The Oklahoma City Thunder have been in a bit of a tailspin after their historic start. That's why it's actually not entirely shocking that it took them going to overtime to take care of the Utah Jazz. By so doing, the Thunder ensured the Jazz are well within reach of preventing Utah from giving Oklahoma City their pick.
This dead horse has been beaten into oblivion, but nights like last night loom quite large for what the Jazz want to do. Even if the Thunder had lost, they still have a sizable (though shortening) lead on the Western Conference for the No. 1 seed. So one could argue that it was in their best interest to lose to the Jazz to help their chances of getting a lottery pick (especially knowing their history).
It almost seemed like the Thunder were aware of this. This game looked very much like it was within the Jazz's grasp and like it was the Jazz's to lose. If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hadn't hit the regulation buzzer-beater, their losing streak would not have reached five games.
By doing so, the Jazz are No. 6 in the tank rankings, which, if they keep that or go even higher, are in excellent shape to keep their pick.
What would have happened if the Jazz had won?
As far as tanking goes, this game would not have been good for the Jazz to win, and not just because of the implications it would have for the chances of giving the Thunder their pick. Several of Utah's tanking competitors also lost tonight, even the ones who don't want to tank.
Across the board, the Nets, Wizards, Hornets, Pelicans, and Clippers, all lost their games. If the Jazz had won, they would have tied with the Clippers for No. 8 in the tanking race. Granted, being there isn't the worst fate for them, but it would have definitely pushed them out of their comfort zone,.
There's still plenty of season left, but winning on nights like last night definitely get remembered if things don't go Utah's way in the lottery. They've already dealt with that last year, though they miraculously ended up with Ace Bailey regardless. Still, winning games like these get remembered when things go wrong.
The Thunder and Jazz will face each other for the last time on April 5. By then, everyone will know where the Thunder stand in their quest to get the No. 1 seed and where the Jazz's tank stands. If it's as close then as it is now, it may just be the most important tanking game of the season.