Despite changing zip codes in 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder franchise remains one of the most esteemed professional basketball programs in the world.
The Sonics have been home to plenty of amazing talent over the years, from the likes of Lenny Wilkens in the ‘70s and Gus Williams in the ’80s. Then, there was the electrifying tandem of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp in the ‘90s.
Since relocating to OKC as the Thunder, superstars from this generation like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have managed to keep the franchise relevant despite the changes.
The Sonics, Thunder franchise has one NBA title on their belt (1979) and three Western Conference championships on top of multiple playoff appearances.
But like every other team, the franchise has had its share of disappointing moments throughout its long tenure in the league. Here are four of the most heartbreaking moments in Seattle/OKC history.
Losing the Sonics identity
It’s really a travesty that one of the most dedicated basketball fanbases in the world no longer has an NBA team.
Despite a strong push to keep the Sonics in Seattle by Basketball Club of Seattle LLP, they were unable to stop the investment group headed by Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett from setting up shop elsewhere in 2008.
The Sonics franchise appears to be on the come up at the time, thanks in large part to the fine play of their second overall pick Kevin Durant a year before. The team just lost stars Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis and Durant were expected to be Seattle’s next big star.
Their inability to secure funding to renovate the KeyArena eventually led to the city of Seattle’s downfall. A 28-2 vote from NBA owners approved the team’s eventual relocation to Oklahoma City.
The move did bring in the Sonics’ history and honors to Oklahoma City. However, it’s tough for the new fanbase to embrace the Sonics mantra given that they have no emotional attachment to the previous team.
To this day, Seattle continues to be on the lookout for the possibility of returning to the league by acquiring a current NBA team. They already have three failed bids with the Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks.
Blowing a 3-1 lead to the Warriors in 2016 WCF
Thanks in large part to their success with draft picks, it didn’t take long for the Thunder to return to contention. They reached the Western Conference Finals four times in a span of six seasons from 2010 to 2016.
The youthful Thunder squad was primed to return to the NBA Finals after taking a commanding 3-1 advantage against defending champions Golden State Warriors in the 2016 WCF. After upsetting the Warriors in Game 1, the Thunder went on to take blowout victories in 3 and 4.
Both Westbrook and Durant were averaging more than 25 points throughout the playoffs and OKC was able to weather the Dubs’ offensive capabilities. Lady Luck, however, was clearly not on their side as they went on to lose the next three games and the series. They even held a 13-point lead in the deciding Game 7, only to lose in the end game, 96-88.
Adding insult to injury, Durant opted to leave the Thunder over the summer to join their tormentors in Oakland.
Falling short in the Finals (twice)
After disappointing playoff exits in the early ‘90s, the Sonics returned to the Finals in 1996 led by their one-two punch of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp.
However, the George Karl-mentored team ran into the ultimate roadblock, in the form of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The team put up a fight against one of the best teams in NBA history but still felt short in six games.
They returned to the promised land 16 years later, as the trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden managed to beat the powerhouse teams of the West and made it to the 2012 NBA Finals.
They faced a better and more experienced Big 3 in Miami Heat’s LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Thunder managed to win Game 1 at home but went on to lose the next four matches.
Departure of Westbrook
Before they were named NBA MVPs it’s still quite surreal that Durant, Westbrook, and Harden all played for one NBA team at one point.
Harden was destined for bigger things outside of OKC and would have not blossomed to the superstar that he is now if he stayed in 2012. Durant’s free agency decision caught fans off guard in the summer of 2016, but the franchise was quick to move on.
However, it was Russell Westbrook’s shocking departure from the team last year that truly sent shockwaves to the entire city.
Russ was indeed the heart and soul of the Thunder, as he still leads the franchise in several statistical categories. He posted amazing statistical feats since Durant’s departure and averaged a triple-double in three seasons (2016-2019).
Despite his amazing numbers, Westbrook’s inability to lead OKC past the first round of the playoffs during that stretch may have factored into his decision to demand a trade.
The trade did work wonders for both sides, as the current OKC crop amassed a 40-24 slate prior to the suspension of the season. Westbrook, meanwhile, got reunited with Harden and is fitting in well with the Houston Rockets.
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