Wrap10
10-05-2008, 02:30 PM
Thunder Rolls Again. Team Celebrates Fourth Title in Seven Years
Associated Press
7/3/2018
OKLAHOMA CITY -
What a difference a decade makes.
Ten years to the day after settling a controversial lawsuit that brought a struggling franchise to this once quiet city on the southern plains, and in defiance of early-day naysayers, the NBA’s most fearsome weather event held another celebration. Complete with a mild storm, and yes, even a little thunder.
It rained on Oklahoma City’s parade. And Oklahoma City loved every minute of it.
"It’s appropriate, don’t you think?” said Governor Mick Cornett, who was seen high-fiving Thunder players along the parade route downtown. “It’s rare to have a storm here in July, but even Mother Nature wanted to be a part of this."
Earlier, the popular "Governor Mick" had signed legislation officially re-naming the state’s capital as Thunder City for 24 hours. Something that was also done after the team‘s first three titles, in 2012, 2014, and 2016. "We might make it permanent this time," joked Mayor Doug Loudenback, celebrating with a Flash Dancer on each arm. "It’s becoming a tradition."
"We love it," added a happy fan known as "Betts," owner of Betts, Inc., a local corporation that runs a wildly popular fan forum complete with its own clothing line and interactive sports game titles. "It just shows what can happen when a city comes together."
Kiddingly asked if their inability to win back-to-back titles had anything to do with modeling themselves after the San Antonio Spurs, owner Clay Bennett, known affectionately as "God of Thunder" to the local fan base, merely smiled. "We’ll have to see what we can do about that next season," Bennett said. "But we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in such a short time." General Manager Sam Presti (aka "Brain of Thunder") agreed. "San Antonio is a good model for anyone to follow, but we do things our way now. The Thunder Way."
Overnight, the state capitol building was drenched in a spotlight featuring the team’s highly popular logo, as the old-time classic "Thunderstruck" repeatedly played over nearby loudspeakers. "God I hate that song," noted a passerby who refused to be identified.
Along the parade route, celebrating fans, called Bolt Heads after a popular type of hat, implored perennial all-stars Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook not to retire. At least not yet. "No way," said the smiling Durant. "We’re not about to give this up. Besides, no one’s gone back-to-back since the Lakers three-peated in 9, 10, & 11. We’re going to change that!" Injured center Robert Swift agreed. "We’ll get it done next year," said the wheelchair-bound Swift, who missed most of the season with various injuries. "Once my artificial leg is attached this summer, and I get it tattooed, I’ll be ready to go."
One daring fan ran up to the car carrying assistant coach Desmond Mason and placed an OU Sooners hat on his head, before running off. Mason, an Oklahoma State grad, took it good-naturedly. "Just means my dog gets a new chew-toy tonight," he joked.
In Seattle, little note was taken of the anniversary. "We’ve moved on," said mayor Brad Keller, credited with fending off a lawsuit that brought the former Grizzlies from Memphis to Seattle. "We’re happy for Oklahoma City, but we’re focused on the Sonics, and look forward to holding our own parade next year." The re-vamped Seattle Sonics surprised everyone with a deep playoff run in only their third year back in the league. "I think our future is bright," said Sonics coach Nick Collison. "We’re set to make some serious noise next season."
But for now, and for the fourth time in seven years, the noisiest place in the NBA is right here. Thunder City, Oklahoma.
Associated Press
7/3/2018
OKLAHOMA CITY -
What a difference a decade makes.
Ten years to the day after settling a controversial lawsuit that brought a struggling franchise to this once quiet city on the southern plains, and in defiance of early-day naysayers, the NBA’s most fearsome weather event held another celebration. Complete with a mild storm, and yes, even a little thunder.
It rained on Oklahoma City’s parade. And Oklahoma City loved every minute of it.
"It’s appropriate, don’t you think?” said Governor Mick Cornett, who was seen high-fiving Thunder players along the parade route downtown. “It’s rare to have a storm here in July, but even Mother Nature wanted to be a part of this."
Earlier, the popular "Governor Mick" had signed legislation officially re-naming the state’s capital as Thunder City for 24 hours. Something that was also done after the team‘s first three titles, in 2012, 2014, and 2016. "We might make it permanent this time," joked Mayor Doug Loudenback, celebrating with a Flash Dancer on each arm. "It’s becoming a tradition."
"We love it," added a happy fan known as "Betts," owner of Betts, Inc., a local corporation that runs a wildly popular fan forum complete with its own clothing line and interactive sports game titles. "It just shows what can happen when a city comes together."
Kiddingly asked if their inability to win back-to-back titles had anything to do with modeling themselves after the San Antonio Spurs, owner Clay Bennett, known affectionately as "God of Thunder" to the local fan base, merely smiled. "We’ll have to see what we can do about that next season," Bennett said. "But we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in such a short time." General Manager Sam Presti (aka "Brain of Thunder") agreed. "San Antonio is a good model for anyone to follow, but we do things our way now. The Thunder Way."
Overnight, the state capitol building was drenched in a spotlight featuring the team’s highly popular logo, as the old-time classic "Thunderstruck" repeatedly played over nearby loudspeakers. "God I hate that song," noted a passerby who refused to be identified.
Along the parade route, celebrating fans, called Bolt Heads after a popular type of hat, implored perennial all-stars Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook not to retire. At least not yet. "No way," said the smiling Durant. "We’re not about to give this up. Besides, no one’s gone back-to-back since the Lakers three-peated in 9, 10, & 11. We’re going to change that!" Injured center Robert Swift agreed. "We’ll get it done next year," said the wheelchair-bound Swift, who missed most of the season with various injuries. "Once my artificial leg is attached this summer, and I get it tattooed, I’ll be ready to go."
One daring fan ran up to the car carrying assistant coach Desmond Mason and placed an OU Sooners hat on his head, before running off. Mason, an Oklahoma State grad, took it good-naturedly. "Just means my dog gets a new chew-toy tonight," he joked.
In Seattle, little note was taken of the anniversary. "We’ve moved on," said mayor Brad Keller, credited with fending off a lawsuit that brought the former Grizzlies from Memphis to Seattle. "We’re happy for Oklahoma City, but we’re focused on the Sonics, and look forward to holding our own parade next year." The re-vamped Seattle Sonics surprised everyone with a deep playoff run in only their third year back in the league. "I think our future is bright," said Sonics coach Nick Collison. "We’re set to make some serious noise next season."
But for now, and for the fourth time in seven years, the noisiest place in the NBA is right here. Thunder City, Oklahoma.