When fans talk about NBA rivalries, the LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder timeline stands out for its intensity, history, and unforgettable moments. These two teams have clashed many times over the years, often producing close, emotional, and high-scoring games. While they may not have a traditional long-standing rivalry like Celtics vs Lakers, their matchups have created a strong narrative—filled with rising stars, playoff tension, and shifting team dynamics.
This blog post explores their complete journey from the early 2000s to today, breaking down major games, key player matchups, playoff face-offs, and statistical insights. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just learning about this rivalry, you’ll get a clear and simple picture of how this NBA storyline has evolved year after year. Let’s dive into the story of LA Clippers and OKC Thunder—where every game tells a chapter.
Table of Contents
Historical Background of the Clippers-Thunder Rivalry
The LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder rivalry has roots that go beyond the court. It started when the Oklahoma City Thunder were formed in 2008 after the Seattle SuperSonics moved to OKC. The Clippers, meanwhile, had already been through their own changes, growing from a struggling franchise to a playoff contender in the 2010s. When the Thunder became a powerhouse team led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, the tension between these teams began to rise.
As both teams became playoff regulars in the 2010s, their meetings became more meaningful. Each team had a different style—OKC with aggressive fast breaks and youthful energy, and the Clippers with strong defense and stars like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Over the years, the rivalry picked up speed with on-court battles, off-court stories, and fan interactions that added even more excitement. Now, their matchups are must-watch games in the NBA calendar.
Head-to-Head Statistics: Clippers vs Thunder
The LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder head-to-head stats tell the story of a growing rivalry shaped by close contests and changing team fortunes. As of March 2025, the two teams have faced each other 235 times in total, with the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the series with 149 wins, while the Clippers have won 86. The Thunder dominated the early part of the rivalry during the Kevin Durant era, while the Clippers made strong comebacks during the “Lob City” years.
Their playoff battles and regular-season games are often closely fought. Despite their differences in roster over the years, both teams have managed to stay competitive. These stats also reflect shifts in team strategies, like OKC’s rebuilding seasons versus the Clippers’ superstar lineups with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Looking into the numbers gives us a clearer view of how balanced—and unpredictable—this rivalry has been.
| Game No. | Date | Home Team | Result | Score | Head-to-Head Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205 | Nov 11, 2016 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 108–110 | 74–132 |
| 206 | Dec 31, 2016 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 88–114 | 74–133 |
| 207 | Jan 16, 2017 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 120–98 | 75–133 |
| 208 | Nov 10, 2017 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 111–120 | 75–134 |
| 209 | Jan 4, 2018 | Los Angeles Clippers | L | 117–127 | 75–135 |
| 210 | Mar 16, 2018 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 113–121 | 75–136 |
| 211 | Oct 19, 2018 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 108–92 | 76–136 |
| 212 | Oct 30, 2018 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 110–128 | 76–137 |
| 213 | Dec 15, 2018 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 104–110 | 76–138 |
| 214 | Mar 8, 2019 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 118–110 | 77–138 |
| 215 | Nov 18, 2019 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 90–88 | 78–138 |
| 216 | Dec 22, 2019 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 112–118 | 78–139 |
| 217 | Mar 3, 2020 | Oklahoma City Thunder | W | 109–94 | 79–139 |
| 218 | Aug 14, 2020 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 107–103 OT | 80–139 |
| 219 | Jan 22, 2021 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 120–106 | 81–139 |
| 220 | Jan 24, 2021 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 108–100 | 82–139 |
| 221 | May 16, 2021 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 112–117 | 82–140 |
| 222 | Nov 1, 2021 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 99–94 | 83–140 |
| 223 | Dec 18, 2021 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 103–104 | 83–141 |
| 224 | Apr 10, 2022 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 138–88 | 84–141 |
| 225 | Oct 25, 2022 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 94–108 | 84–142 |
| 226 | Oct 27, 2022 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 110–118 | 84–143 |
| 227 | Mar 21, 2023 | Los Angeles Clippers | L | 100–101 | 84–144 |
| 228 | Mar 23, 2023 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 127–105 | 85–144 |
| 229 | Dec 21, 2023 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 115–134 | 85–145 |
| 230 | Jan 16, 2024 | Los Angeles Clippers | W | 128–117 | 86–145 |
| 231 | Feb 22, 2024 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 107–129 | 86–146 |
| 232 | Nov 2, 2024 | Los Angeles Clippers | L | 92–105 | 86–147 |
| 233 | Nov 11, 2024 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 128–134 | 86–148 |
| 234 | Jan 2, 2025 | Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 98–116 | 86–149 |
| 235 | Mar 23, 2025 | Los Angeles Clippers | L | 101–103 | 86–150 |
Key Moments in the Clippers vs Thunder Matchups
Some of the best moments in the LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder timeline happened in games that had huge playoff or emotional weight. One such moment came in the 2014 NBA Playoffs, when the Thunder defeated the Clippers in a dramatic 6-game series, with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant leading the charge. That series featured controversial referee decisions and last-minute heroics that still spark debates among fans.
Another unforgettable moment was in 2022, when the Clippers blew out the Thunder 138–88, marking their largest win ever in the rivalry. That game showed the volatility of both teams and how quickly momentum can change. More recently, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, once a Clipper, has haunted his former team with clutch performances, especially in their March 2025 game where he dropped 26 points in a 103–101 Thunder win. These games build the emotional memory of the rivalry.
