The Oklahoma City Thunder finding themselves in *** position they haven’t seen in 13 years. Western Conference champions. The team now 4 wins away from an NBA title, one they’ve never lifted before but have come heartbreakingly close to. Welcome to the 2012 NBA Finals. June 2012, their only other NBA Finals appearance, and 13 years later, Oklahoma City looks nothing like it used to. 12, the Devon Tower was under construction and opened later that year. Today, the skyline has drastically changed with new hotels, *** convention center, scissor tail park, and businesses popping up on every corner. It’s been highlighted by the city’s mayor who says anyone who hasn’t been to OKC in the last decade has Really been, but inside the arena some things have stayed the same, from long time employees and traditions to the fans and their pride for their team. This is *** special place and what makes it special is the people. The fans in this arena represent an entire state, and the civic pride that exudes. It’s second to none. It’s second to none. So even though star players have come. All I can think of is how this incredible group of young men has unified this city and this state as never before. And gone, the team chemistry is still one catching the eye of the nation. These guys clearly love each other and that is something that is just so rare in professional basketball where it’s *** business, but these guys. have genuine love and care for one another. You can see their friendship that’s bloomed organically over the course of the last few seasons. And while 2012 wasn’t the Thunder’s year to clinch the title, it’s *** bitter disappointment. This will be *** force to be reckoned with. They’re now 4 wins away and hungry, hoping to prove their historic season was no fluke and bring *** trophy to Loud City in Oklahoma City, Elise Jones, KOC, 5 News. And the Thunder
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Oklahoma City Thunder return to NBA Finals after 13 years
The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to compete in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, marking a significant milestone for the team and the city.
Updated: 11:35 PM CDT May 28, 2025
The Oklahoma City Thunder are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, with hopes of securing a championship trophy that has eluded them in the past.The team, now Western Conference champions, is just four wins away from claiming their first NBA title. In June 2012, the Thunder made their only other NBA Finals appearance. Since then, Oklahoma City has undergone significant changes. The Devon Tower, which was under construction during their last finals appearance, opened later that year. On Wednesday, the city’s skyline has transformed with new hotels, a convention center, Scissortail Park and numerous businesses emerging throughout the area. Oklahoma City’s mayor has highlighted these developments, saying that anyone who hasn’t visited in the last decade has never truly experienced the city.Inside the arena, however, some things remain unchanged. Long-time employees, traditions and the unwavering pride of Thunder fans continue to define the team’s home.”This place is a special place, and what makes it special is the people,” Sam Presti, the Thunder’s general manager, said in the past. “The fans in this arena represent an entire state, and the civic pride that exudes it is second to none.”Despite the departure of star players like Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder’s team chemistry remains strong.”All I can think of is how this incredible group of young men has unified this city and this state as never before,” Clay Bennett, the team’s chairman, previously said. The Thunder maintain that close bond despite the years and new players.”These guys clearly love each other, and that is something that is so rare in professional basketball. It’s a business, but these guys have genuine love and care for one another. You can see their friendship that’s bloomed organically over the course of the last few seasons,” Nick Gallo, Thunder sideline reporter said. While the Thunder faced bitter disappointment in 2012, they are now determined to prove their historic season was no fluke. The team is hungry for victory and aims to bring a trophy to Loud City.More Thunder Headlines Thunder Playoffs Guide: From tickets to schedule and more, everything you need to know about the Western Conference Finals How to get tickets to the Western Conference Finals Where to cheer on Thunder during Western Conference Finals Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named NBA MVP Thunder’s Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams named to NBA All-Defensive teams Merchandise now available celebrating Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Mayor Holt proclaims May 22 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Day in OKC Thunder to open Paycom Center for Loud City Live during Western Conference Finals road games
The Oklahoma City Thunder are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, with hopes of securing a championship trophy that has eluded them in the past.
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The team, now Western Conference champions, is just four wins away from claiming their first NBA title.
In June 2012, the Thunder made their only other NBA Finals appearance. Since then, Oklahoma City has undergone significant changes.
The Devon Tower, which was under construction during their last finals appearance, opened later that year.
On Wednesday, the city’s skyline has transformed with new hotels, a convention center, Scissortail Park and numerous businesses emerging throughout the area. Oklahoma City’s mayor has highlighted these developments, saying that anyone who hasn’t visited in the last decade has never truly experienced the city.
Inside the arena, however, some things remain unchanged. Long-time employees, traditions and the unwavering pride of Thunder fans continue to define the team’s home.
“This place is a special place, and what makes it special is the people,” Sam Presti, the Thunder’s general manager, said in the past. “The fans in this arena represent an entire state, and the civic pride that exudes it is second to none.”
Despite the departure of star players like Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder’s team chemistry remains strong.
“All I can think of is how this incredible group of young men has unified this city and this state as never before,” Clay Bennett, the team’s chairman, previously said.
The Thunder maintain that close bond despite the years and new players.
“These guys clearly love each other, and that is something that is so rare in professional basketball. It’s a business, but these guys have genuine love and care for one another. You can see their friendship that’s bloomed organically over the course of the last few seasons,” Nick Gallo, Thunder sideline reporter said.
While the Thunder faced bitter disappointment in 2012, they are now determined to prove their historic season was no fluke.
The team is hungry for victory and aims to bring a trophy to Loud City.
More Thunder Headlines
