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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2012}} | |||
{{For|the minor league American football team|Oklahoma Thunder}} | {{For|the minor league American football team|Oklahoma Thunder}} | ||
{{Infobox NBA team | {{Infobox NBA team | ||
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'''Oklahoma City Thunder''' <br /> 2008–present | '''Oklahoma City Thunder''' <br /> 2008–present | ||
| arena = ] | | arena = ] | ||
| city = ], |
| city = ] | ||
| colors = Blue, Orange, Yellow, Dark Blue <br /> {{color box|#1C91FF}} {{color box|#FF291F}} {{color box|#FFB517}} {{color box|#002675}} | | colors = Blue, Orange, Yellow, Dark Blue <br /> {{color box|#1C91FF}} {{color box|#FF291F}} {{color box|#FFB517}} {{color box|#002675}} | ||
| coach = ] | | coach = ] | ||
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}} | }} | ||
The '''Oklahoma City Thunder''' are a professional |
The '''Oklahoma City Thunder''' are a professional basketball franchise based in ]. They play in the ] of the ] in the ] (NBA);<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsok.com/article/3232776/1208751773 |title=Thunder will stay in division |author=Darnell Mayberry |publisher=The Oklahoman |date=2008-04-21 |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> their home court is at ].<ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://www.koco.com/news/16785490/detail.html |title=City Preparing Ford Center For NBA Team |publisher= |
| url = http://www.koco.com/news/16785490/detail.html |title=City Preparing Ford Center For NBA Team |publisher=The Oklahoman |date=2008-07-03 |accessdate=2008-07-04}}</ref> | ||
The Thunder's ] affiliate is the ], who are owned by the Thunder.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://newsok.com/okcs-nba-franchise-buys-tulsas-d-league-team/article/3277505/?tm=1217566194 |title=OKC's NBA franchise buys Tulsa's d-league team |publisher=NewsOK |date=2008-08-01 |accessdate=2008-08-01 }}</ref> The Thunder are the only team in the ] located in the state of Oklahoma. | The Thunder's ] affiliate is the ], who are owned by the Thunder.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://newsok.com/okcs-nba-franchise-buys-tulsas-d-league-team/article/3277505/?tm=1217566194 |title=OKC's NBA franchise buys Tulsa's d-league team |publisher=NewsOK |date=2008-08-01 |accessdate=2008-08-01 }}</ref> The Thunder are the only team in the ] located in the state of Oklahoma. | ||
Formerly the ], the team ] after a dispute between owner ] and lawmakers in ], ]. The SuperSonics qualified for the ] 22 times, won their division six times and won the ]. In Oklahoma City, the Thunder qualified for their first playoff berth during the 2009–10 season. They followed this success by winning their first division title as the Thunder in the 2010–11 season and their first Western Conference championship as the Thunder in the |
Formerly the ], the team ] after a dispute between owner ] and lawmakers in ], ]. The SuperSonics qualified for the ] 22 times, won their division six times and won the ]. In Oklahoma City, the Thunder qualified for their first playoff berth during the 2009–10 season. They followed this success by winning their first division title as the Thunder in the 2010–11 season and their first Western Conference championship as the Thunder in the 2011–12 season, appearing in the ] for the fourth time in franchise history and first since ], when the club was based in Seattle. | ||
==Franchise history== | ==Franchise history== | ||
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|first=Greg |last=Johns}}</ref> | |first=Greg |last=Johns}}</ref> | ||
In June 2008, a lawsuit between the City of Seattle and Bennett regarding Bennett's attempts to break the final two years of the Sonics' lease at KeyArena went to federal court, and nearly a month later the two sides reached an agreement to settle. The terms awarded the city $45 million to get out of the remaining lease at KeyArena, and could provide an additional $30 million payment to Seattle in 2013 if certain conditions are met. The owners agreed to leave the SuperSonics name, logo and colors in Seattle for a possible future NBA franchise;<ref name="themove">{{cite web |publisher=ESPN |
In June 2008, a lawsuit between the City of Seattle and Bennett regarding Bennett's attempts to break the final two years of the Sonics' lease at KeyArena went to federal court, and nearly a month later the two sides reached an agreement to settle. The terms awarded the city $45 million to get out of the remaining lease at KeyArena, and could provide an additional $30 million payment to Seattle in 2013 if certain conditions are met. The owners agreed to leave the SuperSonics name, logo and colors in Seattle for a possible future NBA franchise;<ref name="themove">{{cite web |publisher=ESPN |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3471503 |title=SuperSonics, Seattle reach last-minute settlement |accessdate=2008-07-02}}</ref> however, the items would remain the property of the Oklahoma City team along with other "assets," including championship banners and trophies.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2008035531_soni06.html |title=Seattle and Oklahoma City will share the Sonics' franchise history |date=2008-07-06 |accessdate=2008-07-06 | work=The Seattle Times | first=Percy | last=Allen}}</ref> On September 3, 2008, the team name, logo, and colors for the Oklahoma City franchise were announced as a blue,white, and gold yellow jersey. | ||
===2008–09: Inaugural season=== | ===2008–09: Inaugural season=== | ||
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The Thunder participated in the ] featuring their second-year players, potential free agents and rookies. The players wore generic black and white jerseys reading "OKC-NBA" against an outline of a basketball. The Thunder's temporary practice facility was the ] at ], which had been used by the New Orleans Hornets when they relocated to Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina.<ref></ref> | The Thunder participated in the ] featuring their second-year players, potential free agents and rookies. The players wore generic black and white jerseys reading "OKC-NBA" against an outline of a basketball. The Thunder's temporary practice facility was the ] at ], which had been used by the New Orleans Hornets when they relocated to Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina.<ref></ref> | ||
The Thunder played several preseason games before the 2008–2009 regular season, but only one of those games was in Oklahoma City. The Thunder made their first appearance in ], ] on October 8, 2008 in an 88–82 preseason loss against the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/10/09/sports/local/18-wolves.txt |title=T'Wolves Play Spoiler |first=Phil |last=Sites |publisher=] |date=2008-10-08 |
The Thunder played several preseason games before the 2008–2009 regular season, but only one of those games was in Oklahoma City. The Thunder made their first appearance in ] on October 8, 2008 in an 88–82 preseason loss against the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/10/09/sports/local/18-wolves.txt |title=T'Wolves Play Spoiler |first=Phil |last=Sites |publisher=] |date=2008-10-08 }}</ref> The Thunder played their first Ford Center game on October 14 against the ].<ref></ref> | ||