Player Spotlights: Stars of the Clippers-Thunder Rivalry
Great rivalries are made better by great players. The LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder rivalry has seen elite talent on both sides. The Thunder had legends like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, while more recently Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has stepped up as a franchise cornerstone. Shai, a former Clipper, is now one of the top scorers in the league and often plays his best games against LA.
On the Clippers side, we’ve seen stars like Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan dominate in the past, while the current era belongs to Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. The duels between Kawhi and Shai, or Westbrook’s games against his former Thunder team, add layers to the rivalry. Each player brings a unique energy that fans remember, and their performances often decide the game’s outcome.
Playoff Encounters: High-Stakes Clippers vs Thunder Games
The only postseason clash between the two teams happened in the 2014 Western Conference Semifinals, a series still talked about today. The Thunder won 4–2, but the series was filled with drama. Game 5 was especially controversial, with a late foul call that helped OKC seal the win. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were sensational, while Chris Paul and Blake Griffin pushed the Clippers to their limit.
That playoff series shaped the identity of the rivalry, even if they haven’t met in the postseason since. Many fans believe that matchup set the tone for future bad blood between the franchises. Even today, those six games are revisited on YouTube and sports blogs. It remains one of the highest-rated playoff series of the 2010s and reminds us how intense a Clippers vs Thunder playoff rematch would be.
Season-by-Season Timeline: Clippers vs Thunder History
Looking at the Clippers vs Thunder season-by-season timeline, we can see how the rivalry developed year by year. During 2010–2015, the Thunder often had the upper hand, making deep playoff runs. Meanwhile, the Clippers were rising with their “Lob City” squad. In the late 2010s, both teams saw transitions—Durant left OKC, and the Clippers rebuilt their roster around Kawhi and PG.
By the 2020s, the balance shifted again. The Thunder, led by Shai and young talent like Chet Holmgren, started outperforming expectations. In the 2024–25 season, the Thunder swept the Clippers in four regular-season matchups. The Clippers, while still star-heavy, struggled with injuries and chemistry. This year-by-year evolution helps fans see how rivalries aren’t just about single games—they’re built over time.
Statistical Trends and Performance Analysis
Over time, the Clippers vs Thunder timeline has shown changing trends. For instance, the Thunder tend to win when they control pace and dominate rebounds, while the Clippers rely on perimeter shooting and strong bench scoring. Recent seasons show that OKC has improved in defense, especially with players like Lu Dort and Alex Caruso, while the Clippers’ aging core has struggled with consistency.
Also, home-court advantage plays a big role. The Thunder have a much better win percentage at home, where their young roster thrives on crowd energy. The Clippers, although talented, often underperform on the road against OKC. These trends aren’t just for stats lovers—they help predict future matchups and explain past results. Coaches and analysts both rely on these numbers to fine-tune strategy.
Fan Reactions and Culture Around the Rivalry
Fans play a big role in making this rivalry matter. When the Clippers play the Thunder, you can see it on social media—Twitter/X trends, meme wars, and debates light up. Clippers fans love to bring up the Lob City era, while Thunder fans proudly defend Shai’s MVP campaign and their rebuild success. The March 2025 game even featured Clippers fans chanting “flopper” at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during free throws, which went viral.
These fan battles aren’t always negative; they’re also full of pride and passion. Both franchises have strong local support—LA with its celebrity courtside scene, and OKC with loyal die-hards who pack Paycom Center every night. Rivalries become legendary not just because of players, but because fans feel connected to every win and loss. That’s why every Clippers vs Thunder game feels like more than just another NBA night.
What’s Next in the LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder Rivalry?
Looking ahead, the future of the Clippers vs Thunder rivalry seems to favor Oklahoma City. The Thunder finished the 2024–25 season with the best record in the Western Conference (68–14), and Shai is playing like a future MVP. With rising stars like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, OKC’s future looks bright. If they continue this form, we might see another playoff meeting soon.
The Clippers, on the other hand, need to rethink their approach. With Kawhi, PG, and Harden aging or facing injuries, a rebuild or retool might be coming. But rivalries can surprise you. A trade, a coaching change, or a breakout star can shift the momentum quickly. One thing is certain—when these two meet again, fans will be watching, remembering the history, and hoping for another classic game.
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Conclusion: A Rivalry Still Growing
The LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder timeline shows us that rivalries aren’t born overnight. They are built game by game, moment by moment, year after year. From blowouts to buzzer-beaters, from playoff heartbreaks to regular-season sweeps—this matchup has seen it all. It’s more than just a stat sheet. It’s about pride, legacy, and fierce competition.
Whether you cheer for LA or OKC, one thing is clear: this rivalry is far from over. With new stars rising and old ones fading, we’re entering a new chapter. And as long as these two teams keep meeting, the story of Clippers vs Thunder will keep growing—louder, prouder, and more intense with each passing season.
5 Short FAQs
1. Who leads the Clippers vs Thunder rivalry?
Oklahoma City Thunder leads the series with 149 wins to the Clippers’ 86.
2. What’s the biggest win in this matchup?
The Clippers won 138–88 in 2022, their largest margin ever.
3. Who are the top players in this rivalry?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul.
4. Have they met in the playoffs?
Yes, once in 2014. The Thunder won the series 4–2.
5. Which team has a brighter future?
Right now, OKC is on the rise with young stars and strong depth.
