In the final minutes of their 135-86 victory against the Dallas Mavericks, the Thunder fans cheered for a team that has come a long way. Just two seasons ago, they won only 24 games, but now they have the best record in the Western Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 points in just one half of the game as the Thunder dominated against a short-handed Dallas team on Sunday, securing the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Although they finished with the same record as the Denver Nuggets (57-25), the Thunder earned the top spot due to a tiebreaker. This marks their first time finishing as the top seed since the 2012-13 season, and they haven’t been to the playoffs since the 2019-20 season.
The Thunder attributes their success to their focus on daily improvement, and they plan to continue this approach. “We know what has brought us this far,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We need to stick to it and trust the work we’ve put in. We’ve come this far for a reason.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault expressed pride in his team, especially considering they started the season as the third-youngest team in the league.
“We don’t take anything for granted,” he stated. “Being in the playoffs, being the top seed — that’s something we’re excited about. Now, we just need to seize the opportunity.” Daigneault mentioned that the team’s youth won’t be a factor anymore.
“When we wake up tomorrow for the playoffs, we’re starting fresh,” he emphasized. “What we’ve achieved so far doesn’t change that. But I have confidence because of the team’s performance and unity.”
Aaron Wiggins contributed 14 points, and Chet Holmgren grabbed 13 points and nine rebounds as the Thunder won their fifth consecutive game to end the regular season.
Entering the day, the Thunder, Nuggets, and Timberwolves were all tied for the best record in the Western Conference — a first in NBA history. Despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missing six games due to a bruised thigh, they secured the top seed.
The Thunder will wait for the conclusion of the Play-In Tournament to find out their first-round opponent.
NBA’s top scorer Luka Dončić and star player Kyrie Irving were both rested for the Mavericks, as Doncic had a sore ankle and Irving had a hamstring issue.
The Mavericks had already secured the No. 5 seed and were set to face the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. Brandon Williams scored 22 points, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper contributed 15 for the Mavericks.
The Thunder started strong, leading 11-0 as the Mavericks missed their initial four shots. By the end of the first quarter, the Thunder was ahead 39-22.
At halftime, the Thunder led 82-41, scoring their highest points total in a half this season. They were just one point shy of breaking their record for points in a half. The Thunder shot 60.4% from the field in the first half.
With the game in control, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren were rested at the beginning of the second half.
The Thunder reached the 100-point mark with 3:30 left in the third quarter, leading 101-49 after Bismack Biyombo’s free throws. The third quarter ended with the Thunder leading 108-57.
