Like so many of you I have come to enjoy our beloved OKC Thunder.  Recently, however, as the season slowly winds down it occurred to me that we don’t seem to have the same fan base we did during the first three quarters of the season.  Sure, OKC still has “Loud City” but for fans in the lower-bowl of the Ford Center the excitement has gradually waned and to a certain degree disappeared (like our win-streak!)

When the Lakers came to town a couple of weeks ago it seemed as if it were the Lakers who were the ones playing a home game!  The crowd was so excited to see Kobe Bryant (whom is and will remain on my “punk list”) that they didn’t seem to notice that Kevin Durant had just as many points as Kobe.  Maybe the OKC fans have created a mental block, keeping us from really and completely connecting with the team (due to how the Hornets left town).

We forgot that the adorable Nick Collison has slowly and quietly matured into a player that begs to be reckoned with.  We didn’t seem to notice that gradually we stopped standing up, waving our French Fries in the air; yelling at the opposing team in our feeble attempts to get them to miss their free throws.  We just remain seated.  When this Queen can be heard yelling and screaming from section 101 while the other fans remain seated then perhaps its high time we reevaluate our relationship with the team.

Oklahoma City may like to brag about having the best fans in the NBA, but it’s time we start acting as the best fans in the NBA — again! Maybe the best fans in the NBA just forgot that we have a pretty darn good team that is waiting, needing, and expecting our continued cheers of encouragement.  Granted, the team doesn’t deserve just accolades: this has been a difficult season on many levels for the Thunder’s, not to mention that Robert Swift is letting his hair grow long again!

Oklahoma City has a long and prosperous future with the NBA!  We (the Thunderheads) just need to remember that this is our town, that this is our house and that this is our team!

Go THUNDER!

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The idea of evolution seems appropriate when you think of the OKC Thunder; especially considering their inaugural season in Oklahoma City. The team moved from Seattle where although they had a rich past, their future was drying up faster then the team could win games. Oklahoma City knew this and was prepared for a losing team and sold the move to the fans as a ‘rebuilding period’. Little did the “Thunderheads” know that this meant the team was going to suck right out of the gate. P.J. Carlesimo was, and has to be, one of the league’s worst coaches! He had no thunder in his heart and as such the team played like he coached, bland and boring.

Over time the team synced up and you can see more moments of clarity for the players, coaching staff and fellow Thunderheads such as myself. Days after Carlesimo was fired, the team visibly started playing harder and seemed to have a new flame in their eye. Hell, there was even more butt patting between the players! And let’s be honest, folks.  Win or lose, butt patting makes everyone feel good about the game (Ah, Nick Collision #4).  Game after game I continue to scream encouragement to our boys,  returning to work like all the other Thunderheads unable to speak above a whisper. Whether its whispering, yelling, or somewhere in between, everyone’s talking Thunder.

Although I am the last person to offer official criticism of the Thunder Girls, (since I have no cheer leading ability and don’t  look good in drag or holding pom-poms) I think the team should add some male cheerleaders.  At the very least bring the “Boot Crew” back to the games and let them throw  balls at my face as I watch amused from behind the goal. (Although balls, baskets, boots, and cowboy hats make watching the game too confusing some times.)

I am proud of the progress that the Thunder seems to be making and they seem to have a new life when they come out to play. Kevin Durant is the clear leader of the team, from his salutes after a three point shot to his colorful use of metaphors to describe his disappointment with himself or his team. (Note to KD: We can read your lips and no matter what others say, I know you’re mouthing sweet nothings to me.)

The Thunder has a new energy and passion for playing, this much is clear. They continue to grow and mature into their new identity and new home in Oklahoma City. If the team continues to communicate and stay true to their roots (shout out to Robert Swift ’cause he is fierce with the hair) they will continue to build on their recent successes. Thunder players: Take solace in knowing you have a strong and supportive group of fans that will be there to hold your hands as you move and grow through your evolution into a finals worthy team!

Keep the Thunder Rolling!

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