In their regular-season home opener, the Thunder faced (and lost to) the Milwaukee Bucks. ] scored the first points of the season with a layup. Three nights later on November 2, the Thunder won their first game as a franchise by defeating the Timberwolves, improving their record to 1–3. The team then went on a 10-game losing streak before deciding on November 22 to fire head coach ] and assistant ]. Assistant coach ] then took over on an interim basis.<ref name="Carlesimo fired">{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3718961 |title=Carlesimo fired; Brooks to take over Thunder in interim |last=Sheridan |first=Chris |work=ESPN |date |
In their regular-season home opener, the Thunder faced (and lost to) the Milwaukee Bucks. ] scored the first points of the season with a layup. Three nights later on November 2, the Thunder won their first game as a franchise by defeating the Timberwolves, improving their record to 1–3. The team then went on a 10-game losing streak before deciding on November 22 to fire head coach ] and assistant ]. Assistant coach ] then took over on an interim basis.<ref name="Carlesimo fired">{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3718961 |title=Carlesimo fired; Brooks to take over Thunder in interim |last=Sheridan |first=Chris |work=ESPN |date=2008-11-22}}</ref> Oklahoma City lost its next four games to tie the dubious franchise losing streak of 14 set in Seattle the previous season. But the team managed to prevent history by winning their next game on the road against the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2008-11-29-thunder-grizzlies_N.htm?csp=34 |title=Thunder snap 14-game losing streak behind Durant's 30 |last=Associated Press |work=USA Today |date=2008-11-22}}</ref> | ||
As the season continued, the Thunder began to improve. After starting 3–29, the Thunder finished the regular season 20–30 for the remaining fifty games. Not only were they winning more often, they played much more competitively than in the first part of the season. The team ended their first season in Oklahoma City with a win against the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing their record to 23–59 and improving upon their record of 20–62 from the team's final season in Seattle. The late-season successes of the Thunder contributed to the signing of Scott Brooks as the team's official head coach. | As the season continued, the Thunder began to improve. After starting 3–29, the Thunder finished the regular season 20–30 for the remaining fifty games. Not only were they winning more often, they played much more competitively than in the first part of the season. The team ended their first season in Oklahoma City with a win against the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing their record to 23–59 and improving upon their record of 20–62 from the team's final season in Seattle. The late-season successes of the Thunder contributed to the signing of Scott Brooks as the team's official head coach. | ||
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From the outset the young team looked determined and cohesive. The increasing leadership of ], along with the growing experience of the Thunder's younger players, were encouraging signs that the Thunder were improving. The 2009–10 season included several victories over the NBA's elite teams, including a 28-point blowout over the ] champion ] and a 16-point blowout of the reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. Road victories over the ], ], ], ] and ] greatly enhanced their reputation. Though they hovered around .500 for the first half of the season, they eventually went on a 9-game winning streak that sent them into serious playoff contention. Kevin Durant became the youngest player in league history to win the scoring title, averaging 30.1 points per game while playing in all 82 games. | From the outset the young team looked determined and cohesive. The increasing leadership of ], along with the growing experience of the Thunder's younger players, were encouraging signs that the Thunder were improving. The 2009–10 season included several victories over the NBA's elite teams, including a 28-point blowout over the ] champion ] and a 16-point blowout of the reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. Road victories over the ], ], ], ] and ] greatly enhanced their reputation. Though they hovered around .500 for the first half of the season, they eventually went on a 9-game winning streak that sent them into serious playoff contention. Kevin Durant became the youngest player in league history to win the scoring title, averaging 30.1 points per game while playing in all 82 games. | ||
The Thunder finished 50–32, more than doubling their win total from the previous season. The 50–32 tied with the 2008 Golden State Warriors as the best 8 seeds in the modern Playoffs era, at least in terms of record. The Oklahoma City Thunder also had the same record as the Boston Celtics in this season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pimentel|first=Roger|title=NBA Playoffs in Numbers: Eight Statistics You Weren’t Expecting|url=http://howtowatchsports.com/2010/04/nba-playoffs-in-numbers-eight-statistics-you-werent-expecting/|publisher=How To Watch Sports|accessdate= |
The Thunder finished 50–32, more than doubling their win total from the previous season. The 50–32 tied with the 2008 Golden State Warriors as the best 8 seeds in the modern Playoffs era, at least in terms of record. The Oklahoma City Thunder also had the same record as the Boston Celtics in this season.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pimentel|first=Roger|title=NBA Playoffs in Numbers: Eight Statistics You Weren’t Expecting|url=http://howtowatchsports.com/2010/04/nba-playoffs-in-numbers-eight-statistics-you-werent-expecting/|publisher=How To Watch Sports|accessdate=March 22, 2011}}</ref> They finished fourth in the Northwest Division and eighth in the Western Conference playoff standings, and earned a spot in the ]. On April 22, the team secured their first playoff win in Oklahoma City when they defeated the defending-champion Los Angeles Lakers 101–96. This was also the Thunder's first playoff win at the Ford Center. However, the Thunder were eliminated by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, 4 games to 2. | ||
Oklahoma City ranked twelfth in overall attendance in the NBA, and seventh in percentage of available seats occupied (98%, including 28 sellouts in 41 home games).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/attendance/_/sort/homePct |title=2009–2010 NBA Attendance | |
