The Athletic NBA Daily NBA Finals Game 1 Preview
Jun 5, 2025
Rylan Stiles, host of Locked On Thunder and NBA analyst for Sports Illustrated, dives deep into the vibrant bond between the Oklahoma City Thunder and their community. He reveals how Sam Presti's vision shaped the team's extraordinary 68-win season. The conversation also touches on the emotional connection small-market teams share with fans, the thrilling strategies for the upcoming Finals against the Pacers, and intriguing player matchups. Plus, a playful nod to Elvis adds a charming twist to the excitement surrounding Game 1!
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Episode notes
Thunder's Unexpected Strong Season
- Oklahoma City's Thunder exceeded expectations by winning 68 games despite serious injury setbacks early in the season.
- Their resilience and growth through adversity have been impressive nationally and locally.
Growing Fan Engagement in OKC
- Oklahoma City's fan engagement has deepened as the team matured and overcame hardships.
- Fans now appreciate the journey and value the team's success more than when it was new and expected.
Trusted Rebuild Avoided Fan Loss
- The quick two-year rebuild by the Thunder avoided prolonged fan disengagement despite tanking.
- Fans kept faith largely due to trust in GM Sam Presti's plan and transparent communication.