Oklahoma City Thunder facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oklahoma City Thunder
Conference	Western
Division	Northwest
Founded	1967
History	Seattle SuperSonics 1967–2008 Oklahoma City Thunder 2008–present
Arena	Paycom Center
Location	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Team colors	Thunder blue, sunset, yellow, dark blue
Main sponsor	Love's
General manager	Sam Presti
Head coach	Mark Daigneault
Ownership	Professional Basketball Club LLC (Clay Bennett, Chairman)
Affiliation(s)	Oklahoma City Blue
Championships	2 (1979, 2025)
Conference titles	5 (1978, 1979, 1996, 2012, 2025)
Division titles	14 (1979, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2024, 2025, 2026)
Retired numbers	7 (1, 4, 10, 19, 24, 32, 43)
Association Icon Statement

The Oklahoma City Thunder are an American professional basketball team located in Oklahoma City. They play in the National Basketball Association, which is often called the NBA. The Thunder compete in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Paycom Center.

The Thunder also run a minor league team called the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League. Oklahoma City has no other clubs in the major professional North American sports leagues. Years ago, the city temporarily welcomed the New Orleans Hornets after a huge storm called Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana.

The franchise first competed as the Seattle SuperSonics beginning in the 1967–68 season. The SuperSonics played for 41 years in the state of Washington. In 2008, the club moved to Oklahoma after a purchase by a group led by Clay Bennett. In Seattle, the club entered the NBA playoffs 22 times and won the 1979 NBA championship.

After moving to Oklahoma, the team grew fast. Young superstars joined the roster and turned the club into a title contender. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2012. Years later, a rebuilt roster led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the 2025 NBA Finals.

History of the Thunder Franchise

1967–2008: The Seattle SuperSonics Era

The franchise began play in the city of Seattle in 1967. As an expansion team, the club needed time to learn how to win. Over 41 seasons in the Pacific Northwest, the SuperSonics reached the postseason many times.

Seattle won conference titles in 1978, 1979, and 1996. The greatest victory came when the SuperSonics defeated the Washington Bullets to capture the 1979 championship trophy. Many great players wore the green and gold uniform during those years.

In 2007, the SuperSonics chose high-scoring forward Kevin Durant in the annual player selection event. Durant showed great talent right away and became the face of the club. His arrival set the stage for an exciting new beginning in another city.

Moving the Franchise to Oklahoma City

In 2006, business leader Howard Schultz sold the SuperSonics and the WNBA team called the Seattle Storm. The buyer was the Professional Basketball Club LLC, directed by Oklahoma businessman Clay Bennett. The league owners approved the transaction later that fall. Bennett wished to secure a modern arena for the club.

When city officials in Washington state could not agree on an arena plan, Bennett decided to move the team. A legal agreement allowed the owners to move the club while leaving the SuperSonics name, colors, and logos behind in case Seattle receives an expansion team in future seasons.

The team has played home games at Paycom Center since 2008.

Leaders announced the nickname "Thunder" in September 2008. The name pays tribute to stormy spring weather across Tornado Alley. It also honors the 45th Infantry Division of the army, nicknamed the Thunderbirds. The club used the fourth pick in the 2008 NBA draft to select point guard Russell Westbrook.

During that first summer, new players joined the Orlando Pro Summer League. The team practiced at the Sawyer Center at Southern Nazarene University. Preseason matches occurred in different venues, including an early game in Billings, Montana. The Thunder played their first home game at their downtown arena on October 14 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The regular season opened with tough challenges. Guard Earl Watson made the first home basket, but the club dropped its opener to the Milwaukee Bucks. A few nights later, Oklahoma City earned its first victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Head coach P. J. Carlesimo and assistant Paul Westhead were replaced after an early losing streak. Assistant coach Scott Brooks stepped in to guide the team.

Under Coach Brooks, the young players learned how to compete together. The Thunder started slowly at 3–29 but closed the year with 20 wins in their last 50 games. They finished with a 23–59 record. Ticket sales soared, and the business magazine Forbes showed that the value of the franchise grew rapidly during its first year in Oklahoma.

2009–2012: Young Stars Rise to the Finals

Russell Westbrook played with incredible speed and power for Oklahoma City.

The Thunder entered their second season with high energy and big goals. In the 2009 NBA draft, the club drafted guard James Harden from Arizona State University. The team also drafted Rodrigue Beaubois and traded him to the Dallas Mavericks for Byron Mullens from Ohio State University. Veteran players Etan Thomas and Kevin Ollie joined the roster. Later that winter, guard Eric Maynor arrived in a trade with the Utah Jazz.

