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The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers with 60 wins, the most in the NBA this season.
Throughout the year, the defending champions have relied upon their defense, leading the league in defensive rating (106.3).
The Thunder also rank fourth in steals per game (9.6), with excellent perimeter defenders like Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to name a few.
Wallace has been especially impressive, averaging two steals per game, tied with Ausar Thompson and Tyrese Maxey for the league lead.
Having played the most games of the trio, Wallace leads the league with 144 steals.
Given the strength of his campaign, many expect the third-year forward to earn First Team All-Defense honors.
Ahead of Thursday's game, Wallace spoke to the media about that possibility.
“It would mean a lot. It’s nothing that you chase. But with putting together good games defensively, it would be nice to have.”
With six games remaining, Oklahoma City will continue to rely upon their defense to hold off the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
San Antonio trails the Thunder by two games, having won 10 in a row.
Following Thursday's game, the Thunder will finish the regular season with games against the Jazz, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets and Suns.
San Antonio's schedule is a bit more favorable with games against the Clippers, Nuggets, 76ers, Trail Blazers and Mavericks.
Either way, regardless of seeding, Oklahoma City will be regarded as one of the favorites when the postseason begins.
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