The Bulls seemed poised to take down the Thunder last night, holding a solid 88-80 lead late in the third quarter. Chicago was relentless in attacking the basket, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was struggling to find his rhythm. But just when it seemed like the reigning champs were on the ropes, Oklahoma City flipped the script, launching a stunning 32-4 run to secure a comeback victory.
This win nudged the Thunder to an impressive 58-16 record, keeping them just ahead of the Spurs in the race for the top seed. With San Antonio only two games behind and holding the tiebreaker, Oklahoma City needs to clinch seven of their last eight games to lock down that coveted spot.
Every Spurs loss gives the Thunder a bit more breathing room, but with Victor Wembanyama leading a red-hot San Antonio squad that’s won 23 of their last 25, Oklahoma City faces a tough challenge. The Thunder’s remaining schedule is the league’s toughest, featuring a daunting back-to-back against New York and Detroit.
Securing the number one seed would not only bolster Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP chances but also ensure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Thunder thrived at home during their championship run, posting an 11-2 record compared to a 5-5 mark on the road, with players often praising the electric atmosphere at Paycom Center.
However, if San Antonio edges out the Thunder for the top spot, there’s a potential upside for Oklahoma City as the second seed. According to projections, Los Angeles is heavily favored to snag the third seed, with Luka Doncic and his team holding a tiebreaker advantage over both the Nuggets and Timberwolves. Houston, meanwhile, is projected to finish sixth.
This scenario sets up a likely first-round clash between the Lakers and Rockets. If Oklahoma City drops to the second seed, they’d face the winner of that matchup in the second round. Considering that San Antonio, Denver, and Minnesota are the most formidable threats in the West, having them on the opposite side of the bracket could be a strategic boon for the Thunder.
While a series against the Lakers or Rockets wouldn’t be a walk in the park, Oklahoma City could capitalize on Los Angeles’ defensive vulnerabilities and Houston’s offensive inconsistencies. This path might just be the smoother route to the Western Conference Finals, sidestepping a potential second-round showdown with Denver or Minnesota.