The young squad improved by leaps and bounds. Forward Kevin Durant displayed incredible scoring skills. Point guard Russell Westbrook attacked the basket with speed, while James Harden provided scoring off the bench. Young forward Serge Ibaka protected the rim by blocking shots.

The Thunder grabbed huge wins over top squads like the Orlando Magic from the Eastern Conference and the Los Angeles Lakers. They also earned great road victories against the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics. Kevin Durant became the youngest scoring leader in league history by averaging 30.1 points per game.

Oklahoma City finished the regular season with 50 wins and 32 losses. They qualified for the 2010 NBA playoffs as the eighth seed. On April 22, 2010, the Thunder won their first home playoff game in Oklahoma City by beating the defending champion Lakers. The Lakers eventually took the series 4–2, but the Thunder earned great respect across the basketball world.

The next year, the Thunder won the Northwest Division with 55 victories. In the first round of the postseason, Durant scored 41 points twice against the Denver Nuggets, while Serge Ibaka blocked nine shots in a single game. Oklahoma City then met the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling seven-game battle. Durant scored 39 points in game seven, and Westbrook posted a triple-double, meaning double digits in three stat categories. Oklahoma City reached the conference finals, where they lost to the experienced Dallas Mavericks.

A league work stoppage shortened the 2011–12 regular season. Center Kendrick Perkins returned in great physical shape. Thunder stars Durant, Westbrook, Harden, Perkins, and Ibaka received votes for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. Coach Scott Brooks was selected to direct the Western Conference All-Star squad.

Oklahoma City rolled through the 2012 NBA playoffs. They swept Dallas in the opening round and eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. In the conference finals, the Thunder fell behind 0–2 against the powerful San Antonio Spurs. The team fought back to win four straight games, securing the Western Conference crown. The Thunder entered the 2012 NBA Finals against LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Oklahoma City won the first game at home, but Miami took the next four games to win the crown.

2012–2016: Championship Chases and Roster Changes

Center Steven Adams was drafted by the team in 2013.

Before the 2012–13 season, the Thunder drafted forward Perry Jones III from Baylor University. The club signed free agents Hasheem Thabeet and Daniel Orton, plus guards Andy Rautins and DeAndre Liggins. Ibaka agreed to a new contract extension. However, the club could not agree on an extension with James Harden. In October 2012, Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets along with Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook, and Lazar Hayward. In exchange, Oklahoma City received Kevin Martin, young guard Jeremy Lamb, and future draft picks.

The Thunder dominated the 2012–13 regular season, earning 60 wins to finish first in the Western Conference. In the first round of the postseason against Houston, Russell Westbrook hurt his knee after a collision with guard Patrick Beverley. Westbrook missed the remainder of the postseason. Without their star point guard, the Thunder defeated Houston but were eliminated in the next round by the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the 2013 NBA draft, general manager Sam Presti selected big man Steven Adams from New Zealand and acquired defensive guard André Roberson along with Grant Jerrett. Veteran guard Derek Fisher returned to provide leadership, while Ryan Gomes joined the bench. Oklahoma City won 59 games behind Kevin Durant, who won the NBA Most Valuable Player trophy. The team beat Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers in the postseason before falling to San Antonio in the conference finals.

Injuries challenged the squad throughout the 2014–15 season. Rookies Mitch McGary and Josh Huestis joined the team along with Semaj Christon and Sebastian Telfair, while defensive wing Thabo Sefolosha signed with the Atlanta Hawks. Kevin Durant suffered a severe foot injury called a Jones fracture and missed many games. Westbrook broke a bone in his hand during an opening match against the Portland Trail Blazers. Both stars fought through injuries, but Durant eventually underwent surgery and missed the rest of the year.

Westbrook carried the offense with incredible scoring and multiple triple-doubles. He won the league scoring title, but the club narrowly missed the postseason with a 45–37 record. Oklahoma City then parted ways with Coach Brooks and hired former college coach Billy Donovan.

During the 2015–16 campaign, rookies Cameron Payne and Dakari Johnson joined the club. The Thunder won their division once again and reached the Western Conference Finals. They took an impressive 3–1 lead over the record-setting Golden State Warriors, but Golden State fought back to win the series in seven games.

2016–2019: The Russell Westbrook MVP Era

Kevin Durant won four scoring crowns and an MVP trophy with the Thunder.