Oklahoma City ranked twelfth in overall attendance in the NBA, and seventh in percentage of available seats occupied (98%, including 28 sellouts in 41 home games).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://espn.go.com/nba/attendance/_/sort/homePct |title=2009–2010 NBA Attendance |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=April 30, 2010}}</ref> The team's operating situation also continued to improve in 2009–10. ''Forbes Magazine'' estimated the team's franchise value at $310 million (an increase of $10 million over the prior year) with an estimated operating profit of $12.7 million (the first operating profit in years for the franchise).<ref name=Forbes2010>{{cite news |url=http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/32/basketball-values-09_NBA-Team-Valuations_Rank.html |title=NBA Team Valuations |date=December 9, 2009 |accessdate=May 12, 2010 |work=Forbes Magazine |publisher=Forbes.com Mobile }}</ref> | ||
===2010–2011: Rise to prominence=== | ===2010–2011: Rise to prominence=== | ||
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}} | }} | ||
{{Main|2010–11 Oklahoma City Thunder season}} | {{Main|2010–11 Oklahoma City Thunder season}} | ||
Financially, the Thunder organization continued to build on the positive returns experienced from relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City. In January 2011, ] estimated the franchise's worth at $329 million, up 6% from 2009–10 and ranking |
Financially, the Thunder organization continued to build on the positive returns experienced from relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City. In January 2011, ] estimated the franchise's worth at $329 million, up 6% from 2009–10 and ranking No. 18 in the NBA.<ref name=Forbes2011>{{cite news |url=http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/32/basketball-valuations-11_Oklahoma-City-Thunder_329710.html |title=#18 Oklahoma City Thunder |work=Forbes Magazine |publisher=Forbes.com Mobile |date=January 27, 2011 |accessdate=January 27, 2011}}</ref> The magazine also estimated the franchise's revenue at $118 million and operating profit at $22.6 million – up 6.3% and 78%, respectively, from the previous year.<ref name=Forbes2010/><ref name=Forbes2011/> The Thunder finished the 2010–2011 season with 55–27 record, a five-win increase from their breakout season the previous year. The team also captured their first division title since moving to Oklahoma City, and seventh in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsok.com/thunder-beats-clippers-to-wrap-up-northwest-division/article/3556066 |title=Thunder beats Clippers to wrap up Northwest Division title |last=Mayberry |first=Darnell |date=April 6, 2011 |accessdate=April 7, 2011 |work=The Oklahoman}}</ref> | ||
In the wake of a highly anticipated fourth versus fifth seed matchup against the ], Kevin Durant scored 41 points in Game 1 to set a new career playoff high. In the final game of the series, he again scored 41 and forward ] nearly tied the record for most blocks in a playoff game (10, set by ], ] and Andrew Bynum) with 9 blocks.<ref>http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14999143/durants-epic-performance-in-game-5-is-what-legends-are-made-of</ref> With the victory, the Thunder were able to pull through and win the series, 4 games to 1, set to face off against the ] who achieved an eight seed upset over the ] just days before. The Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals with a hard-fought 7-game series triumph over the ]. Durant was again the star, scoring 39 points in the clinching Game 7, while Russell Westbrook also had a triple-double. Despite hard-fought battles with the eventual NBA champs, the Thunder fell to the ] 4–1 in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder had a chance to tie the series in Game 4, but they were unable to hold a 15 point lead with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and ended up losing in overtime by the score of 112–105. | In the wake of a highly anticipated fourth versus fifth seed matchup against the ], Kevin Durant scored 41 points in Game 1 to set a new career playoff high. In the final game of the series, he again scored 41 and forward ] nearly tied the record for most blocks in a playoff game (10, set by ], ] and Andrew Bynum) with 9 blocks.<ref>http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14999143/durants-epic-performance-in-game-5-is-what-legends-are-made-of</ref> With the victory, the Thunder were able to pull through and win the series, 4 games to 1, set to face off against the ] who achieved an eight seed upset over the ] just days before. The Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals with a hard-fought 7-game series triumph over the ]. Durant was again the star, scoring 39 points in the clinching Game 7, while Russell Westbrook also had a triple-double. Despite hard-fought battles with the eventual NBA champs, the Thunder fell to the ] 4–1 in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder had a chance to tie the series in Game 4, but they were unable to hold a 15 point lead with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and ended up losing in overtime by the score of 112–105. | ||
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During the extended lockout, Thunder players (notably ], ], ] and ]) played in exhibitions in the United States and in other countries{{Clarify|date=February 2012}} to stay in shape. When the abbreviated training camp began, OKC started with an intact roster and all players, with the exception of ], under contract up for the near future. In addition, ] lost more than 30 pounds during the lockout. The Thunder made their two on-court appearances, post-lockout, against the ], winning both pre-season games. They won their first regular-season game against Orlando at home and went on a five-game winning streak. Kevin Durant nearly made NBA history when he became the sixth player to score 30 or more points in four consecutive games at the start of a season. In addition, the Thunder was the first to sweep their back-to-back-to-back games, winning a home-and-home series with the ], then routing the ]. In addition, Thunder players Durant, Westbrook, Harden, Perkins, and Ibaka made it onto the ] ballots. After the Thunder's win over the ] on February 11, 2012, ] was named the Head Coach of the Western Conference All-Star squad for the ] in Orlando, Florida. | During the extended lockout, Thunder players (notably ], ], ] and ]) played in exhibitions in the United States and in other countries{{Clarify|date=February 2012}} to stay in shape. When the abbreviated training camp began, OKC started with an intact roster and all players, with the exception of ], under contract up for the near future. In addition, ] lost more than 30 pounds during the lockout. The Thunder made their two on-court appearances, post-lockout, against the ], winning both pre-season games. They won their first regular-season game against Orlando at home and went on a five-game winning streak. Kevin Durant nearly made NBA history when he became the sixth player to score 30 or more points in four consecutive games at the start of a season. In addition, the Thunder was the first to sweep their back-to-back-to-back games, winning a home-and-home series with the ], then routing the ]. In addition, Thunder players Durant, Westbrook, Harden, Perkins, and Ibaka made it onto the ] ballots. After the Thunder's win over the ] on February 11, 2012, ] was named the Head Coach of the Western Conference All-Star squad for the ] in Orlando, Florida. | ||
