OKC Clinches Top Seed, Denver Wins 10th Straight in NBA 2026

Chet Holmgren's big game helps Thunder secure No. 1 spot, while Nuggets' Jokić and Murray lead 10-game win streak.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with players and the court fragmented into overlapping planes of vibrant colors.The NBA's top teams showcase their talent and determination as the playoffs approach, with each game a kaleidoscope of strategic movements and athletic prowess.Denver Today

The 2026 NBA season is heating up as the playoffs approach, with several key storylines emerging across the league. The Oklahoma City Thunder have clinched the top seed in the Western Conference for the third straight year, led by Chet Holmgren's dominant performance against the Clippers. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have won 10 consecutive games, their longest streak since the Nikola Jokić era began, thanks to the stellar play of Jokić and Jamal Murray. In the East, the Detroit Pistons are on the cusp of a 60-win season with the return of All-Star Cade Cunningham, while the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to surge behind Donovan Mitchell. The playoff races in both conferences are intensifying, with the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs making strong pushes for postseason berths.

Why it matters

The Western Conference has been a fierce battleground this season, with multiple teams vying for the top spots. The Thunder's ability to maintain their winning ways and secure the No. 1 seed, despite facing tough competition, showcases their depth and talent. The Nuggets' offensive explosion during their 10-game win streak is a testament to the team's resilience and the continued dominance of Jokić and Murray. In the East, the Pistons and Cavaliers are emerging as powerhouses, while the Magic and Spurs are making late-season surges to secure playoff spots, adding to the excitement of the postseason race.

The details

The Oklahoma City Thunder have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the third consecutive season, solidifying their dominance in the West. Chet Holmgren's standout performance against the Clippers, with 30 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks, highlights the team's depth and talent. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have won 10 straight games, their longest streak since the Nikola Jokić era began. Jokić and Jamal Murray have been leading the charge, combining for over 50 points and nearly 20 assists per game during this stretch. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons are on the cusp of reaching 60 wins for the first time since the 2005-06 season, thanks in part to the return of All-Star guard Cade Cunningham. The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell, have also been on a roll, securing a four-game winning streak that showcases their resilience and playoff-caliber intensity.

  • The Oklahoma City Thunder have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the third consecutive season.
  • The Denver Nuggets have won 10 consecutive games, their longest streak since the Nikola Jokić era began.
  • The Detroit Pistons are on the cusp of reaching 60 wins for the first time since the 2005-06 season.
  • The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured a four-game winning streak, showcasing their resilience and playoff-caliber intensity.

The players

Chet Holmgren

A rising star for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Holmgren had a dominant performance against the Clippers with 30 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks, helping the team clinch the top seed in the Western Conference.

Nikola Jokić

The star center for the Denver Nuggets, Jokić has been leading his team's 10-game winning streak, combining with Jamal Murray for over 50 points and nearly 20 assists per game during this stretch.

Jamal Murray

The talented guard for the Denver Nuggets, Murray has been instrumental in the team's 10-game winning streak, teaming up with Nikola Jokić to power the Nuggets' offense.

Cade Cunningham

The All-Star guard for the Detroit Pistons, Cunningham's return to the lineup has given the team a much-needed boost, helping them move closer to a 60-win season.

Donovan Mitchell

The star player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mitchell has been leading his team's four-game winning streak, showcasing the Cavs' resilience and playoff-caliber intensity.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same intensity and focus that has brought us this far. Securing the top seed is an accomplishment, but our work is not done.”

— Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder Player

“This 10-game win streak is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Nikola and I are just trying to do our part to keep this momentum going.”

— Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets Player

What’s next

The Oklahoma City Thunder will look to maintain their top seed and continue their dominant play as they prepare for the playoffs. The Denver Nuggets will aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the Western Conference standings. The Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers will look to carry their late-season surges into the postseason, while the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs will fight to secure their playoff spots.

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA season has been a showcase of talent, resilience, and intense competition. The Thunder's ability to clinch the top seed, the Nuggets' offensive explosion, and the emergence of teams like the Pistons and Cavaliers in the East have added to the excitement of the playoff race. As the regular season winds down, the stage is set for an thrilling postseason filled with high-stakes matchups and the potential for unexpected outcomes.