{"id":706612,"date":"2026-04-09T13:20:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:20:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/706612\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:20:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:20:02","slug":"okc-clinches-no-1-seed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/706612\/","title":{"rendered":"OKC clinches No. 1 seed"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

For the third straight season, the Western Conference Playoffs run through OKC.<\/p>\n

With their seventh straight win, the Thunder secured the West\u2019s No. 1 seed \u2013 again.<\/p>\n

\"Shai<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

April 9, 2026<\/p>\n

West Streaks: A first for Denver in the Joki\u0107 era, a third straight No. 1 seed for the defending champs<\/p>\n

More Heat: Cade\u2019s return sparks Pistons, Spida lifts Cavs over Hawks, Spurs win shorthanded<\/p>\n

Roundup: Magic make it four straight, Book boosts Suns to secure No. 7 seed<\/p>\n

Tonight On Prime: Tatum makes MSG return as C\u2019s visit Knicks, LeBron & Steph square off<\/p>\n

League Pass Spotlight: The offensive evolution fueling Houston\u2019s 7-game heater<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

A Prime Thursday\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

Six games tip off tonight, headlined by a monster doubleheader on Prime as the Knicks host the Celtics (7:30 ET<\/a> | Tap to Watch<\/a>), before the Lakers visit the Warriors (10 ET<\/a> | Tap to Watch<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Postseason Countdown: With five days until the SoFi Play-In Tournament, see the current Playoff Picture<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Chasing History Returns<\/a>: \u201cChasing History,\u201d the all-access series documenting the NBA Playoffs presented by Google and NBA Finals, is back for another season on the NBA App.<\/p>\n

1. WEST STREAKS: NUGGETS MAKE IT 10, THUNDER CLINCH TOP SEED<\/p>\n

\"Nikola<\/p>\n

Denver\u2019s longest win streak of the Nikola Joki\u0107 era has come at the perfect time.<\/p>\n

Twenty-two days ago, the Nuggets were 6th in the West. Ten straight wins later, they\u2019ve emerged with a 1.5-game lead for 3rd.<\/p>\n

Nuggets 136, Grizzlies 119: Down four at the half, Joki\u0107 (14 pts, 16 reb, 10 ast) and Jamal Murray (26 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast) ignited a 39-22 3rd quarter for Denver, which took a double-digit lead and never looked back for its 10th straight win. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Golden Stretch: It\u2019s the Nuggets\u2019 longest win streak since 2013. During the run, Joki\u0107 (25.2 pts, 12.7 ast) and Murray (27.6 pts, 7.1 ast) have combined for 52.8 pts and 19.8 ast per game
\nConstant Creator: That includes seven triple-doubles from Joki\u0107 amid the streak, orchestrating the offense to the tune of 130.6 ppg
\nOffensive Barrage: That\u2019s the highest-scoring 10-game stretch of any team this season and Denver\u2019s highest-scoring 10-game stretch since 1990
\n\u201cDoing everything in our power to catch this wave,\u201d said Murray postgame. \u201cCatch this rhythm, and be ready for Playoffs.\u201d
\nFinal Stretch: With two games left on their schedule, the Nuggets (52-28) now hold a 1.5-game lead for 3rd over the Lakers and Rockets (both 50-29)<\/p>\n

\"Chet<\/p>\n

Juan Ocampo\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Three straight seasons. Three straight No. 1 seeds \u2013 and another win streak to go with it.<\/p>\n

Thunder 128, Clippers 110: Chet Holmgren was a monster on both ends<\/a> (30 pts, 14 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl, 4 blk), while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (20 pts, 11 ast) extended his record 20-point streak to 140 consecutive games as the Thunder never trailed after the opening minute for a seventh straight dub. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd12Top Dogs: With the win, the Thunder secure the West\u2019s top seed and the league\u2019s best record, a feat they\u2019ve now pulled off in back-to-back seasons
\n\u201cIt\u2019s extremely important,\u201d said Holmgren on securing the No. 1 seed. \u201cJust knowing that in the event of a Game 7, it\u2019s always gonna be at home. You can\u2019t underestimate how valuable that is \u2026 now, we got more to do.\u201d
\nSeeking 65: At 64-16, OKC is one win shy of the franchise\u2019s first-ever back-to-back 65+ win seasons
\nClips Stay Put: Kawhi Leonard (20 pts, 8 reb) led LA, which remains one game up on Portland for 8th<\/p>\n

2. MORE HEAT: CADE RETURNS, CAVS EXTEND STREAK, SPURS STAY ROLLING<\/p>\n

\"Cade<\/p>\n

The East\u2019s No. 1 seed got its All-Star guard back Wednesday, and its offense felt the boost.<\/p>\n

