Watch OKC raise its first NBA championship banner
It was a special evening for Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday when they opened the new season and raised their first championship banner at the Paycom Center.
The ceremony took place before they faced the Houston Rocketswho are considered one of the top contenders in the talent-laden Western Conference.
Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderJalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and the rest of the Thunder were thrilled to receive their shiny championship rings as well.
The fans cheered loudly as they looked at the championship banner go to the rafters, certainly a proud moment for any team.
It is worth noting that Kevin Durantwho will forever be an Oklahoma City legend, was on hand to witness his former team’s memorable moment.
The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series to win the title. It was the franchise’s first crown since 1979, when it was still called the Seattle Supersonics.
Thunder went through many obstacles before finally claiming the holy grail. Led by Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, they reached the 2012 NBA Finals, but lost to the Miami Heat, which featured LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
After Durant, Westbrook and Harden left, the team went through losing seasons. But the front office kept believing and built a team around Gilgeous-Alexander, who blossomed into an MVP. Now, the Thunder are on top of the mountain.
With the team retaining its core, many believe OKC can defend its throne and perhaps even build a dynasty, filling the Paycom Center with more championship banners.
2025-10-22 02:09:00
