Table of Contents
Oklahoma City Thunder
A Seattle Start
The Thunder were originally the Seattle SuperSonics, an NBA franchise from 1967 until 2008.1)
Relocation Drama
The move to Oklahoma City in 2008 was controversial and resulted from failed arena negotiations in Seattle.2)
First OKC Game
The Thunder played their first official game as an Oklahoma City team on October 29, 2008, against the Milwaukee Bucks.3)
Name Meaning
The name “Thunder” reflects Oklahoma’s storm-prone weather and its military history with the 45th Infantry Division (Thunderbirds).4)
Home Arena
The Thunder play at the Paycom Center, formerly known as Chesapeake Energy Arena.5)
Logo Symbolism
Their logo features a basketball shield, representing strength and energy—core values of the state.6)
Color Identity
Team colors are blue, orange, and yellow, representing the sky, sunset, and sun.7)
Fan Base Loyalty
Thunder fans are known for their unwavering loyalty, even during rebuild seasons.8)
"Loud City" Nickname
The upper deck at Paycom Center is nicknamed “Loud City” due to the intensity of fan support.9)
Kevin Durant’s Impact
Kevin Durant won the NBA MVP in 2014 as a member of the Thunder.10)
Westbrook's Triple-Double Records
Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons, starting in 2016–17.11)
2012 NBA Finals Appearance
The Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2012, but lost to the Miami Heat.12)
Three MVPs, One Team
The Thunder drafted Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden—all of whom went on to win MVPs.13)
Draft Savvy
The Thunder are widely respected for their drafting success, including Ibaka, Adams, and Giddey.14)
Sam Presti’s Genius
GM Sam Presti is regarded as one of the most strategic executives in basketball.15)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became a 2023 NBA All-Star, emerging as the face of the franchise.16)
Thunder U
The young trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden was once dubbed “Thunder U”, short for “Thunder University.”17)
Mascot: Rumble the Bison
Rumble, their mascot, is a bison with a backstory involving a heroic storm rescue.18)
Mascot of the Year
Rumble was named NBA Mascot of the Year in 2009, his debut season.19)
Chet Holmgren Arrival
Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, is expected to be a defensive anchor and stretch big for years.20)
Record-Breaking Trade Haul
The Thunder have accumulated more than 30 draft picks through trades since 2019.21)
Biggest Comeback Win
OKC had a 26-point comeback victory over the Lakers on October 27, 2021.22)
Youngest NBA Team
In several seasons, the Thunder had the youngest roster in the NBA, focused on development.23)
Thunder vs. Warriors Rivalry
Durant’s move to the Warriors created a heated Thunder-Warriors rivalry post-2016.24)
The 73-9 Warriors Loss
The Thunder nearly beat the record-setting Warriors in the 2016 WCF, leading 3-1 before losing the series.25)
Highest Scoring Game
OKC’s highest scoring game came in 2012 with 149 points vs. Minnesota.26)
Longest Win Streak
Their longest win streak is 12 games, achieved during the 2012–13 season.27)
Global Appeal
Thunder games are broadcast in over 200 countries, especially gaining fans in Australia and Canada.28)
Steven Adams’ Cult Following
Steven Adams became a fan favorite for his toughness, humor, and Kiwi charm.29)
NBA Community Assist Awards
Thunder players frequently win NBA Community Assist Awards for charity and outreach.30)
Thunder Cares Program
The team’s Thunder Cares Foundation supports education, youth, and health programs in Oklahoma.31)
G-League Affiliate
Their G-League team is the Oklahoma City Blue, providing a farm system for talent.32)
"Thunderstruck" Movie
The team starred in a 2012 family film called “Thunderstruck”, featuring Kevin Durant.33)
Chris Paul's Surprise Season
Chris Paul led OKC to the playoffs in 2020, despite low preseason expectations.34)
Lou Dort’s Rise
Undrafted Lou Dort became a defensive stopper and playoff hero in 2020.35)
Historic Pick Haul
As of 2024, the Thunder had 15+ first-round picks secured through 2030.36)
Canadian Pipeline
Several Canadian players—SGA, Dort, Gilgeous-Alexander—have shaped the Thunder’s new core.37)
Josh Giddey’s Records
Josh Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.38)
Paul George Era
Paul George had a stellar MVP-caliber season in 2018–19 before being traded to the Clippers.39)
Respect in Small Markets
The Thunder are often cited as a model for small-market success in the NBA.40)
No Retired Jerseys (Yet)
As of 2025, the Thunder have not retired any jerseys, though Durant and Westbrook may be first.41)
Oklahoma’s Only Big Team
They are the only major professional sports franchise based in Oklahoma.42)
Custom Team Jet
The Thunder were the first NBA team to own a dedicated jet, enhancing player travel comfort.43)
First All-Star (as OKC)
Kevin Durant was the first All-Star representing OKC, selected in 2010.44)
Legacy in the Making
The Thunder are now seen as a future title contender, built through patience, youth, and smart strategy.45)