve Nash discussed the Oklahoma City Thunder's chances of repeating as NBA champions on their podcast 'Mind The Game.' While James believes the Thunder are the clear favorites, Nash pointed out some potential flaws in their game, including inconsistent 3-point shooting and a lack of secondary playmaking outside of their star players.

Why it matters

The Thunder have been the NBA's most dominant team over the past few seasons, but as they enter the playoffs as the favorites, any weaknesses in their game could be exploited by their opponents. Nash's 'nitpicks' highlight areas the Thunder may need to address to secure a second straight title.

The details

The Thunder finished the regular season with the best record in the league at 64-18, including a 30-point blowout win over the Lakers in their final game. LeBron James believes the Thunder's consistent excellence and refusal to get complacent make them the clear title favorites. However, Steve Nash pointed to the team's 3-point shooting and secondary playmaking as potential issues. While Isiah Joe and Payton Sandfort have been strong 3-point shooters, the team as a whole has shot just 36.5% from deep. Nash also noted that players like Chet Holmgren have struggled with their outside shooting at times. Additionally, Nash feels the Thunder could use more playmaking outside of their stars, with J-Dub and Harteinstein being the team's main secondary facilitators.

  • The NBA Playoffs are set to begin in the coming weeks.

The players

LeBron James

A 4-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star, James is one of the greatest players of all time and currently hosts the 'Mind The Game' podcast.

Steve Nash

A 2-time NBA MVP and 8-time All-Star, Nash is a Hall of Fame point guard who now co-hosts the 'Mind The Game' podcast with LeBron James.

Chet Holmgren

A young star forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has struggled with his 3-point shooting at times this season.

Isiah Joe

A sharpshooting guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is shooting 42.3% from 3-point range this season.

Payton Sandfort

A forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is shooting 41.2% from 3-point range this season.

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What they’re saying

“They've shown the level of excellence over the last few years and playing at a high level and not getting complacent. It doesn't matter if they play on a team over 500 or a team under 500. They go out and play. It doesn't mean they've won every game, but they've won the majority of them. So you look at them as the team to beat, as the favorite, and rightfully so'.”

— LeBron James, Co-host, Mind The Game podcast

“I would say 3-point shooting comes and goes a little bit. Secondary playmaking at times. So that's why J-Dub's importance to them is hence, because the other real playmaker, Harteinstein, makes plays for them. Obviously, Chet and some of the other guys can make plays too. So, to me, sometimes, did they lose playmaking, and did they dry up from 3 a little bit?”

— Steve Nash, Co-host, Mind The Game podcast

What’s next

The NBA Playoffs will begin in the coming weeks, providing the first real test for the Thunder's championship aspirations. Their ability to address the weaknesses highlighted by Steve Nash could be the difference between repeating as champions or falling short.

The takeaway

While the Oklahoma City Thunder have been the NBA's most dominant team over the past few seasons, their path to a second straight championship may not be as smooth as some expect. LeBron James sees them as the clear favorites, but Steve Nash's 'nitpicks' on their 3-point shooting and secondary playmaking suggest they have some vulnerabilities that could be exposed in the playoffs.