During the summer of 2016, Kevin Durant decided to sign with Golden State. This dramatic change meant Russell Westbrook became the sole leader of the Thunder. Westbrook signed a contract extension and put together one of the greatest individual seasons in basketball history.

Westbrook averaged a triple-double across the entire 2016–17 season, joining legend Oscar Robertson as the only players to accomplish this feat. Westbrook recorded 42 triple-doubles, breaking Robertson's single-season record. In a historic regular-season game against Denver, he made a long buzzer-beating shot to secure the victory. Westbrook was honored with the league's Most Valuable Player award. The Thunder reached the playoffs but fell to Houston in the first round.

In the summer of 2017, the Thunder drafted guard Terrance Ferguson. The front office then pulled off blockbuster trades to add All-Star talent. Oklahoma City acquired superstar forward Paul George from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Later, the team brought in high-scoring forward Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks in exchange for Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a draft selection. Veteran players Raymond Felton and Patrick Patterson joined the squad as well.

The star-filled lineup battled hard in the tough Western Conference. Westbrook signed another contract extension to stay with the franchise. The team won 48 games during the 2017–18 regular season but lost to the Utah Jazz in the opening playoff round.

During the next off-season, Paul George decided to sign a new multi-year contract to stay in Oklahoma City. The club drafted Devon Hall and Kevin Hervey and acquired athletic wing Hamidou Diallo. Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a deal that brought skilled German guard Dennis Schröder and forward Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot to Oklahoma City. Defensive center Nerlens Noel and wing Abdel Nader arrived to add depth, while Deonte Burton signed a two-way contract.

Paul George enjoyed an incredible season, finishing as a finalist for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. However, the Thunder suffered another first-round playoff exit against the Portland Trail Blazers in the spring of 2019.

2019–2020: The Chris Paul Leadership Season

In July 2019, general manager Sam Presti made major trades to reset the franchise for the future. Paul George asked for a trade to join star forward Kawhi Leonard with the Los Angeles Clippers. Oklahoma City sent George to Los Angeles in exchange for Italian forward Danilo Gallinari, young Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and a massive haul of future first-round draft picks. The Thunder also traded forward Jerami Grant to the Denver Nuggets for another first-round draft pick.

Realizing the roster needed a fresh start, Presti traded long-time star Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets. In exchange, the Thunder received veteran All-Star point guard Chris Paul along with several future draft choices. Many sports analysts thought the team would struggle to win games, but the new squad surprised everyone.

Chris Paul provided outstanding leadership for the young players. He earned his tenth career All-Star selection during the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as a rising star, leading the squad in scoring. Dennis Schröder provided great scoring energy off the bench.

When the regular season paused due to global health concerns, the Thunder were invited to complete the schedule inside the special 2020 NBA Bubble in Florida. Oklahoma City finished with an impressive 44–28 record. They faced Chris Paul's former team, the Houston Rockets, in an exciting seven-game playoff series before being eliminated in the final moments of game seven.

2020–2023: Rebuilding with Young Talent

Following the Florida playoff run, coach Billy Donovan moved on. The Thunder promoted assistant coach Mark Daigneault to become the new head coach. Daigneault was known for his player-development skills with the minor league Oklahoma City Blue.

The Thunder traded Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns for Kelly Oubre Jr., Ricky Rubio, two other players, and a future draft pick. Veterans like Steven Adams, Dennis Schröder, and Danilo Gallinari were also traded to other clubs for draft picks. Experienced center Al Horford spent one season with the team before being traded for All-Star guard Kemba Walker, who agreed to leave the club soon after.

Through these trades, Sam Presti collected an extraordinary treasure chest of draft assets. By the summer of 2021, the Thunder held 36 future draft picks across seven seasons. The club signed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a five-year contract extension, making him the centerpiece of the rebuild.

The rebuilding process required patience. On May 1, 2021, the very young Thunder team suffered a lopsided home loss to the Indiana Pacers. The following year, on December 2, 2021, the team lost by 73 points to the Memphis Grizzlies. These tough lessons helped the young players learn how hard they needed to work.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander developed into a superstar guard.

In the 2021 NBA draft, the Thunder selected Australian playmaker Josh Giddey, big man Alperen Şengün, and shooter Tre Mann. Şengün was traded on draft night for two future first-round picks. Josh Giddey quickly showed great passing vision, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.

The team held the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft and chose tall, skilled center Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga University. They also selected versatile forward Jalen Williams from Santa Clara University with the twelfth pick. Holmgren suffered a severe foot injury called a Lisfranc injury during an offseason game and missed his entire rookie season.

