Thunder Clinch No. 1 Seed for Third Straight Year

Defending champions set to host playoff run from Oklahoma City

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:07am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game broken down into overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the Thunder's dominant position atop the Western Conference.The Thunder's relentless pursuit of a third straight NBA title will be on full display as they host the playoffs from Oklahoma City.Inglewood Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the No. 1 seed in the NBA playoffs for the third consecutive season, continuing their dominance as one of the league's top contenders for the championship.

Why it matters

The Thunder's consistent success at the top of the Western Conference standings has made them a perennial favorite to reach the NBA Finals, putting pressure on other top teams to unseat the defending champions.

The details

Oklahoma City's 54-28 record this season was enough to clinch the No. 1 seed in the West, giving them home-court advantage throughout the playoffs as they look to capture their second title in three years.

  • The Thunder secured the No. 1 seed on April 9, 2026.
  • Oklahoma City has now finished atop the Western Conference standings for the third straight season.

The players

Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA franchise based in Oklahoma City that has emerged as one of the league's powerhouses in recent years.

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What’s next

The Thunder will now await the results of the first round to see who they will face in the Western Conference semifinals as they aim to defend their NBA championship.

The takeaway

The Thunder's continued dominance at the top of the Western Conference standings cements their status as one of the NBA's elite teams, setting up another deep playoff run as they look to solidify their dynasty.