In the ], the Thunder swept the defending champion ] in the first round to advance and face off against their first round foes from 2010, the ]. They defeated the Lakers in 5 games and advanced to play the ] in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder lost the first two games against the San Antonio Spurs but won the next three including a Game 5 road win, to take a commanding |
In the ], the Thunder swept the defending champion ] in the first round to advance and face off against their first round foes from 2010, the ]. They defeated the Lakers in 5 games and advanced to play the ] in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder lost the first two games against the San Antonio Spurs but won the next three including a Game 5 road win, to take a commanding 3–2 game lead in the series. In Game 6, the Thunder defeated the Spurs 107–99 and advanced to the ]. Durant led the way with 34 points, playing all of regulation time in the game. The Thunder lost in the 2012 NBA Finals to the Miami Heat in 5 games. | ||
==Franchise accomplishments and awards== | ==Franchise accomplishments and awards== | ||
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'''Blocks''': '''11''', by ''']''' vs. ], February 19, 2012 | '''Blocks''': '''11''', by ''']''' vs. ], February 19, 2012 | ||
'''Points in a playoff game''': '''43''', by '''] vs. ], June 19 |
'''Points in a playoff game''': '''43''', by '''] vs. ], June 19, 2012 | ||
==Playoffs== | ==Playoffs== | ||
*2009–2010 Season – 50–32 record, 8th seed. | *2009–2010 Season – 50–32 record, 8th seed. | ||
**Faced |
**Faced No. 1 seed eventual-champions ] in the Western Conference First round, losing four games to two. | ||
*2010–2011 Season – 55–27 record, Northwest Division champions, 4th seed. | *2010–2011 Season – 55–27 record, Northwest Division champions, 4th seed. | ||
**Faced |
**Faced No. 5 seed ] in the Western Conference First round, defeating them four games to one. | ||
**Faced |
**Faced No. 8 seed ] in the Western Conference Semifinals, winning the series four games to three. | ||
**Faced |
**Faced No. 3 seed eventual-champions Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals, losing four games to one. | ||
* |
*2011–2012 Season – 47–19 record, Northwest Division champions, 2nd seed. | ||
**Faced |
**Faced No. 7 seed defending champions ] in the Western Conference First round, defeating them in four games. | ||
**Faced |
**Faced No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals, winning the series four games to one. | ||
**Faced |
**Faced No. 1 seed ] in the Western Conference Finals, winning the series four games to two. | ||
**Faced |
**Faced No. 2 seed ] in the ], losing the series four games to one. | ||
==Home arenas== | ==Home arenas== | ||
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Originally opened in 2002, ] was built without many of the luxury accommodations ultimately planned for it. The arena had been designed to accommodate such luxury "buildouts" should a professional sports franchise locate to the city. | Originally opened in 2002, ] was built without many of the luxury accommodations ultimately planned for it. The arena had been designed to accommodate such luxury "buildouts" should a professional sports franchise locate to the city. | ||
A plan for such buildout improvements began in 2007 in the wake of the acquisition of the Seattle Supersonics by an Oklahoma City-based ownership group the previous October. A city ballot initiative on March 4, 2008 – approved by a 62% to 38% margin – extended a prior one-cent city sales tax for a period of fifteen months in order to fund $101 million in budgeted improvements to the arena, as well as fund a separate $20 million practice facility for a relocated franchise.<ref name=knapp1>{{cite web |url=http://okc.about.com/od/politicalparties/a/fordcentervote.htm |title=Ford Center Arena Improvement Plan |last=Knapp |first=Adam |accessdate=November 17, 2010 |publisher= |
A plan for such buildout improvements began in 2007 in the wake of the acquisition of the Seattle Supersonics by an Oklahoma City-based ownership group the previous October. A city ballot initiative on March 4, 2008 – approved by a 62% to 38% margin – extended a prior one-cent city sales tax for a period of fifteen months in order to fund $101 million in budgeted improvements to the arena, as well as fund a separate $20 million practice facility for a relocated franchise.<ref name=knapp1>{{cite web |url=http://okc.about.com/od/politicalparties/a/fordcentervote.htm |title=Ford Center Arena Improvement Plan |last=Knapp |first=Adam |accessdate=November 17, 2010 |publisher=about.com}}</ref> | ||
Renovation work on Chesapeake Energy Arena was delayed due to a sales tax-receipts shortfall during the 2008–10 economic crisis; eventual tax receipts totaled $103.5 million rather than the projected $121.6 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okc.gov/agendapub/cache/2/xo5hufii3c1njdqg3sqfuw55/98900111172010122518933.PDF |title=MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board Presentation |date=August 24, 2010 |work=City of Oklahoma City}}</ref> The shortfall was accommodated by revising plans for certain features of the arena expansion project, including limiting the size of a new glass entryway and eliminating a practice court planned for above the delivery entrance of the arena.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsok.com/article/3483508 |last=Rohde |first=John |work=The Oklahoman |date=August 8, 2010 |accessdate=November 17, 2010 |title=Ford Center practice gym eliminated from renovations}}</ref> Major construction work on the arena expansion was also delayed from the summer of 2010 to the summer of 2011. Seating capacity of the stadium is 18,203 for professional NBA basketball games. | Renovation work on Chesapeake Energy Arena was delayed due to a sales tax-receipts shortfall during the 2008–10 economic crisis; eventual tax receipts totaled $103.5 million rather than the projected $121.6 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.okc.gov/agendapub/cache/2/xo5hufii3c1njdqg3sqfuw55/98900111172010122518933.PDF |title=MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board Presentation |date=August 24, 2010 |work=City of Oklahoma City}}</ref> The shortfall was accommodated by revising plans for certain features of the arena expansion project, including limiting the size of a new glass entryway and eliminating a practice court planned for above the delivery entrance of the arena.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsok.com/article/3483508 |last=Rohde |first=John |work=The Oklahoman |date=August 8, 2010 |accessdate=November 17, 2010 |title=Ford Center practice gym eliminated from renovations}}</ref> Major construction work on the arena expansion was also delayed from the summer of 2010 to the summer of 2011. Seating capacity of the stadium is 18,203 for professional NBA basketball games. | ||
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===Rumble the Bison=== | ===Rumble the Bison=== | ||
