The Athletic NBA Daily Thunder clinch playoffs + Drafting tanking teams
Mar 18, 2026
Recap of the Thunder locking up a playoff spot and a 40-point star performance. Discussion of Minnesota managing without a key scorer and rotation shifts. Breakdown of remaining seeding races and which bubble games matter most. A mock draft-style ranking of tanking teams and which franchises have the clearest path to contention.
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Thunder's Depth Powers Another 65+ Win Pace
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are sustaining elite wins even while missing key rotation players.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 and the Thunder won 113-108 in Orlando despite limited minutes from Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Shai's Clutch Performances Boost MVP Case
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP resume is building through consistent clutch production even in tough games.
- Dave and Esfandiar emphasize his ability to hit big shots and lead wins, adding to season accolades.
Back-to-Back 65 Win Seasons Are Historic
- Winning 65-plus games in consecutive seasons is extremely rare and signals historical-level regular-season dominance.
- Dave DuFour cites comparisons to the Warriors (2014–17) and Michael Jordan's Bulls (mid-90s) as the only recent precedents.