The Oklahoma City Thunder have already established their dominance in the NBA by winning their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. The young team, including Chet Holmgren, embraces the challenge of competing against strong opponents but has little excitement about facing teams that are deliberately tanking.

The Thunder are now preparing to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA season opener. However, ahead of the game, Holmgren made it clear that competing against tanking teams does not bring any excitement.

“You don't get extra excited to play a tanking team in December,” Holmgren said via Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “A lot of times you're like, ‘F—. Why don't we just get a f—ing night off instead of having to play [this team].

“But when you play against teams that you know you have to bring your best against, I'd definitely say that's like, I'll use your words, you relish the games, you have to bring your best against.”

After enduring several difficult rebuilding seasons, Oklahoma City has transformed itself into a championship-caliber team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a talented supporting cast.

What makes the Thunder's rise particularly remarkable is that they did not depend on signing multiple established superstars to build a championship contender. Instead, they and building a competitive roster.

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This Thunder team has the talent and depth to compete for another title. Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Jalen Williams form the foundation of Oklahoma City's championship ambitions.

Last season, the Thunder came close to defending their NBA championship and winning back-to-back titles before the Spurs ended their hopes in the Western Conference finals.

However, Oklahoma City is now looking to secure the NBA's best regular-season record for the third consecutive year while continuing its pursuit of another championship.