Thunder Clinch Top Seed with Dominant Win Over Jazz

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their position as the top seed in the Western Conference with a convincing 145-111 victory over the Utah Jazz in their penultimate regular-season game on Friday night.

With this win, the Thunder improved their record to 67-14, matching a franchise record with 41 assists and recording their second-highest point total of the season. The Thunder opted to rest most of their regular rotation players, having already clinched the NBA’s best overall record.

Isaiah Joe showcased an impressive performance, hitting a career-high 10 three-pointers on 14 attempts and finishing the night with 32 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a game-best +33 plus-minus rating. Aaron Wiggins led all scorers with 35 points, shooting 14-for-24 from the field, and added seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Jaylin Williams achieved a triple-double in his third consecutive start, scoring 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting, alongside 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Kenrich Williams contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while Adam Flagler scored a career-best 17 points.

Ajay Mitchell made his return to action for the first time since January 3 due to a right big toe sprain. He recorded nine points, five assists, and one steal in limited minutes.

The Thunder started the game strong, with Wiggins sinking a corner three-pointer on their first possession, which set the tone for a high-scoring first quarter. Oklahoma City scored on eight of their first ten offensive possessions, drawing an early 22-12 lead that prompted Utah to call a timeout.

Despite the lead, the Jazz attempted to close the gap, with Keyonte George’s first points coming from a paint jumper. Utah’s rookie Kyle Filipowski kept the momentum going with a three-pointer to keep his team competitive in the first half.

As the game progressed, Wiggins continued to build on his scoring with multiple trips to the basket, reaching 19 points midway through the second quarter. The Thunder maintained a solid lead going into halftime, with Joe hitting two more threes in the final moments to end the half at 73-58.

The Thunder maintained their dominance in the third quarter, scoring 34 points. Jaylin Williams thrilled the crowd with an alley-oop slam, marking Oklahoma City’s entrance into triple digits as they led 107-86 heading into the final quarter.

Looking ahead, the Thunder will complete their regular season against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, April 13, at 2:30 p.m. CST.

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