On February 17, 2009, ] was introduced as the new Oklahoma City Thunder mascot during the halftime of a game against the ]. Rumble was the winner of the 2008–2009 NBA Mascot of the Year.<ref name="award">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release_090813.html|title=Rumble the Bison Named NBA Mascot of the Year| |
On February 17, 2009, ] was introduced as the new Oklahoma City Thunder mascot during the halftime of a game against the ]. Rumble was the winner of the 2008–2009 NBA Mascot of the Year.<ref name="award">{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release_090813.html|title=Rumble the Bison Named NBA Mascot of the Year|publisher=NBA|accessdate=2009-08-26}}</ref> | ||
==Players== | ==Players== | ||
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*1994–2001: ] | *1994–2001: ] | ||
*2001–2007: ] | *2001–2007: ] | ||
* |
*2007 – present: ] | ||
{{col-3}} | {{col-3}} | ||
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===TV=== | ===TV=== | ||
For their first two seasons, the Thunder's TV broadcasts were split between ] (a regional fork of ]), which broadcast most of the games, and independent station ] (channel 52), with around 65 Thunder games airing during the season and more than half of the games available in HD on FS Oklahoma, along with other team-related programming such as pregame shows. Around 15 to 20 regular-season games were broadcast over the air on ], which had a network of rebroadcasters spanning the entire state. All televised games are called by Brian Davis on play-by-play and ] as color commentator.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://newsok.com/fs-oklahoma-to-air-thunder-games/article/3304544/?tm=1222733614 |title=FS Oklahoma to air Thunder games |work=The Oklahoman |date=2008-09-29 |accessdate=2008-09-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | For their first two seasons, the Thunder's TV broadcasts were split between ] (a regional fork of ]), which broadcast most of the games, and independent station ] (channel 52), with around 65 Thunder games airing during the season and more than half of the games available in HD on FS Oklahoma, along with other team-related programming such as pregame shows. Around 15 to 20 regular-season games were broadcast over the air on ], which had a network of rebroadcasters spanning the entire state. All televised games are called by Brian Davis on play-by-play and ] as color commentator.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://newsok.com/fs-oklahoma-to-air-thunder-games/article/3304544/?tm=1222733614 |title=FS Oklahoma to air Thunder games |work=The Oklahoman |date=2008-09-29 |accessdate=2008-09-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | ||
| url = http://newsok.com/ksbi-to-air-thunder-games/article/3306605 |title=KSBI to air Thunder games |author=Mel Bracht |publisher= |
| url = http://newsok.com/ksbi-to-air-thunder-games/article/3306605 |title=KSBI to air Thunder games |author=Mel Bracht |publisher=The Oklahoman}}</ref> During the 2009–2010 season, KSBI telecast all Thunder games it aired in high definition (KSBI had previously aired in HD the first regular-season game played at the Ford Center – against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 29, 2008 – while all other games during the 2008–2009 season were telecast on KSBI in standard definition). On August 3, 2010, the Thunder signed a new exclusive multi-year agreement with Fox Sports Oklahoma, beginning with the ], ending the team's broadcasts on KSBI.<ref> ''NBA.com/Thunder'' August 3, 2010</ref> Kelly Crull serves as the sideline reporter.<ref>http://blog.newsok.com/thunderrumblings/2010/10/08/getting-to-know-kelly-crull/</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== |
Revision as of 08:39, 22 June 2012
For the minor league American football team, see Oklahoma Thunder. Basketball team in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Thunder | ||||
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2011–12 Oklahoma City Thunder season | ||||
Conference | Western Conference | |||
Division | Northwest Division | |||
Founded | 1967 | |||
History | Seattle SuperSonics 1967–2008 Oklahoma City Thunder 2008–present | |||
Arena | Chesapeake Energy Arena | |||
Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | |||
Team colors | Blue, Orange, Yellow, Dark Blue | |||
Head coach | Scott Brooks | |||
Ownership | Professional Basketball Club LLC (Clay Bennett, Chairman) | |||
Championships | 1 (1979) | |||
Conference titles | 4 (1978, 1979, 1996, 2012) | |||
Division titles | 8 (1979, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2011, 2012) | |||
| ||||
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball franchise based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA); their home court is at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder's NBA Development League affiliate is the Tulsa 66ers, who are owned by the Thunder. The Thunder are the only team in the Major professional North American sports leagues located in the state of Oklahoma.
Formerly the Seattle SuperSonics, the team relocated in 2008 after a dispute between owner Clay Bennett and lawmakers in Seattle, Washington. The SuperSonics qualified for the NBA Playoffs 22 times, won their division six times and won the 1979 NBA Championship. In Oklahoma City, the Thunder qualified for their first playoff berth during the 2009–10 season. They followed this success by winning their first division title as the Thunder in the 2010–11 season and their first Western Conference championship as the Thunder in the 2011–12 season, appearing in the NBA Finals for the fourth time in franchise history and first since 1996, when the club was based in Seattle.
Franchise history
1967–2008: Seattle SuperSonics
Main article: Seattle SuperSonicsThe Thunder's previous incarnation, the Seattle SuperSonics, were formed in 1967. In their 41 years in Seattle, the SuperSonics compiled a 1,745–1,585 (.524) win–loss record in the regular season and 107–110 (.493) in the playoffs. The franchise's titles include three Western Conference championships and one NBA title in 1979.
Main article: Seattle SuperSonics relocation to Oklahoma CityIn 2006, the SuperSonics were sold for $350 million to a group of Oklahoma City investors led by Clay Bennett, a move approved by NBA owners the following October. In 2007, Bennett announced that the franchise would move to Oklahoma City as soon as the lease with KeyArena expired.
In June 2008, a lawsuit between the City of Seattle and Bennett regarding Bennett's attempts to break the final two years of the Sonics' lease at KeyArena went to federal court, and nearly a month later the two sides reached an agreement to settle. The terms awarded the city $45 million to get out of the remaining lease at KeyArena, and could provide an additional $30 million payment to Seattle in 2013 if certain conditions are met. The owners agreed to leave the SuperSonics name, logo and colors in Seattle for a possible future NBA franchise; however, the items would remain the property of the Oklahoma City team along with other "assets," including championship banners and trophies. On September 3, 2008, the team name, logo, and colors for the Oklahoma City franchise were announced as a blue,white, and gold yellow jersey.
