Some people say basketball is just a childhood game. To myself and every other Oklahoman, we know this is more than just a game. Oklahoma City Thunder basketball is a lifestyle; it is what we live and breathe. Fans, including myself, cried, but that was because of the deeper meaning of what this championship means to Thunder fans. So, let’s break down why this first title for the Thunder means so much and how the Thunder healed a city.
The Art of Rebuilding: How the Thunder Healed a City
The Moment That Changed Oklahoma City
April 19th, 1995, is the day that changed everything for Oklahoma. This was when one of the most horrific events happened in American history. It was this day the Alfred P. Murrah building was bombed in downtown Oklahoma City. One hundred sixty-eight souls were lost that day in Oklahoma, and it seemed like the city would never heal from this event.
It did spark something, though, amongst Oklahomans; it sparked hope. Everyone came together around this one point in the state. It did not matter who you were or where you were from. This was bigger than sports or anything else in life. It was what sparked this state to start coming together no matter what.
This one moment is what sparked the NBA’s interest in establishing a professional team in such a small city.
The First Steps to Welcoming an NBA Team
When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, the Hornets (now Pelicans) needed somewhere to play. Oklahoma City had an arena that the team could play in while the city of New Orleans rebuilt. They understood the pain that Louisiana was going through due to what happened in 1995. This moment sparked the NBA to run a test in the Sooner state.
The New Orleans Hornets played in Oklahoma City for two seasons. The team was a significant success, as the people of Oklahoma City strongly supported it. The commissioner realized that Oklahoma was ready for pro basketball, and he rewarded them with a team.
This set the foundation for bringing the Seattle Supersonics to Oklahoma City. The Thunder were born, and many people hated this move. Seattle refused to build a new arena for Clay Bennett and the Sonics, so they relocated to a team that had one for them. The rest is now history.
The Past That Shaped the Present
The first season with the Thunder was not pretty, but it laid the groundwork for a promising future. They soon drafted Russell Westbrook and James Harden to complement Kevin Durant. The future was bright, and Thunder fans were happy. This team made the NBA Finals in 2012 but ultimately lost to the Miami Heat. Joy was soon felt with heartbreak once again.
No one was associating Oklahoma with the bombing in 1995. Now, they associated them as a young contender looking to run the league. Finally, the state was no longer remembered for this horrible tragedy. The shadow still loomed over everyone’s head, as it was still relatively soon since it happened.
The Thunder then traded Harden and were never able to reach the Finals with Durant and Westbrook. Then, Durant left to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, leading to Westbrook averaging a triple-double. They acquired Paul Goerge, and the fans thought this was going to bring them glory. They never won a playoff series with this team, but it did get them glory after trading George and Westbrook.
The New Age Thunder
Not one Thunder fan thought Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was going to turn into the player he is now. Media members were also referring to the Thunder as “the black eye of the NBA.” Some even went as far as to say they would never be good again, and organizations like Charlotte and Houston would win a championship before them. They were all wrong.
Shai turned into an MVP, Luguentz Dort went undrafted and became one of the best defenders in the league, and they received a load of draft picks. These picks turned into Jalen Williams and Nikola Topić. They also drafted Chet Holmgren with their pick in 2022. The future was bright, and Thunder fans were anxious.
The 2023-2024 season marked a new era. A young contender once again, but could they get it done? They lost in the second round to the Dallas Mavericks in 2024. It was heartbreaking, but it was just the beginning. They came back out with a vengeance in the 2025 season, winning 68 games and an NBA Championship. They proved everyone wrong, showing you can win while being young. Finally, Oklahoma City was recognized as a champion, and the Thunder healed a city that experienced so much pain.
How Rebuilding Can Heal
Just like how downtown Oklahoma City was rebuilt after the bombing, Sam Presti rebuilt the Thunder after a few failed seasons. This team healed an entire city and state. If you told someone in 1995 that you were from Oklahoma, they would bring up the bombing. If you had said the same thing in 2005, they would have mentioned the Hornets. Ten years later, in 2015, they would bring up Durant and Westbrook. Now, if you ask them, they will recognize your state as being home to the NBA Champs.
In the heart of celebration, #WeRemember pic.twitter.com/sJWwAE6nxl
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 25, 2025
Something is poetic about the first championship coming 30 years after the Oklahoma City bombing. It almost confirms that Oklahoma has officially healed from the event, and it’s thanks to the Thunder. This is bigger than basketball; this title is about life. Those souls lost in 1995 may not have seen the Thunder at all, but they know this championship is for them. This is how the Thunder healed a city, thanks to one basketball team.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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