The regular season is winding down for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and with just five games remaining, the focus is shifting toward the playoffs, but not before a few important games remain.
“Honestly, this season went by really fast,” Jalen Williams said. “I think everybody’s excited for the playoffs, but we’ve got to get through these next couple games first.”
Oklahoma City (61-16) enters Sunday’s matchup against Utah riding a four-game winning streak and having won 16 of its last 17 games. The Thunder also have a chance to win their 12th straight home game at Paycom Center.
Utah (21-57) arrives on an eight-game losing streak and has struggled down the stretch, going 3-19 since the All-Star break. Despite the record, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault cautioned against overlooking a young Jazz team playing with confidence.
“There’s a looseness to the way those teams play,” Daigneault said. “They play with a lot of confidence, no fear, and a lot of motivation. Cody’s playing great… Bailey’s a really good young player.”
The Jazz are expected to feature two key young players, including rookie Ace Bailey and Thunder forward Jalen Williams’ younger brother, Cody Williams.
The Thunder have dominated the season series overall, though Utah pushed Oklahoma City to overtime in their last meeting Jan. 7 at Paycom Center before the Thunder escaped with a 129-125 win. Oklahoma City also recorded two blowout victories in Salt Lake City earlier this season.
Sunday’s game also carries added significance in the Western Conference race. The Denver Nuggets defeated San Antonio 136-134 in overtime Saturday, snapping the Spurs’ 11-game winning streak and giving Oklahoma City a 2.5-game lead for the No. 1 seed in the West.
After Sunday’s game, the Thunder head back on the road for three key matchups against the Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets before closing the regular season.
With the playoffs approaching quickly, Oklahoma City is focused on finishing strong and securing home-court advantage throughout the postseason.