2008–09: Inaugural season
Main article: 2008–09 Oklahoma City Thunder seasonThe Thunder participated in the Orlando Pro Summer League featuring their second-year players, potential free agents and rookies. The players wore generic black and white jerseys reading "OKC-NBA" against an outline of a basketball. The Thunder's temporary practice facility was the Sawyer Center at Southern Nazarene University, which had been used by the New Orleans Hornets when they relocated to Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina.
The Thunder played several preseason games before the 2008–2009 regular season, but only one of those games was in Oklahoma City. The Thunder made their first appearance in Billings, Montana on October 8, 2008 in an 88–82 preseason loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder played their first Ford Center game on October 14 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
In their regular-season home opener, the Thunder faced (and lost to) the Milwaukee Bucks. Earl Watson scored the first points of the season with a layup. Three nights later on November 2, the Thunder won their first game as a franchise by defeating the Timberwolves, improving their record to 1–3. The team then went on a 10-game losing streak before deciding on November 22 to fire head coach P. J. Carlesimo and assistant Paul Westhead. Assistant coach Scott Brooks then took over on an interim basis. Oklahoma City lost its next four games to tie the dubious franchise losing streak of 14 set in Seattle the previous season. But the team managed to prevent history by winning their next game on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.
As the season continued, the Thunder began to improve. After starting 3–29, the Thunder finished the regular season 20–30 for the remaining fifty games. Not only were they winning more often, they played much more competitively than in the first part of the season. The team ended their first season in Oklahoma City with a win against the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing their record to 23–59 and improving upon their record of 20–62 from the team's final season in Seattle. The late-season successes of the Thunder contributed to the signing of Scott Brooks as the team's official head coach.
After moving to Oklahoma City from Seattle, the team's operating situation improved markedly. In December 2008, Forbes Magazine estimated the team's franchise value at $300 million – a 12% increase from the previous year's $268 million when the club was located in Seattle. Forbes also noted an increase in percentage of available tickets sold, from 78% in the team's last year in Seattle to 100% in 2008–09.
2009–10: The turnaround season
Main article: 2009–10 Oklahoma City Thunder seasonAfter an inaugural season filled with many adjustments, the Thunder hoped to improve during their second season in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City did not make any major moves in the offseason, other than drafting James Harden from Arizona State University with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. The Thunder selected Rodrigue Beaubois with the 25th pick in the 2009 draft before immediately trading him to the Dallas Mavericks for the 24th pick, C Byron Mullens from Ohio State University. The team then added veterans C Etan Thomas and G Kevin Ollie. The last major change to their roster occurred on December 22, 2009, when the team traded for Eric Maynor from the Utah Jazz. Maynor immediately supplanted Ollie as the backup point guard.
From the outset the young team looked determined and cohesive. The increasing leadership of Kevin Durant, along with the growing experience of the Thunder's younger players, were encouraging signs that the Thunder were improving. The 2009–10 season included several victories over the NBA's elite teams, including a 28-point blowout over the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic and a 16-point blowout of the reigning NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. Road victories over the San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks greatly enhanced their reputation. Though they hovered around .500 for the first half of the season, they eventually went on a 9-game winning streak that sent them into serious playoff contention. Kevin Durant became the youngest player in league history to win the scoring title, averaging 30.1 points per game while playing in all 82 games.
The Thunder finished 50–32, more than doubling their win total from the previous season. The 50–32 tied with the 2008 Golden State Warriors as the best 8 seeds in the modern Playoffs era, at least in terms of record. The Oklahoma City Thunder also had the same record as the Boston Celtics in this season. They finished fourth in the Northwest Division and eighth in the Western Conference playoff standings, and earned a spot in the 2010 NBA Playoffs. On April 22, the team secured their first playoff win in Oklahoma City when they defeated the defending-champion Los Angeles Lakers 101–96. This was also the Thunder's first playoff win at the Ford Center. However, the Thunder were eliminated by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, 4 games to 2.
Oklahoma City ranked twelfth in overall attendance in the NBA, and seventh in percentage of available seats occupied (98%, including 28 sellouts in 41 home games). The team's operating situation also continued to improve in 2009–10. Forbes Magazine estimated the team's franchise value at $310 million (an increase of $10 million over the prior year) with an estimated operating profit of $12.7 million (the first operating profit in years for the franchise).
2010–2011: Rise to prominence
Kevin DurantRussell WestbrookJames HardenSerge Ibaka Main article: 2010–11 Oklahoma City Thunder seasonFinancially, the Thunder organization continued to build on the positive returns experienced from relocating from Seattle to Oklahoma City. In January 2011, Forbes Magazine estimated the franchise's worth at $329 million, up 6% from 2009–10 and ranking No. 18 in the NBA. The magazine also estimated the franchise's revenue at $118 million and operating profit at $22.6 million – up 6.3% and 78%, respectively, from the previous year. The Thunder finished the 2010–2011 season with 55–27 record, a five-win increase from their breakout season the previous year. The team also captured their first division title since moving to Oklahoma City, and seventh in franchise history.
In the wake of a highly anticipated fourth versus fifth seed matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Kevin Durant scored 41 points in Game 1 to set a new career playoff high. In the final game of the series, he again scored 41 and forward Serge Ibaka nearly tied the record for most blocks in a playoff game (10, set by Mark Eaton, Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrew Bynum) with 9 blocks. With the victory, the Thunder were able to pull through and win the series, 4 games to 1, set to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies who achieved an eight seed upset over the San Antonio Spurs just days before. The Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Finals with a hard-fought 7-game series triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies. Durant was again the star, scoring 39 points in the clinching Game 7, while Russell Westbrook also had a triple-double. Despite hard-fought battles with the eventual NBA champs, the Thunder fell to the Dallas Mavericks 4–1 in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder had a chance to tie the series in Game 4, but they were unable to hold a 15 point lead with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and ended up losing in overtime by the score of 112–105.
