The Oklahoma City Thunder are easily one of the most proficient teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The franchise, which was originally established in 1967 as the Seattle SuperSonics, has gone through many changes over the years, but one thing remains constant: the Thunder are a powerhouse.
From Worst to First: How the Thunder Became a Contender
When the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder were a team in transition. The roster was filled with unproven young talent, and the future of the franchise was uncertain.
However, thanks to careful management and player development, the Thunder quickly rose to prominence. Led by the young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, the team quickly emerged as a contender in the Western Conference.
The Thunder would make their first playoff appearance in the 2010-11 season, led by the dynamic trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden. The team would reach the NBA Finals in 2012 and push the Miami Heat to a full seven games, eventually falling just short of winning the championship.
Durant and Westbrook Form the Best Duo in Basketball
It didn’t take long for the Thunder to become one of the best teams in the NBA. The duo of Durant and Westbrook quickly established themselves as two of the most dynamic players in basketball.
Durant was a dominant scorer, while Westbrook was a creative playmaker. Together, they formed the most dangerous duo in the league. With the combination of their skills, the Thunder quickly established themselves as one of the best teams in the NBA.
Riding High - The Peak of the Thunder Dynasty
The peak of the Thunder era came during the 2013-14 season. Powered by the trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka, the Thunder reached the Western Conference Finals and came within one game of making it to the NBA Finals.
The team still had hope heading into the following season, however, the Thunder would suffer a major setback when Durant went down with a foot injury. Despite the setback, the team remained in contention for a spot in the playoffs.
The End of an Era - The Thunder’s Decline
Heading into the 2015-16 season, the Thunder were hopeful they could make one more run at a championship. Unfortunately, they would be dealt a major blow when Durant announced he was leaving the team to join the Golden State Warriors.
The departure of Durant marked the end of an era for the Thunder. The team regressed to being an average team and eventually traded Westbrook to the Houston Rockets.
The Future of the Thunder - The Return of Hope
The Thunder have not been the same since the departure of Durant and Westbrook, but the team is slowly beginning to rebuild. With the emergence of stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort, the Thunder are once again on the rise.
The team has shown promise in the early portion of the 2021 season and look poised to make a return to the playoffs. With the continued development of their young stars, the Thunder could once again become an NBA powerhouse.
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