How did OKC Thunder earn top playoff seed again? It's more than 'eating their vegetables'
The OKC Thunder has "grown and learned" during its journey to three straight No. 1 seeds in the Western Conference.
INGLEWOOD, CA — The young Thunder won games before it knew what it meant to be a winner. OKC went 57-25 during the 2023-24 regular season, which was good enough to earn the Western Conference's top seed. Far more victories than what those outside of the organization expected and, in all honestly, even a bit more than what those inside saw coming.
"I think we just stumbled into it because we cared for each other, we played the right way and we were talented," Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Those things alone will propel you in this league. " The wind was at the Thunder's back during those early days.
But that only lasts so long in Oklahoma City, a place that's susceptible to drastic shifts in direction. The Thunder was truly tested when the wind was in its face. When it overcame two Game 7s to win its first championship last season.
When it embarked on its title defense this season, battling various injuries in the process. More: OKC Thunder secures Western Conference No. 1 seed in NBA Playoffs with rout of Clippers That's when OKC really learned what it meant to be a winner, all while earning tangible wins along the way.
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