SPORTS

Thunder clinch top seed in win over Clippers

PUBLISHED Apr 9, 2026, 1:46 AM ET

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Inglewood, Calif. — The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the NBA's best regular-season record with a 128-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, as Chet Holmgren scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points and 11 assists. The win moved the Thunder to 64-16, securing home-court advantage throughout the postseason and the West's No.1 seed for the third consecutive season; the Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard (20) and Brook Lopez (16), must win remaining games, including a Friday trip to Portland, to improve their standing.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Early season: teams built records and momentum heading into final regular-season stretch.
February onward: Oklahoma City won 19 of 20 games, including a seven-game streak.
Wednesday night: Thunder defeated Clippers 128-110 in Inglewood, clinching best regular-season record.
Postgame: Thunder stood at 64-16, securing home-court advantage and the West's No.1 seed.
Upcoming: Clippers travel to Portland on Friday and must win remaining contests to alter seeding.

News Intelligence

If you're a Thunder fan, it's time to celebrate. The team's top seed means home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Even if you're not, this could shake up your NBA bracket predictions. Check your local listings for game times.

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Who Benefited

The Oklahoma City Thunder benefited most by clinching the NBA's best regular-season record (64-16), securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs and earning the West's No. 1 seed for the third consecutive season.

Who Impacted

The Los Angeles Clippers face increased pressure to win remaining regular-season games to secure the eighth seed or face the play-in tournament, jeopardizing their streak of consecutive winning seasons and postseason positioning.

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