The Oklahoma City Thunder’s race to the top of the Western Conference has been fruitful.
Currently standing as the No. 1 seed by half a game above the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, the Thunder has cemented itself as a top championship contender in the NBA. Led by superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the top seed status has given him a great opportunity to win the MVP award.
It’s one of the quickest turnarounds for a team in recent memory, going from a Play-In Tournament team that just missed the playoffs to a top seed eyeing the prize of the Larry O’Brien Trophy. It’s a bit of a shock to many considering the age of most of Oklahoma City’s talent, but it hasn’t stopped them from defeating most of their opponents.
Though as exciting as attaining the No. 1 seed is, it may not be necessary in the grand scheme of the playoff picture.
The current Play-In picture consists of the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, all in order. All four of these teams have stars at the helm with longtime playoff experience, which the Thunder clearly lack.
It’s not to say the experience will completely hold Oklahoma City from defeating any of these teams, but it’ll pose a serious threat to play the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry or Luka Doncic in a seven-game first round series.
On paper the most favorable opponent is probably the Warriors, but any of the Play-In teams will be tough to beat. And if Golden State continues to play the way it is now, getting out of the tournament won’t be likely.
Getting the No. 1 or No. 2 seed ultimately will bring little difference in the matchup the Thunder will be faced with in the first round, even if the former looks better on paper. It’s debatable that the more favorable opponent would the Sacramento Kings at the No. 6 seed, which would slot it in third place.
If Oklahoma City holds possession of the No. 1 seed, it will be an astounding win for the franchise. It hasn’t held that honor since the 2013 season, which shows just how bright the future is.
But if the Thunder can’t hold on to the top seed for the rest of the season, it won’t affect its championship aspirations.
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