Oklahoma City Thunder Secure Top Spot in Western Conference

Thunder clinch No. 1 seed for third straight season with 64-16 record

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:37pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant blue, orange, and green, conveying the dynamic energy and unpredictability of the NBA playoffs.The Oklahoma City Thunder's third consecutive season as the Western Conference's top seed showcases the team's depth, talent, and strategic prowess in a league defined by parity.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the top seed in the Western Conference for the third consecutive season, finishing the regular season with a 64-16 record. Led by stars Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have maintained their dominance despite the challenges of a grueling NBA season.

Why it matters

The Thunder's consistent performance and ability to hold off the San Antonio Spurs for the top spot in the West showcases the team's depth, talent, and strategic prowess. Their success also highlights the league's parity, as any team can make a deep playoff run if they play their cards right.

The details

Holmgren's 30-point, 14-rebound performance against the Los Angeles Clippers and Gilgeous-Alexander's streak of 140 consecutive games with 20+ points demonstrate the team's star power. The battle for the eighth playoff spot in the West between the Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers also adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the postseason.

  • The Thunder finished the regular season with a 64-16 record.
  • This marks the third consecutive season the Thunder have claimed the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

The players

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder's star player, who averaged 30 points and 14 rebounds in the team's victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's other star player, who extended his streak of consecutive games with 20+ points to 140, a remarkable feat.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA team that has secured the top spot in the Western Conference for the third straight season.

San Antonio Spurs

The team that finished second in the Western Conference with a 63-18 record, narrowly missing out on the top seed.

Los Angeles Clippers

The team that is now facing a crucial match against the Portland Trail Blazers to determine the eighth playoff spot in the West.

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What’s next

The NBA playoffs are set to begin, with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder favored to make a deep run. The battle for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference between the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers will also be a key storyline to follow.

The takeaway

The Oklahoma City Thunder's top-seed finish is a testament to their consistent performance and the league's parity. The NBA playoffs promise to be a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and determination, with the Thunder favored to make a deep run but any team capable of pulling off an upset.