2011–present: Chasing the title
Main article: 2011–12 Oklahoma City Thunder seasonDuring the extended lockout, Thunder players (notably Kevin Durant, James Harden, Thabo Sefolosha and Serge Ibaka) played in exhibitions in the United States and in other countries to stay in shape. When the abbreviated training camp began, OKC started with an intact roster and all players, with the exception of Russell Westbrook, under contract up for the near future. In addition, Kendrick Perkins lost more than 30 pounds during the lockout. The Thunder made their two on-court appearances, post-lockout, against the Dallas Mavericks, winning both pre-season games. They won their first regular-season game against Orlando at home and went on a five-game winning streak. Kevin Durant nearly made NBA history when he became the sixth player to score 30 or more points in four consecutive games at the start of a season. In addition, the Thunder was the first to sweep their back-to-back-to-back games, winning a home-and-home series with the Houston Rockets, then routing the San Antonio Spurs. In addition, Thunder players Durant, Westbrook, Harden, Perkins, and Ibaka made it onto the 2012 All-Star ballots. After the Thunder's win over the Utah Jazz on February 11, 2012, Scott Brooks was named the Head Coach of the Western Conference All-Star squad for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando, Florida.
In the 2012 NBA Playoffs, the Thunder swept the defending champion Dallas Mavericks in the first round to advance and face off against their first round foes from 2010, the Los Angeles Lakers. They defeated the Lakers in 5 games and advanced to play the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder lost the first two games against the San Antonio Spurs but won the next three including a Game 5 road win, to take a commanding 3–2 game lead in the series. In Game 6, the Thunder defeated the Spurs 107–99 and advanced to the 2012 NBA Finals. Durant led the way with 34 points, playing all of regulation time in the game. The Thunder lost in the 2012 NBA Finals to the Miami Heat in 5 games.
Franchise accomplishments and awards
Main article: List of Oklahoma City Thunder accomplishments and recordsFor details on Seattle SuperSonics history, please visit Seattle SuperSonics Records.
Single game records
Points: 51, by Kevin Durant vs. Denver Nuggets, February 19, 2012
Rebounds: 20, Serge Ibaka vs. Phoenix Suns, March 7, 2012
Assists: 16, by Russell Westbrook vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, April 4, 2010
Steals: 7, by Russell Westbrook vs. Golden State Warriors, January 27, 2012
Blocks: 11, by Serge Ibaka vs. Denver Nuggets, February 19, 2012
Points in a playoff game: 43, by Russell Westbrook vs. Miami Heat, June 19, 2012
Playoffs
- 2009–2010 Season – 50–32 record, 8th seed.
- Faced No. 1 seed eventual-champions Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference First round, losing four games to two.
- 2010–2011 Season – 55–27 record, Northwest Division champions, 4th seed.
- Faced No. 5 seed Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference First round, defeating them four games to one.
- Faced No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference Semifinals, winning the series four games to three.
- Faced No. 3 seed eventual-champions Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals, losing four games to one.
- 2011–2012 Season – 47–19 record, Northwest Division champions, 2nd seed.
- Faced No. 7 seed defending champions Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference First round, defeating them in four games.
- Faced No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals, winning the series four games to one.
- Faced No. 1 seed San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, winning the series four games to two.
- Faced No. 2 seed Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, losing the series four games to one.
Home arenas
Note: All arenas used before 2008 were part of the defunct Sonics franchise.
Seattle arenas had hosted two NBA All-Star Games; the 1974 edition in Seattle Center Coliseum and 1987 in the Kingdome, where Sonic Tom Chambers grabbed MVP honors.
- Seattle Center Coliseum 1967–1978 (occasionally used during the Kingdome years when the latter was unavailable due to either Mariners or Seahawks games)
- The Kingdome 1978–1985
- Seattle Center Coliseum 1985–1994
- Tacoma Dome 1994–1995 (During KeyArena Remodel)
- KeyArena (the remodeled and renamed Seattle Center Coliseum) 1995–2008
- Chesapeake Energy Arena (formerly Ford Center) (2008–present)
Originally opened in 2002, Chesapeake Energy Arena was built without many of the luxury accommodations ultimately planned for it. The arena had been designed to accommodate such luxury "buildouts" should a professional sports franchise locate to the city.
A plan for such buildout improvements began in 2007 in the wake of the acquisition of the Seattle Supersonics by an Oklahoma City-based ownership group the previous October. A city ballot initiative on March 4, 2008 – approved by a 62% to 38% margin – extended a prior one-cent city sales tax for a period of fifteen months in order to fund $101 million in budgeted improvements to the arena, as well as fund a separate $20 million practice facility for a relocated franchise.
Renovation work on Chesapeake Energy Arena was delayed due to a sales tax-receipts shortfall during the 2008–10 economic crisis; eventual tax receipts totaled $103.5 million rather than the projected $121.6 million. The shortfall was accommodated by revising plans for certain features of the arena expansion project, including limiting the size of a new glass entryway and eliminating a practice court planned for above the delivery entrance of the arena. Major construction work on the arena expansion was also delayed from the summer of 2010 to the summer of 2011. Seating capacity of the stadium is 18,203 for professional NBA basketball games.
Similar revisions were made to the plans for the Thunder's separate practice facility, for a total cost savings of approximately $14 million. The Thunder's practice facility completion date was similarly pushed back to approximately March 2011.
Mascots
Seattle Supersonics mascots
- The Wheedle, 1978–1985
- Squatch, 1993–2008
Rumble the Bison
On February 17, 2009, Rumble the Bison was introduced as the new Oklahoma City Thunder mascot during the halftime of a game against the New Orleans Hornets. Rumble was the winner of the 2008–2009 NBA Mascot of the Year.
Players
Current roster
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Roster |
Individual awards for the Thunder
For details on Seattle SuperSonics history, please visit Seattle SuperSonics Records.
- Scott Brooks – 2010
- James Harden – 2012
- Kevin Durant – 2010, 2011, 2012
- Russell Westbrook – 2011, 2012
- Serge Ibaka – 2012
- Thabo Sefolosha – 2010
- Kevin Durant – 2008
- Russell Westbrook – 2009
- James Harden – 2010
- Kevin Durant – 2010, 2011, 2012
- Russell Westbrook – 2011, 2012
Former players
- For the complete list of Seattle SuperSonics players see: Seattle SuperSonics all-time roster.