Even without Holmgren on the court, the Thunder made giant strides during the 2022–23 season. Gilgeous-Alexander became a true superstar, averaging 31.1 points per game and earning First Team All-NBA honors. Jalen Williams had an outstanding rookie year. The Thunder won 40 games and earned a spot in the play-in tournament, where they beat the New Orleans Pelicans before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2023–2026: Championship Glory and Dominance

The 2023–24 season brought the Thunder back to the top of the league. Chet Holmgren made his long-awaited debut, providing shot-blocking and three-point shooting. Jalen Williams grew into a dynamic secondary scorer. The team added veteran forward Gordon Hayward to provide bench experience.

On March 31, 2024, the Thunder clinched their first playoff berth in four years by beating the New York Knicks 113–112. Oklahoma City finished the regular season with 57 wins and 25 losses, earning the top seed in the Western Conference. Mark Daigneault was named the NBA Coach of the Year, and the Thunder swept the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round. They were the youngest team in history to win an NBA playoff series. The postseason journey ended in the second round in a tight six-game series against the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić.

During the summer of 2024, the Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for elite defensive guard Alex Caruso. The club also signed skilled center Isaiah Hartenstein to bolster the frontcourt. Rookie draft picks Nikola Topić, Dillon Jones, and Ajay Mitchell joined the roster.

Holmgren suffered a hip injury early in the 2024–25 campaign, but Hartenstein and his teammates stepped up. The Thunder advanced to the championship match of the in-season NBA Cup, finishing as runners-up to the Milwaukee Bucks. The team set a franchise record by winning 15 consecutive regular season games. In the spring of 2025, Oklahoma City broke their team record for regular-season wins, finishing with 68 victories to lead the entire league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was voted the league's Most Valuable Player after an extraordinary season. In the playoffs, the Thunder rolled through the Western Conference bracket. In the 2025 NBA Finals, Oklahoma City faced the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. The Thunder captured game seven at Paycom Center to win their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma. Gilgeous-Alexander was named the Finals MVP.

The championship momentum continued throughout the 2025–26 season. Sam Presti added young scoring guard Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers to give the team even more offensive firepower. Oklahoma City locked up the number one seed in the Western Conference for the third straight year with 64 wins before a hard-fought battle in the conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

Great Team Rivalries

San Antonio Spurs

The rivalry between the Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs is one of the most exciting matchups in the Western Conference. During the 2010s, Oklahoma City battled Spurs legends Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in high-stakes playoff series. The teams met in two Western Conference Finals, with the Thunder winning the matchup in 2012.

In the 2020s, the rivalry ignited again behind young stars. Fans love watching the matchups between French center Victor Wembanyama and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Because Texas and Oklahoma share a border, games between these two franchises always bring huge energy from both fanbases.

Dallas Mavericks

The rivalry with the Dallas Mavericks is another intense battle between neighboring states. In 2011, Dallas beat Oklahoma City in the conference finals on their way to an NBA title. The Thunder answered back in 2012 by sweeping the defending champion Mavericks out of the playoffs.

The feud heated up again during the mid-2020s. Superstars Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have faced off in intense playoff battles. Their contrasting basketball styles and physical postseason games have made this rivalry one of the most entertaining matchups in basketball.

Home Basketball Arenas

Before moving to Oklahoma, the franchise played in several venues across the Seattle area:

• Seattle Center Coliseum (1967–1978)
• Kingdome (1978–1985)
• Seattle Center Coliseum (1985–1994)
• Tacoma Dome (1994–1995, used while their main arena was remodeled)
• KeyArena (1995–2008, the remodeled Seattle Center Coliseum, now known as Climate Pledge Arena)

Paycom Center (2008–present)

The Thunder have played home games at Paycom Center since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008. The arena opened in June 2002 under the original name Ford Center. It cost $89.2 million to build.

In March 2008, Oklahoma City voters approved a local sales tax extension to fund $101 million in arena upgrades. These renovations added luxury suites, modern locker rooms, wider concourses, and a dedicated team practice facility. The stadium seats 18,203 cheering fans for basketball games.

The arena went by the name Chesapeake Energy Arena from 2011 until 2021. In July 2021, Oklahoma-based company Paycom signed a 15-year naming agreement, officially naming the building Paycom Center.

Future Downtown Arena

In September 2023, city leaders and team officials announced plans for a new state-of-the-art arena in downtown Oklahoma City. The new venue, planned under the name Continental Coliseum, is designed to keep the Thunder in the city for decades to come.