Pistons 137, Bucks 111: In his first action in 11 games, Cade Cunningham (13 pts, 5 reb) dished 10 assists to help get six other Pistons into double figures, while Jalen Duren (21 pts, 9 reb) and Duncan Robinson (20 pts) pushed Detroit to its 4th-highest scoring game of the season. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

On The Gas: Detroit dropped a 75-point 1st half and won the 2nd and 3rd quarters 78-52, building to a 31-point 4th quarter lead
\n\u201cI think I learned a lot, watching the team grow the way they did,\u201d Cunningham said of his recovery time. \u201cBut I\u2019m glad I\u2019m back.\u201d
\nBucks\u2019 Best: Jericho Sims (11 pts, 11 reb, 10 ast) logged a triple-double for Milwaukee, while Ryan Rollins (23 pts, 6 ast) led all scorers
\nTwenty Years Later: The Pistons can reach 60 wins for the first time since 2005-06 if they win out against the Hornets (Friday) and Pacers (Sunday)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In a top-5 East duel, the league\u2019s top 2nd-half scorer did what he does best.<\/p>\n

Cavaliers 122, Hawks 116: After not taking a shot for the first eight minutes, Donovan Mitchell took over, turning in 31 points, 7 boards and 4 dimes<\/a>, while Evan Mobley dominated inside (22 pts, 19 reb, 3 blk), rallying the Cavs past Nickeil Alexander-Walker (25 pts) and the Hawks. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Spida Swing: With Cleveland down seven at the half, Mitchell scored 13 in the 3rd as the Cavs went on a 44-20 run to seize control
\nClutch Close: Cleveland never trailed again, with Mitchell scoring the game\u2019s final four points to stave off a late Atlanta push \u2013 securing the Cavs\u2019 fourth straight win
\n\u201cIt\u2019s very tough to beat a team like this,\u201d said Mitchell of Atlanta, which had won 18 of its last 21 games entering Wednesday. \u201cThis was a Playoff-like atmosphere in a Playoff-like game.\u201d
\nEast Race: Cleveland moves just a half-game back of 3rd-place New York, while Atlanta \u2013 which has now dropped two straight \u2013 sits a half-game up on Toronto for 5th<\/p>\n

\"Keldon<\/p>\n

Ronald Cortes\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

San Antonio\u2019s pursuit of the West\u2019s No. 1 seed may have ended, but its scorching play continued, even without Victor Wembanyama (rib) and Stephon Castle (knee).<\/p>\n

Spurs 112, Blazers 101: De\u2019Aaron Fox (25 pts, 5 reb, 7 ast) scored 10 points in the opening 5:13, and just over 4 minutes later, San Antonio took the lead for good, getting past Portland despite Deni Avdija\u2019s game-high 29 points. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Separate Strengths: Keldon Johnson\u2019s 20 points off the bench helped the Spurs win the reserves battle 48-10, as the Blazers got 91 of 101 points from five starters in double figures
\nSilver Spurs: Now 29-3 since Feb. 1, San Antonio is locked into the No. 2 seed in the West in its first Playoff appearance since 2019
\n8th On The Line: The Blazers (9th) remain one game back of the 8th-place Clippers, who they meet on Friday in Portland (10 ET, League Pass)<\/p>\n

3. ROUNDUP: MAGIC MAKING THEIR MOVE, SUNS LOCK IN 7-SEED
\n\"Paolo<\/p>\n

Rich Storry + Barry Gossage\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

In a four-team race for the East\u2019s final Playoff spot, Orlando is clicking at the right time.<\/p>\n

Magic 132, Wolves 120: After seven 1st-half lead changes, Orlando took control from half to horn, with Paolo Banchero (20 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast) leading seven Magic players in double figures in a fourth straight win. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Terrence Tunes Up: Terrence Shannon Jr. (5 reb, 5 3s, 1 poster<\/a>) led all scorers with a career-high 33 points for a shorthanded Wolves team that falls 3.5 games behind the 5th-place Rockets
\nIt\u2019s Go Time: Orlando has climbed to 7th during its four-game win streak, now a half-game behind Toronto for the final guaranteed Playoff spot<\/p>\n

Suns 112, Mavericks 107: Devin Booker was on one, dropping 37 points and 9 dimes<\/a> while Dillon Brooks scored 28, as Phoenix staved off Cooper Flagg (11 pts, 11 reb, 6 ast) and Dallas to lock in the West\u2019s No. 7 seed. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Book Balling: It\u2019s Booker\u2019s third straight 30-piece and his fifth in his last six games<\/p>\n

\"Standings\"\/<\/p>\n

4. TONIGHT ON PRIME: TATUM, C\u2019S RETURN TO MSG, STEPH & LEBRON DUEL<\/p>\n

\"Jayson<\/p>\n

Madison Square Garden is a storied arena, rich with basketball history.<\/p>\n

For Jayson Tatum, it carries another meaning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew at some point I would have to get over that hurdle and play there again,\u201d Tatum said. \u201cSo, it\u2019s going to have to be this Thursday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tonight (7:30 ET, Prime), he returns to MSG for the first time since his season-ending Achilles injury, as the Celtics visit the Knicks. With a win, Boston can secure the East\u2019s No. 2 seed.<\/p>\n

