The Thunder were originally the Seattle SuperSonics, an NBA franchise from 1967 until 2008.¹⁾

The move to Oklahoma City in 2008 was controversial and resulted from failed arena negotiations in Seattle.²⁾

The Thunder played their first official game as an Oklahoma City team on October 29, 2008, against the Milwaukee Bucks.³⁾

The name “Thunder” reflects Oklahoma’s storm-prone weather and its military history with the 45th Infantry Division (Thunderbirds).⁴⁾

The Thunder play at the Paycom Center, formerly known as Chesapeake Energy Arena.⁵⁾

Their logo features a basketball shield, representing strength and energy—core values of the state.⁶⁾

Team colors are blue, orange, and yellow, representing the sky, sunset, and sun.⁷⁾

Thunder fans are known for their unwavering loyalty, even during rebuild seasons.⁸⁾

The upper deck at Paycom Center is nicknamed “Loud City” due to the intensity of fan support.⁹⁾

Kevin Durant won the NBA MVP in 2014 as a member of the Thunder.¹⁰⁾

Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons, starting in 2016–17.¹¹⁾

The Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2012, but lost to the Miami Heat.¹²⁾

The Thunder drafted Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden—all of whom went on to win MVPs.¹³⁾

The Thunder are widely respected for their drafting success, including Ibaka, Adams, and Giddey.¹⁴⁾

GM Sam Presti is regarded as one of the most strategic executives in basketball.¹⁵⁾

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became a 2023 NBA All-Star, emerging as the face of the franchise.¹⁶⁾

The young trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden was once dubbed “Thunder U”, short for “Thunder University.”¹⁷⁾

Rumble, their mascot, is a bison with a backstory involving a heroic storm rescue.¹⁸⁾

Rumble was named NBA Mascot of the Year in 2009, his debut season.¹⁹⁾

Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, is expected to be a defensive anchor and stretch big for years.²⁰⁾

The Thunder have accumulated more than 30 draft picks through trades since 2019.²¹⁾

OKC had a 26-point comeback victory over the Lakers on October 27, 2021.²²⁾

In several seasons, the Thunder had the youngest roster in the NBA, focused on development.²³⁾

Durant’s move to the Warriors created a heated Thunder-Warriors rivalry post-2016.²⁴⁾

The Thunder nearly beat the record-setting Warriors in the 2016 WCF, leading 3-1 before losing the series.²⁵⁾

OKC’s highest scoring game came in 2012 with 149 points vs. Minnesota.²⁶⁾

Their longest win streak is 12 games, achieved during the 2012–13 season.²⁷⁾

Thunder games are broadcast in over 200 countries, especially gaining fans in Australia and Canada.²⁸⁾

Steven Adams became a fan favorite for his toughness, humor, and Kiwi charm.²⁹⁾

Thunder players frequently win NBA Community Assist Awards for charity and outreach.³⁰⁾