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NBA·May 8, 2026 04:01 AM ET

Thunder ride 6-0 playoff start as title defense rolls on

OKC stays perfect behind SGA and Jalen Williams.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated May 81 min read
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Oklahoma City ThunderNBA
via espn

What happened: ESPN highlighted that the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder are 6-0 so far in the 2026 NBA playoffs, sweeping their first two series behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The post amplifies a run that has OKC entering the next round without a loss.

Why it matters: A 6-0 start matters because it preserves rest and home-court for a young core defending its first title, and it reinforces OKC as the price favorite the rest of the way. Physicality has been the storyline, with Lakers coach JJ Redick publicly flagging Oklahoma City's defensive aggression and officiating concerns after the series.

What to watch: Watch the Thunder's next series opponent and whether the officiating narrative from Redick draws a league response or shifts whistle patterns. Series price and championship odds should continue to compress if OKC opens the next round on serve.

Sources

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NBAAnalysisOklahoma City ThunderLos Angeles LakersShai Gilgeous-AlexanderJalen Williams
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