All-Star Form: The Celtics are 13-2 this season with Tatum in the lineup, and recently, he\u2019s leveled up, averaging 25.3 pts, 10.7 reb and 7.3 ast over his last six games \u2013 all of which have resulted in wins
\nAll Together: As Tatum prepares to take another step \u2013 back onto the MSG floor \u2013 his longest-tenured teammate, Jaylen Brown, will be right there with him
\n\u201cThat\u2019s what teammates are there for,\u201d said Brown on Tatum\u2019s return to MSG. \u201cWe got his back, so we go out there and do what we got to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Jaylen<\/p>\n

Adam Glanzman\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The Test: Like Tatum and the C\u2019s, the Knicks are heating up, too. They\u2019ve won three in a row to maintain a one-game edge on the Cavaliers for the No. 3 seed.<\/p>\n

Captain Clutch, Again: Jalen Brunson, the reigning Kia Clutch Player of the Year, scored 17 of his 30 points in the 4th quarter to beat the Hawks on Monday, 108-105
\n\u201cThings aren\u2019t going to be perfect all the time,\u201d said Brunson after the win on his late-game heroics. \u201cBut you trust your work and find a way.\u201d
\nAnother Key Duel: Now, Brunson and the Knicks \u2013 who sent Boston home last season \u2013 will aim to knock off another top-5 East squad, with the streaking Cavs on their heels<\/p>\n

\"LeBron<\/p>\n

Adam Pantozzi\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

A pair of modern legends are prepared to battle out West, as the Warriors host the Lakers (10 ET, Prime) for the fourth time in 2025-26.<\/p>\n

Because for the first time this season,\u00a0LeBron James and Steph Curry are set to go head-to-head.<\/p>\n

Legendary History: This will be the 28th regular-season meeting between the multi-time NBA champions. James holds a slight edge, 14-13, all-time
\nKing vs. Chef: James has averaged 30.2 pts, 9.1 reb and 7.3 ast in those matchups, while Curry\u2019s posted 24.9 pts, 6.5 ast and 3.7 triples per game
\n\u201cWhat makes Steph one of the most dangerous players of all time is the fact that you\u2019re going to get (scored on) in so many different ways,\u201d James said<\/p>\n

Golden State has locked up the No. 10 seed as it prepares for the Play-In, while Los Angeles sits in 4th, looking to get back in the win column after three losses.<\/p>\n

5. LEAGUE PASS SPOTLIGHT: ROCKETS SEEK 8TH STRAIGHT WIN VS. SIXERS
\n\"Kevin<\/p>\n

Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Tied with the Lakers at 50-29 are the red-hot Rockets, who look to extend their season-long win streak to eight games tonight as they host the Sixers on League Pass<\/a> (8 ET).<\/p>\n

Houston\u2019s surge isn\u2019t just coming at a critical time \u2013 with Playoff seeding and homecourt advantage on the line \u2013 it\u2019s a sign of something deeper: a team finding its offensive identity.<\/p>\n

Amid their 7-0 run, the Rockets posted six straight games of 30+ assists, their longest such streak since 1986. And while that run ended in Tuesday\u2019s win over Phoenix (26 assists), the blueprint behind it remains, writes The Athletic\u2019s William Guillory:<\/p>\n

The Rockets have tweaked their offense and found a spark that has them playing their best basketball.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re playing fast. They\u2019re playing with physicality. They\u2019re playing with confidence. And, most importantly, they\u2019re playing together. | Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

League Pass features three more games, including the Raptors and Heat meeting for the second time in three days (7 ET) after Toronto\u2019s Tuesday win pushed it to 6th in the East.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Bulls visit the Wizards (7 ET), while the Nets host the Pacers (7:30 ET).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For the third straight season, the Western Conference Playoffs run through OKC. With their seventh straight win, the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":706613,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3783],"tags":[19484,88434,7,762,6,253,88435,310,475,179,3966,3965,86761,312],"class_list":{"0":"post-706612","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-oklahoma-city-thunder","8":"tag-19484","9":"tag-april-9","10":"tag-basketball","11":"tag-jamal-murray","12":"tag-nba","13":"tag-nikola-jokic","14":"tag-nuggets-10-game-win-streak","15":"tag-oklahoma","16":"tag-oklahoma-city","17":"tag-oklahoma-city-thunder","18":"tag-oklahomacity","19":"tag-oklahomacitythunder","20":"tag-starting-5-newsletter","21":"tag-thunder"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/116374959763268965","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/706612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=706612"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/706612\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/706613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=706612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=706612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=706612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}