OKC Thunder Earn Top Playoff Seed Again

Young team's success goes beyond just 'eating their vegetables'

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:48pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of the Thunder's team colors of blue, orange, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The Oklahoma City Thunder's unexpected rise to the top of the Western Conference standings showcases their young team's chemistry and talent.Inglewood Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder, a young team, surprised many by earning the Western Conference's top playoff seed in the 2023-24 season with a 57-25 record. The team's success goes beyond just playing the right way, as they also have a strong sense of camaraderie and talent.

Why it matters

The Thunder's unexpected success at the top of the Western Conference standings defies typical narratives about young teams needing time to develop. Their ability to earn the conference's top seed suggests the team has found a winning formula beyond just developing their skills.

The details

The Thunder, led by their young core, exceeded external expectations by going 57-25 during the 2023-24 regular season. This performance was good enough to earn them the Western Conference's top playoff seed, a result that surprised many observers who didn't anticipate the team would be this successful this soon.

  • The Thunder went 57-25 during the 2023-24 regular season.

The players

Oklahoma City Thunder

A professional basketball team in the NBA's Western Conference.

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The takeaway

The Thunder's unexpected success at the top of the Western Conference standings suggests the team has found a winning formula that goes beyond just developing their skills, including a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork.