THUNDER, CAVALIERS & THE RACE TO 60 WINS
The Thunder and Cavs have led their respective conferences for months:
- Cleveland has sat atop the East since Oct. 30 (4 months, 20 days)
- OKC has held 1st in the West since Nov. 25 (3 months, 25 days)
But they always had each other to measure themselves against. From their two head-to-head matchups in January (which they split) to being the first to 40 and 50 wins, the first to clinch a Playoff berth and the first to clinch the top seed in their conference.
One race that is still in play: which team will finish with the top record in the NBA and have home-court advantage throughout the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google.
After Friday night, the Thunder (58 wins) have a two-game lead on the Cavs (56 wins) as they moved within two wins of their first 60-win season in OKC history.
Coach Finch on facing the Thunder:
"It's so frustrating to play this team because they foul a ton... They foul all the time. And then you can't really touch Shai. It's a very frustrating thing."
“I have a great deal of respect for Russell and there is no way to adequately describe our appreciation for what he has meant to Oklahomans. His legacy here is immense, and he will be honored by the team for all he has done. “
-Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett
“Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the OKC Thunder. He has left an indelible mark on this team, city and state.” -GM Sam Presti
Sam Presti on Russell Westbrook, “Russell Westbrook is the most important player in the brief history of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has left an indelible mark on this team, city and state.”