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oklahoma_city_thunder [2025/06/26 07:25]
eziothekilla34
oklahoma_city_thunder [2025/06/30 01:01] (current)
eziothekilla34
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 GM Sam Presti is regarded as one of the most strategic executives in basketball.[([[https://www.oklahomahof.com/hof/inductees/sam-presti|oklahomahof]])] GM Sam Presti is regarded as one of the most strategic executives in basketball.[([[https://www.oklahomahof.com/hof/inductees/sam-presti|oklahomahof]])]
 +
 +===== Shai Gilgeous-Alexander =====
 +
 +Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became a 2023 NBA All-Star, emerging as the face of the franchise.[([[https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/06/24/gilgeous-alexander-poised-for-global-stardom-as-emerging-face-of-the-league/|sportsbusinessjournal]])]
 +
 +===== Thunder U =====
 +
 +The young trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden was once dubbed "Thunder U", short for "Thunder University."[([[https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/cer346/was_the_durant_harden_westbrook_trio_the_greatest/|reddit]])]
 +
 +===== Mascot: Rumble the Bison =====
 +
 +Rumble, their mascot, is a bison with a backstory involving a heroic storm rescue.[([[https://www.nba.com/thunder/rumble|nba]])]
 +
 +===== Mascot of the Year =====
 +
 +Rumble was named NBA Mascot of the Year in 2009, his debut season.[([[https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-je-skeets/introducing-thunders-mascot-rumble--nba.html|yahoo]])]
 +
 +===== Chet Holmgren Arrival =====
 +
 +Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in 2022, is expected to be a defensive anchor and stretch big for years.[([[https://mavsdraft.com/chet-holmgren-scouting-report/|mavsdraft]])]
 +
 +===== Record-Breaking Trade Haul =====
 +
 +The Thunder have accumulated more than 30 draft picks through trades since 2019.[([[https://sports.yahoo.com/updated-okc-thunder-draft-pick-004202679.html|yahoo]])]
 +
 +===== Biggest Comeback Win =====
 +
 +OKC had a 26-point comeback victory over the Lakers on October 27, 2021.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401359885/lakers-thunder|espn]])]
 +
 +===== Youngest NBA Team =====
 +
 +In several seasons, the Thunder had the youngest roster in the NBA, focused on development.[([[https://c2csport.com.au/blogs/news/the-thunder-makes-under-70-years-history-of-being-the-second-youngest-nba-champions?srsltid=AfmBOooyy0nb8Ywy3k76YtikUyK1-xFoZUtGPRDPdLR3q2JErV_BruI-|c2csport]])]
 +
 +===== Thunder vs. Warriors Rivalry =====
 +
 +Durant’s move to the Warriors created a heated Thunder-Warriors rivalry post-2016.[([[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/04/kevin-durant-golden-state-warriors-oklahoma-city-thunder-nba-free-agency|theguardian]])]
 +
 +===== The 73-9 Warriors Loss =====
 +
 +The Thunder nearly beat the record-setting Warriors in the 2016 WCF, leading 3-1 before losing the series.[([[https://www.quora.com/Why-did-the-Oklahoma-City-Thunder-lose-the-Western-Conference-Finals-despite-being-up-3-1|quora]])]
 +
 +===== Highest Scoring Game =====
 +
 +OKC’s highest scoring game came in 2012 with 149 points vs. Minnesota.[([[https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1kuotnf/game_thread_oklahoma_city_thunder_20_minnesota/|reddit]])]
 +
 +===== Longest Win Streak =====
 +
 +Their longest win streak is 12 games, achieved during the 2012–13 season.[([[https://www.landofbasketball.com/teams/stats/winning_streaks_thunder.htm|landofbasketball]])]
 +
 +===== Global Appeal =====
 +
 +Thunder games are broadcast in over 200 countries, especially gaining fans in Australia and Canada.[([[https://www.nba.com/thunder/tunein|nba]])]
 +
 +===== Steven Adams’ Cult Following =====
 +
 +Steven Adams became a fan favorite for his toughness, humor, and Kiwi charm.[([[https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/steven-adams-quarter-season-review|foxsports]])]
 +
 +===== NBA Community Assist Awards =====
