OKC locks up No. 1 seed, joins elite company
Why it matters: The Oklahoma City Thunder join an exclusive group of six teams with a three-season streak as a top playoff seed.
- Oklahoma City Thunder secured the NBA's best record and top overall seed with a 128-110 road win against the LA Clippers.
- The Thunder became only the sixth team since the 1983-84 season to achieve a three-season streak as a top playoff seed, a group that includes the 1984-88 Boston Celtics, 1984-90 Los Angeles Lakers, 1996-98 Chicago Bulls, 2008-10 Lakers, and 2015-17 Golden State Warriors.
- Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who contributed 20 points and 11 assists in the clinching game, emphasized that while impressive, this achievement is merely a step in the right direction, acknowledging that ultimate success hinges on winning the championship.
- Oklahoma City is now attempting to become only the fifth team in NBA history to win the championship in back-to-back seasons while also holding the league's best record, a feat last accomplished by Michael Jordan's Bulls in 1995-96 and 1996-97.
- The Thunder overcame significant injuries, including All-NBA forward Jalen Williams being limited to 33 games, and a strong challenge from the San Antonio Spurs, to clinch the top seed, finishing 19-1 since Gilgeous-Alexander's return from an abdominal strain on February 27.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have clinched the NBA's top overall seed for the third consecutive season, joining an elite historical group of only six teams since 1983-84 to achieve such a streak. This accomplishment, highlighted by their 128-110 win over the LA Clippers, places them in the company of dynasties like the Bulls and Warriors, all of whom won multiple championships during their respective streaks.
