Thunder Clinch No. 1 Seed with 141-106 Win Over Hornets

The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to five games with a commanding 141-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, clinching the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the second consecutive season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, returning from a brief absence. Oklahoma City's depth was on display as eight players scored in double figures, despite the absence of starters Lu Dort and Jalen Williams. The Thunder dominated the game, leading by as much as 35 points and outscoring the Hornets 64-26 in the paint. Charlotte, missing key players LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams, struggled to keep pace, managing to narrow the lead to just 10 points early in the third quarter before Oklahoma City's decisive 18-0 run sealed the game. The Thunder's next challenge will be against the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Hornets will face the Miami Heat.