 +
 +Thunder players frequently win NBA Community Assist Awards for charity and outreach.[([[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12915795/russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-wins-nba-cares-community-assist-award|espn]])]
 +
 +===== Thunder Cares Program =====
 +
 +The team’s Thunder Cares Foundation supports education, youth, and health programs in Oklahoma.[([[https://okcsports.weebly.com/thunder-cares.html|okcsports]])]
 +
 +===== G-League Affiliate =====
 +
 +Their G-League team is the Oklahoma City Blue, providing a farm system for talent.[([[https://oklahomacity.gleague.nba.com/|oklahomacity]])]
 +
 +===== "Thunderstruck" Movie =====
 +
 +The team starred in a 2012 family film called "Thunderstruck", featuring Kevin Durant.[([[https://www.news9.com/story/5e34f10ce0c96e774b3629f7/hollywood-movie-featuring-kevin-durant-to-be-filmed-in-okc|news9]])]
 +
 +===== Chris Paul's Surprise Season =====
 +
 +Chris Paul led OKC to the playoffs in 2020, despite low preseason expectations.[([[https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/columns/2020/08/06/0-2-chris-paul-hasnt-forgotten-okc-thunders-long-preseason-playoff-odds/60388583007/|oklahoman]])]
 +
 +===== Lou Dort’s Rise =====
 +
 +Undrafted Lou Dort became a defensive stopper and playoff hero in 2020.[([[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6399927/2025/06/04/nba-finals-2025-thunder-pacers-caruso-dort-wallace/|nytimes]])]
 +
 +===== Historic Pick Haul =====
 +
 +As of 2024, the Thunder had 15+ first-round picks secured through 2030.[([[https://fadeawayworld.net/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/oklahoma-city-thunder-currently-32-nba-draft-picks-until-2031|fadeawayworld]])]
 +
 +===== Canadian Pipeline =====
 +
 +Several Canadian players—SGA, Dort, Gilgeous-Alexander—have shaped the Thunder’s new core.[([[https://sports.yahoo.com/article/thunder-shai-gilgeous-alexander-other-164752470.html|yahoo]])]
 +
 +===== Josh Giddey’s Records =====
 +
 +Josh Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.[([[https://www.olympics.com/en/news/oklahoma-city-rookie-josh-giddey-nba-history|olympics]])]
 +
 +===== Paul George Era =====
 +
 +Paul George had a stellar MVP-caliber season in 2018–19 before being traded to the Clippers.[([[https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/3-reasons-paul-george-mvp-caliber-season|sportskeeda]])]
 +
 +===== Respect in Small Markets =====
 +
 +The Thunder are often cited as a model for small-market success in the NBA.[([[https://www.forbes.com/sites/giovannimalloy/2025/06/26/small-market-nba-teams-win-more-with-less/|forbes]])]
 +
 +===== No Retired Jerseys (Yet) =====
 +
 +As of 2025, the Thunder have not retired any jerseys, though Durant and Westbrook may be first.[([[https://sports.yahoo.com/okc-thunder-quotes-kevin-durant-211513995.html|yahoo]])]
 +
 +===== Oklahoma’s Only Big Team =====
 +
 +They are the only major professional sports franchise based in Oklahoma.[([[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6403692/2025/06/04/nba-final-small-market-connection-fans/|nytimes]])]
 +
 +===== Custom Team Jet =====
 +
 +The Thunder were the first NBA team to own a dedicated jet, enhancing player travel comfort.[([[https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/oklahoma-city-thunder|ebsco]])]
 +
 +===== First All-Star (as OKC) =====
 +
 +Kevin Durant was the first All-Star representing OKC, selected in 2010.[([[https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2010/01/29/its-no-joke-kevin-durants-an-all-star/61295690007/|oklahoman]])]
 +
 +===== Legacy in the Making =====
 +
 +The Thunder are now seen as a future title contender, built through patience, youth, and smart strategy.[([[https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/23/oklahoma-city-thunder-nba-finals|theguardian]])]
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oklahoma_city_thunder.1750940755.txt.gz · Last modified: 2025/06/26 07:25 by eziothekilla34