Retired jersey numbers
As the Oklahoma City Thunder's original iteration, the Seattle SuperSonics retired six numbers: 1, 10, 19, 24, 32, and 43 and awarded an honorary microphone to longtime broadcaster Bob Blackburn, who had called the majority of the team's games from 1967 through 1992.
Staff
Head coaches
Main article: List of Oklahoma City Thunder head coachesExecutives
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Logo and uniforms
The Oklahoma City Thunder unveiled their first logo on September 3, 2008, showing a shield with a basketball on it. According to majority owner Clay Bennett, the team's logo takes several of its elements from other Oklahoma sports teams such as the collegiate Sooners and Cowboys. The uniform design was unveiled on September 29, 2008.
Television and radio
Radio
All Thunder games are broadcast on the Thunder Radio Network, led by the flagship stations WWLS-FM 98.1 and KWPN AM 640, "The Sports Animal". Matt Pinto is the radio voice of the Thunder.
TV
For their first two seasons, the Thunder's TV broadcasts were split between Fox Sports Oklahoma (a regional fork of FS Southwest), which broadcast most of the games, and independent station KSBI (channel 52), with around 65 Thunder games airing during the season and more than half of the games available in HD on FS Oklahoma, along with other team-related programming such as pregame shows. Around 15 to 20 regular-season games were broadcast over the air on KSBI, which had a network of rebroadcasters spanning the entire state. All televised games are called by Brian Davis on play-by-play and Grant Long as color commentator. During the 2009–2010 season, KSBI telecast all Thunder games it aired in high definition (KSBI had previously aired in HD the first regular-season game played at the Ford Center – against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 29, 2008 – while all other games during the 2008–2009 season were telecast on KSBI in standard definition). On August 3, 2010, the Thunder signed a new exclusive multi-year agreement with Fox Sports Oklahoma, beginning with the 2010–11 season, ending the team's broadcasts on KSBI. Kelly Crull serves as the sideline reporter.
References
- Darnell Mayberry (April 21, 2008). "Thunder will stay in division". The Oklahoman. Retrieved July 3, 2008.
- "City Preparing Ford Center For NBA Team". The Oklahoman. July 3, 2008. Retrieved July 4, 2008.
- "OKC's NBA franchise buys Tulsa's d-league team". NewsOK. August 1, 2008. Retrieved August 1, 2008.
- "Ford Center / Oklahoma City, Oklahoma". Arena Digest. 2008. Retrieved May 5, 2008.
- "NBA approves sale of Sonics, Storm". ESPN. October 24, 2006. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- Johns, Greg (November 2, 2007). "Bennett says Sonics going to Oklahoma". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved April 2, 2008.
- "SuperSonics, Seattle reach last-minute settlement". ESPN. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
- Allen, Percy (July 6, 2008). "Seattle and Oklahoma City will share the Sonics' franchise history". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 6, 2008.
- SNU Sawyer Center
- Sites, Phil (October 8, 2008). "T'Wolves Play Spoiler". Billings Gazette.
- Oklahoma City NBA team to face hectic pace in preseason
- Sheridan, Chris (November 22, 2008). "Carlesimo fired; Brooks to take over Thunder in interim". ESPN.
- Associated Press (November 22, 2008). "Thunder snap 14-game losing streak behind Durant's 30". USA Today.
- "NBA Team Valuations". Forbes Magazine. December 3, 2008. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
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suggested) (help) - "Oklahoma City Thunder". Forbes magazine. December 3, 2008. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
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suggested) (help) - Pimentel, Roger. "NBA Playoffs in Numbers: Eight Statistics You Weren't Expecting". How To Watch Sports. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
- "2009–2010 NBA Attendance". ESPN. Retrieved April 30, 2010.
- ^ "NBA Team Valuations". Forbes Magazine. Forbes.com Mobile. December 9, 2009. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
- ^ "#18 Oklahoma City Thunder". Forbes Magazine. Forbes.com Mobile. January 27, 2011. Retrieved January 27, 2011.
- Mayberry, Darnell (April 6, 2011). "Thunder beats Clippers to wrap up Northwest Division title". The Oklahoman. Retrieved April 7, 2011.
- http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14999143/durants-epic-performance-in-game-5-is-what-legends-are-made-of
- Knapp, Adam. "Ford Center Arena Improvement Plan". about.com. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
- "MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board Presentation" (PDF). City of Oklahoma City. August 24, 2010.
- Rohde, John (August 8, 2010). "Ford Center practice gym eliminated from renovations". The Oklahoman. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
- "Oklahoma City might save as much as $14 million on Ford Center renovations, practice facility". The Oklahoman. July 7, 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
- Rohde, John (November 16, 2010). "Thunder practice facility set for March completion". The Oklahoman. Retrieved November 17, 2010.
- "Rumble the Bison Named NBA Mascot of the Year". NBA. Retrieved August 26, 2009.
- Raley, Dan (February 15, 2006). "Where Are They Now? Blackburn gave Sonics a voice". Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - Thunder 'flashes' new uniforms, September 29, 2008
- Kelly Dwyer, Introducing your Oklahoma City Light Blue Knicks, September 29, 2008
- http://www.nba.com/media/thunder/tunein_081031.pdf.
{{cite news}}
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(help) - Mayberry, Darnell (July 30, 2008). "NBA team reaches deal with local radio station". NewsOK.com. Retrieved August 11, 2008.
- "'Thunder' roars into OKC". News9.com. September 8, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
- "FS Oklahoma to air Thunder games". The Oklahoman. September 29, 2008. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
- Mel Bracht. "KSBI to air Thunder games". The Oklahoman.
- Thunder Signs Exclusive Television Agreement with FOX Sports Southwest NBA.com/Thunder August 3, 2010
- http://blog.newsok.com/thunderrumblings/2010/10/08/getting-to-know-kelly-crull/
External links
- Official website of the Thunder
- Oklahoma City Thunder @ Basketball-Reference.com
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