Oklahoma City Thunder clinch NBA No 1 seed with win over LA Clippers
Defending champions the Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the best regular-season record in the NBA and home-court advantage throughout the play-offs with a 128-110 victory over the LA Clippers.
Chet Holmgren dominated the contest in Inglewood, California, registering 30 points and 14 rebounds.
The towering centre was instrumental in establishing an early 25-point lead, scoring 24 of his points in the first half alone.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander supported the offensive effort with 20 points and 11 assists before resting in the fourth quarter.
That milestone extended the Canadian guard’s record-breaking streak to 141 consecutive games with at least 20 points.
Champions hit form at perfect time
Jalen Williams added 18 points as the title-holders improved their impressive overall season record to 64 wins and 16 losses.
The franchise have now won seven consecutive matches and 19 of their last 20 outings to fend off a late surge from the San Antonio Spurs.
This late-season momentum ensures they claim the Western Conference’s top overall position for a third successive campaign.
Their suffocating defence completely stifled the hosts, who failed to register a single fast-break field goal throughout the night.
Clippers face crucial Portland showdown
For the defeated Californian outfit, Kawhi Leonard scored 20 points to extend his own streak of 20-point games to 56.
The veteran forward also remains on track to reach the 65-game threshold required for end-of-season award consideration.
Brook Lopez contributed 16 points for the eighth-placed side, who had previously won seven of their last nine fixtures.
The Los Angeles team were without Darius Garland as they continue to manage his toe injury following a trade involving James Harden from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They must now travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday in a decisive battle for post-season positioning.
The victor is almost guaranteed to finish eighth, while the loser will drop to ninth and face a demanding path through the play-in tournament.