OKC Thunder 3 takeaways: Sweeping OT classic in Portland

The OKC Thunder utilized their intense divisional rivalry with Portland to channel their defensive prowess and rediscover their identity in the process. In reflection, TI examines the three key takeaways from the victory.

The OKC Thunder should’ve brought their brooms to Portland as the team’s thrilling overtime victory led to a season sweep of the Blazers. It didn’t occur without a few moments of trepidation. but the Thunder looked much more like the team who was beasting through the Association prior to this mini-slump.

This wasn’t just a solid win to break out of the malaise the Thunder were mired in, it was essential to retain the third seed OKC have held the majority of this season. Entering the day the Thunder, Rockets, and Blazers were in a virtual three-way tie for third. Already owning the tiebreak over the Blazers it didn’t lessen the magnitude of the match given a loss would’ve pushed the Thunder into fifth.

The three-way tie loophole for Rockets:

As an interesting side note, if this trio finishes the season locked in a tie the Rockets would vault ahead of both the Thunder and Blazers. Even if the Thunder were to defeat Houston in their final meeting to claim the season series three games to one. Here’s why.

The NBA altered the playoff seeding format in 2015, which automatically awarded division champs a home court seed. With the change, wins became the primary seeding factor. In cases where teams tied season series winners get the nod. However, if a trio of teams is tied division placement serves as the tie-break.

Given the Rockets will likely win the Southwest Division while the Thunder and Blazers won’t catch the Denver Nuggets, Houston would get the nod.

Ultimately, the hope is OKC claim the seed without needing to worry about a three-way tie. Getting wins such as the thriller last night is what OKC need to focus their efforts on.

With that, let’s dive into the three key takeaways from the victory.