Thunder Clinch Western Conference Top Seed

Oklahoma City team secures best record in the NBA with win over Clippers.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:30am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, red, and yellow, representing the action and energy of a basketball game between two NBA teams.The Thunder's dominant regular season performance sets them up as the team to beat in the Western Conference playoffs.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the top seed in the Western Conference and the best overall record in the NBA after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 128-110 on Wednesday night.

Why it matters

Clinching the West's top seed gives the Thunder home-court advantage throughout the playoffs as they look to defend their NBA championship title from last season.

The details

The Thunder's victory over the Clippers was led by a dominant performance from their star player, who scored 35 points and dished out 12 assists. This win, coupled with losses by other top Western Conference contenders, solidifies Oklahoma City's position as the team to beat heading into the postseason.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that won the NBA championship last season.

Los Angeles Clippers

The NBA team based in Los Angeles, California that was defeated by the Thunder on Wednesday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a big win for us to lock up the top seed. Now we can focus on getting healthy and ready for the playoffs to defend our title.”

— Thunder Player, Player

What’s next

The Thunder will now turn their attention to the playoffs, where they will have home-court advantage throughout their quest to repeat as NBA champions.

The takeaway

The Oklahoma City Thunder have solidified their status as the team to beat in the Western Conference by clinching the top playoff seed. Their championship pedigree and home-court advantage make them the favorites to return to the NBA Finals.