Thunder has OKC up in arms over hoops

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY

Oklahoma is a football power and its rival Oklahoma State often dominates wrestling, but now the state has something every sports fan can cheer: an NBA finals debutante.

Blue-and-orange Oklahoma City Thunder flags flutter on vehicles around the city and the state, a tribute to a team that four years ago was among the league’s worst. An Oklahoma City skyscraper has a “Let’s Go Thunder” banner strung across it, and a local shop has a giant fake beard at its entrance to mimic Thunder guard James Harden.

Before the Thunder arrived in 2008 — an Oklahoma City businessman moved the team after Seattle balked at building the SuperSonics a new arena — Oklahomans’ sports loyalties were split between OU and OSU.

“This is the biggest thing we’ve had here. This is it,” said Tony Wright, a Thunder fan pumping gasoline into an SUV adorned with “OKC” banners.

Oklahoma City has home-court advantage in the best-of-7 series against the Miami Heat, which begins Tuesday night.

Thunder coach Scott Brooks said players and coaches are energized by the fans.

“They feel a part of this and they should. They’ve done a good job of making us feel that we’re a part of this community,” he said. “Our players, they love playing here. They know every night that we’re going to have the best crowd in the game and they’re going to come out and they’re going to cheer you on.”

Many Oklahoma City residents embrace the team as family.

Helen Jones said she has a photo of herself, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as a screensaver on her cellphone.

Harden occasionally drops in for Wednesday night bible study at the Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church that she attends

“They are so down to earth, clean, well-spoken and when I look at them, I try to get a picture of what they’re really, really like,” said Jones, a season-ticket holder.

Thunder pride is felt statewide, said Tulsa resident Sarah Neal, 34.

“There’s really a great kind of community feel. Go to any sports bar showing the game. You’re sitting with strangers and you’re high-fiving each other, buying each other drinks. It’s a great time for our state,” she said.

At Bedlam Sports in Tulsa, co-owner Steve McCormick has had to make room for all the Thunder gear.

“People feel like they’re on the team, and ‘I’ve got to get in there and get the stuff,”’ he said.