Thunder First to Secure 2026 NBA Playoff Spot with Win Over Magic
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The Oklahoma City Thunder locked up the NBA’s first postseason berth of the 2025-26 campaign on Tuesday night, edging the Orlando Magic 113-108 on the road.
The victory stretched Oklahoma City’s winning streak to nine games and pushed its league-best record to 54-15 with 13 contests remaining. By reaching 54 wins, the Thunder are guaranteed no worse than sixth place in the Western Conference and a spot in the opening round.
The franchise has now qualified for the playoffs 13 times since 2010.
While the berth is secure, the top seed is still up for grabs. The San Antonio Spurs entered Tuesday at 50-20 before their matchup with Sacramento, keeping pressure on Oklahoma City for Western Conference supremacy. The Thunder are also nearing a division title, contingent on results from the Timberwolves and Nuggets later in the evening.
Oklahoma City opened the season at a blistering pace, winning 24 of its first 25 games. A 6-6 stretch followed, but a four-game run in late December and early January reignited momentum. The club added a five-game surge in mid-January, weathered a 10-8 spell, and has since reeled off nine straight.
Depth has proved critical. Starters Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein each missed extended time with injuries, yet the roster absorbed the absences without losing ground in the standings.
Source: Hoops Rumors
