Breaking: Serge Ibaka Confident Durant-Westbrook OKC Duo Could Have Delivered “At Least Two” Championships

The Oklahoma City Thunder of the early 2010s remain one of the NBA’s most fascinating “what if” stories, and former Thunder forward Serge Ibaka has reignited the debate. In a recent interview, Ibaka boldly declared that if Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook had stayed together in Oklahoma City, the team would have won “at least two championships.”

His comments have sparked renewed conversations among fans and analysts about the potential of that young Thunder core, which also featured James Harden during its early years. Although the team achieved significant success, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2012, they ultimately fell short of capturing a title before the core split up. Ibaka’s reflections serve as both a testament to the talent that once existed in Oklahoma City and a reminder of the fine margins that separate potential dynasties from missed opportunities.

Ibaka’s Bold Statement on OKC’s Untapped Legacy

During the discussion, Ibaka didn’t mince words regarding his belief in the Durant-Westbrook partnership.

This confidence is not unfounded. Between 2010 and 2016, the Thunder were a consistent Western Conference powerhouse, making multiple deep playoff runs. They famously reached the 2012 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Despite the loss, many saw OKC’s youth and talent as a sign of future dominance.

However, the path to a dynasty was derailed by injuries, roster changes, and ultimately Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, effectively ending that era of Thunder basketball.

The Rise and Sudden Shift of the Thunder

The Thunder’s journey began with a core of Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka that quickly developed into one of the league’s most exciting teams. After relocating from Seattle in 2008, the young franchise steadily improved, culminating in their 2012 Finals appearance.

• 2010-11 Season: OKC emerged as a legitimate threat, with Durant winning the scoring title and the team reaching the Western Conference Finals before losing to the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks.

• 2011-12 Season: Harden broke out as the sixth man, Westbrook elevated his play, and Ibaka became a defensive anchor. OKC stormed to the Finals, defeating the Spurs in the conference finals before falling to Miami in five games.

• Post-2012 Changes: Harden was traded to Houston for financial and roster flexibility reasons. While OKC remained competitive, the loss of Harden’s scoring and playmaking changed the team’s dynamic.

Despite Harden’s departure, Durant and Westbrook continued to dominate, and Ibaka played a crucial role as a rim protector and floor-spacer. Injuries, however, started to take their toll, and by 2016, the Thunder blew a 3–1 lead to the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals—a series that would become infamous after Durant’s decision to join Golden State just weeks later.

Why Ibaka Believes They Were Built to Win

Ibaka’s belief in OKC’s championship potential isn’t based on nostalgia alone. Statistically and stylistically, the Thunder had the pieces to compete with any team of that era.

1. Elite Star Power: Durant and Westbrook were perennial All-NBA selections in their prime. Few duos could match their scoring firepower and athleticism.

2. Defensive Backbone: Ibaka, nicknamed “Iblocka,” was a multiple-time All-Defensive Team selection and a shot-blocking leader, providing the rim protection needed for deep playoff runs.

3. Playoff Experience: By 2016, the core had years of postseason experience, including high-pressure series against the Spurs, Warriors, and Heat.

4. Evolving Chemistry: Ibaka hinted that the team was still growing and learning from each playoff disappointment, suggesting they were on the verge of breaking through.

Given the Thunder’s narrow losses—especially the 2016 Western Conference Finals—it’s easy to imagine an alternate reality where one or two key plays swing a series and result in a championship.

The Impact of Durant’s Departure

Durant’s move to Golden State is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal moments in modern NBA history. It not only altered OKC’s trajectory but also cemented the Warriors as a dynasty, leading to two championships in 2017 and 2018.

For Westbrook, the departure ushered in an MVP season in 2016-17, but it also signaled the end of serious title contention in Oklahoma City. Ibaka was traded to Orlando in 2016, and within a few years, the entire original core had moved on.

Ibaka’s comments serve as a bittersweet reminder for Thunder fans. The team had everything necessary to compete for championships, but timing, injuries, and free agency decisions prevented that vision from becoming reality.

Fans and Analysts React

The NBA community quickly reacted to Ibaka’s statement, with many agreeing that the Thunder were on the cusp of greatness. Some argue that with a few different decisions—such as keeping Harden or adding another veteran presence—the team could have formed a dynasty to rival the Spurs or Warriors.

Others, however, remain skeptical, pointing to the dominance of LeBron’s Heat, the emergence of the Warriors, and Westbrook’s high-risk playstyle as factors that might have prevented multiple championships.

Serge Ibaka’s bold claim underscores the lingering sentiment that Oklahoma City’s early 2010s squad was one of the greatest “what if” teams in NBA history. With three eventual MVPs on the roster at one point—Durant, Westbrook, and Harden—the franchise had assembled a homegrown core capable of historic success.

While championships eluded them, their impact on the league was undeniable. They provided fans with thrilling moments, shaped playoff narratives, and influenced future team-building strategies.