How a Little Team in Oklahoma Built an NBA Champion

Early Beginnings

The story started in 2007 when a tall, slender teenager named Kevin Durant stepped onto the stage at Madison Square Garden. At that time, the Seattle SuperSonics selected him as their first overall pick. However, just a year later, the team relocated to Oklahoma City and rebranded itself as the Thunder. What no one realized was that this was the inception of a journey that would both shatter hearts and fulfill dreams.

A visionary named Sam Presti served as the team's general manager and continues in that role today. He devised a strategy to identify promising young players who could develop their skills together. Following the selection of Kevin Durant, he also drafted Russell Westbrook and James Harden. These three dynamic young athletes were akin to lightning in a bottle!

In 2012, the Thunder astonishingly reached the NBA Finals, and the entire city buzzed with exhilaration! Unfortunately, they succumbed to the Miami Heat in five games, marking the beginning of a tumultuous period filled with disappointments for Thunder supporters.

Things Fall Apart

Merely a year later, the franchise made a significant error. They traded away James Harden to the Houston Rockets, largely because they were unwilling to meet his salary demands. Harden subsequently evolved into an MVP and one of the sport’s premier scorers. Thunder fans were left to witness their cherished player blossom into a superstar with a different team.

Although Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook endeavored to achieve success together, they were unable to return to the Finals. Season after season, they faced elimination in the playoffs, with the most devastating defeat occurring against the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Having led the series 3-1, they only needed to claim one more victory to advance. However, they ultimately lost three consecutive games, leading to their ousting.

Then came the most heart-wrenching moment of all. Kevin Durant, the player who was expected to guide Oklahoma City to a championship, made the startling choice to depart for the Golden State Warriors, the very team that had just vanquished them! Thunder fans felt deeply betrayed; their superstar had allied with their greatest rivals.

Compounding the heartbreak was the fact that Oklahoma City received nothing in return. When a player opts for free agency, the team loses out on both players and draft picks—it was akin to watching a close friend leave while taking all your favorite possessions with them.

Russell Westbrook sought to shoulder the burden alone. He played with remarkable intensity, even winning an MVP award, yet it proved insufficient. For several years, the Thunder struggled to assemble the right roster to support him, even bringing in players like Paul George. Eventually, in 2019, they opted to trade Westbrook and George. In return, they acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a wealth of draft picks, positioning themselves for a new chapter. What Thunder fans didn’t realize was that this trade marked the onset of something truly remarkable.

The 2024 Season: Building Something Special

Fast-forward to 2024, and the Thunder were poised to astonish everyone. Over the preceding years, they had made astute draft selections, including the defensive powerhouse Chet Holmgren, versatile wing Jalen Williams, and tenacious defender Cason Wallace. Furthermore, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander blossomed into a superstar, earning a spot on the All-Star team and nearly capturing the MVP award.

On March 31, 2024, a magical moment unfolded. In a tightly contested match against the New York Knicks, the Thunder triumphed 113-112 in a nail-biting finish, securing their first playoff berth in years.

The Thunder concluded the season with an impressive 57 victories, emerging as the top team in the Western Conference. They became the youngest team in NBA history to secure a playoff series win when they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans. However, in the subsequent round, they faced Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks. Despite building a 17-point lead in the deciding game, they were unable to maintain their advantage and ultimately lost the series.

The 2025 Season: Champions at Last!

The 2025 season was a dream realized. The Thunder fortified their roster with the additions of Alex Caruso, a gritty defender, and Isaiah Hartenstein, a formidable center. Even after Chet Holmgren sustained an early-season injury, the team persevered with remarkable resilience.

They achieved an astounding 15-game winning streak, the longest in franchise history! The entire city was electrified with emotion. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played at an elite level, showcasing his skills, and Jalen Williams made his All-Star debut.

As the playoffs commenced, the Thunder appeared invincible. They swept the Memphis Grizzlies in a dominating fashion, claiming victory in every contest. Then came the ultimate challenge: Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, previous NBA champions.

For seven grueling games, these two teams clashed with the ferocity of warriors. Each matchup was fiercely contested. Ultimately, the Thunder's youthful vigor overcame the seasoned champions, and they emerged victorious in the series!

Their triumph in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves resembled a grand victory celebration. The Thunder clinched the series in just five games, with Shai executing breathtaking shots and the entire team performing cohesively and fluidly.

Finally, the moment arrived for the NBA Finals! Facing off against the Indiana Pacers, the Thunder engaged in an epic seven-game showdown. In the decisive game, with the championship on the line, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the court. The small team from Oklahoma City had achieved the unthinkable—they were NBA champions!

The city erupted into jubilant celebration, with unparalleled enthusiasm. From its beginnings as a small market team with lofty aspirations, the Oklahoma City Thunder had constructed something truly remarkable. They demonstrated that with intelligent planning, dedication, and a commitment to growth, any dream can be realized.

As for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? He earned both the MVP and Finals MVP awards, solidifying his status as a basketball icon. The once-small team in Oklahoma had transformed into giants of the sport.