What happened
ESPN highlighted Oklahoma City's 6-0 start to the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with the reigning champions dispatching opponents behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The Thunder have yet to drop a postseason game as their title defense gathers momentum.
Why it matters
A clean sweep through the early rounds reinforces OKC as the team to beat and shortens their championship odds. The run validates the core that won last year's title and underscores how physical, two-way play is travelling in the postseason — a theme echoed by Lakers coach JJ Redick's comments on the Thunder's pressure.
What to watch
Watch whether OKC can sustain the unbeaten run into the next round and how opponents adjust to the Thunder's physicality. Gilgeous-Alexander's workload and any whistle disparity flagged by rival coaches are the storylines to track.