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt strongly supported the project. In December 2023, local citizens voted to approve public funding for the new stadium. The venue will give the Thunder one of the most technologically advanced sports facilities in the world.

Mascot: Rumble the Bison

The mascot for the Thunder is a friendly, energetic American bison named Rumble the Bison. He was introduced to the fans on February 17, 2009, during halftime of a game against the New Orleans Hornets.

According to team stories, Rumble was separated from his herd during an intense storm in the Arbuckle Mountains. He gained great strength from the lightning and thunder before finding his new home with the basketball team.

Rumble performs incredible acrobatic slam dunks off trampolines during games. He also visits local schools to encourage children to read books and live active, healthy lives. Rumble won the NBA Mascot of the Year award in his first season.

Thunder Fans and Traditions

Thunder fans are known across professional sports for their loyalty and loud cheering inside the arena. During the 2012 NBA Finals, sportswriter Bill Simmons wrote on Grantland.com that Paycom Center was one of the loudest buildings he had ever visited. He described how fans arrived very early just to cheer during pregame shooting warmups.

The team has deep roots in the community. General manager Sam Presti brings new players to visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial to learn about the history and resilience of the city. Fans wear matching team T-shirts during home playoff games, turning the arena seats into a bright sea of blue or orange.

The official cheer of the team and its supporters is "Thunder Up!" Fans shout this chant during games, display it on signs, and write it across social media to show pride in their team.

Retired Jersey Numbers

The Thunder have officially retired one jersey number to honor a beloved player from their Oklahoma City era:

• Number 4 was retired on March 20, 2019, for forward Nick Collison, who played his entire 14-year career with the franchise and was nicknamed "Mr. Thunder."

The franchise also recognizes six retired numbers from the Seattle SuperSonics era:

• 1 – Gus Williams, Guard (1977–1984)
• 10 – Nate McMillan, Guard (1986–1998)
• 19 – Lenny Wilkens, Guard and Coach (1968–1972)
• 24 – Spencer Haywood, Forward (1970–1975)
• 32 – Fred Brown, Guard (1971–1984)
• 43 – Jack Sikma, Center (1977–1986)
• Broadcaster Bob Blackburn was also honored with a special banner for calling games from 1967 to 1992.
• The NBA retired number 6 across all teams in 2022 to honor legendary center Bill Russell.

Individual Award Winners

Thunder players and coaches have earned many major league trophies:

• NBA Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant (2014), Russell Westbrook (2017), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025, 2026)
• NBA Finals Most Valuable Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025)
• NBA conference finals Most Valuable Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025)
• NBA Coach of the Year: Scott Brooks (2010), Mark Daigneault (2024)
• NBA Executive of the Year: Sam Presti (2025)
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year: James Harden (2012)
• NBA Clutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2026)
• NBA Scoring Champion: Kevin Durant (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014), Russell Westbrook (2015, 2017), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025)
• NBA Assists Leader: Russell Westbrook (2018, 2019)
• NBA Blocks Leader: Serge Ibaka (2012, 2013)
• Slam Dunk Contest Champion: Hamidou Diallo (2019)

Team Colors and Uniforms

The team's official colors are Thunder blue, sunset orange, yellow, and navy blue. The main team logo is a shield displaying the letters "OKC" with two energetic speed lines representing lightning streaks behind it.

The Thunder wear several uniform styles:

• The white "Association" uniform features the city name across the chest and the state shape on the belt.
• The blue "Icon" uniform displays the word "Thunder" across the chest.
• The dark "Statement" uniform features the letters "OKC" in vibrant orange.
• Special annual "City" edition uniforms honor local Oklahoma culture, including Native American heritage and state history.

Following their championship triumph in 2025, the team added a special gold championship tab on the back neck of their jerseys to celebrate their NBA title.

Media Coverage

Radio broadcasts for all Thunder games air across the Thunder Radio Network. The primary stations in Oklahoma City are WWLS-FM and KWPN. Veteran announcer Matt Pinto provides radio play-by-play descriptions of every game.

Television broadcasts are delivered to fans across Oklahoma and neighboring states through partnerships with Griffin Media. Over-the-air games air locally on stations like KSBI and KWTV-DT. Television coverage has featured play-by-play announcers Brian Davis and Chris Fisher, alongside former NBA player Michael Cage providing game analysis.

Images for kids

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  The Thunder won their first regular season game in Oklahoma City on November 2, 2008.

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  James Harden won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award with the Thunder in 2012.

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  Serge Ibaka led the league in blocked shots twice while playing for the Thunder.

See also

In Spanish: Oklahoma City Thunder para niños