Oklahoma City Narrowly Clinches Postseason Play With Dallas Loss

After a long, over successful season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, they finally clinched their spot in the Play-In Tournament. The trick with them clinching their spot is that they didn’t have to play a game to secure it. Instead, the Dallas Mavericks took a tough, close loss to the Chicago Bulls to end their season.

Now, the Thunder – with one remaining game on the season – are locked in at the tenth seed in the Western Conference. They will take on the ninth seed, whoever that may be, on April 12th.

Had the Mavericks won their game over the Bulls, the Thunder would have had to win their season finale at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, but they dodged that bullet, thanks to the Mavericks for waving the white flag early.

With a 39-42 record, the Thunder has a chance to reach the 40-win mark on the season, which is far ahead of their preseason projections from any outlet. If they take down the Grizzlies in their regular season finale to reach the 40-win mark, that will be the icing on the cake for an already-impressive season from the Thunder.

Looking at the Play-In Tournament, the Thunder don’t yet know who their opponent will be. That doesn't entirely matter, though, as the Thunder’s play style is so unique.

Whether the Thunder win or lose their first game of the Play-In, the season is still a success. To reach this period, considering the situation they’ve been dealt all season, is incredibly impressive for one of the youngest teams in NBA history. A loss in either Play-In game or the first round would give the Thunder a sour taste in their mouth that they can cleanse next season when they bring back Chet Holmgren and company.

For the Thunder to get their feet wet with these important games this early in their rebuild is immensely valuable moving forward. Even with a win in their first Play-In game, the Thunder would have to take on the loser of the seventh and eighth seed matchup. So, they're essentially two win-or-go-home games away from the playoffs, where they could eventually take on the Denver Nuggets.

Not to mention, this builds onto Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s All-NBA resume and Jalen Williams’ Rookie of the Year resume. It’s a great showing of the impact these young guys have and what they’ve got building moving forward.

The Thunder, in 15 years of existence, has made the postseason in 11 of those seasons, which is incredibly good for a small market team that struggles to land big name free agents.

Again, they wrap up their regular season on Sunday at home against the Grizzlies. Then, after a few day break, will play in their first Play-In game, and potentially last.

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