Last night I was watching Sports Center, and they were talking about Oklahoma City. Several things I noticed compared to last year: We're casually accepted as part of the league, rather than always having a comment about us previously being the Sonics, references to moving, etc. I also noticed they call us Oklahoma City, rather than the Thunder. My husband, who's a casual basketball fan but tries to humor me said: "We've arrived. You can't put a dollar value on being on ESPN this many nights of the year." I think he's right. Having an NBA team is only one piece of what it takes to become a better city, but it's a surprisngly big one, IMO. Also, make sure you read to the bottom of the article and see what Scott Brooks says about the players and Oklahoma City.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=14471

The Oklahoma City Thunder just may have earned increased league respect, and perhaps some new fans, after their decisive win 104-94 over the Utah Jazz Tuesday night. The Thunder showed how effective their defense can be on an opponent's floor and demonstrated that they are learning how to close out games. The team arrived back in Oklahoma City yesterday morning around 2:30 am, then reported to practice at noon.

Foremost on their mind was the Utah win and the upcoming game Friday night at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. There is significant buzz around this game as ESPN dropped the previously-scheduled game (Suns/T-Wolves) and will air the Thunder/Bucks game instead.

Here are random notes:

- Brooks talked about the good Thunder defensive effort in Utah; he wasn't sure how many of the 24 Jazz turnovers were attributed directly to OKC's hands. "Offensively, we played as good as we possibly can," Brooks said. "The starting unit did a good job sharing the ball and looking for a good shot, instead of looking for 'my shot'."

- Thabo Sefolosha said Deron Williams wasn't as playing as aggressive in the second half of last night's game which allowed team defense to shine.

- While recognizing that it's a "great opportunity for our fans to be on ESPN," Brooks is thinking more along the lines of just playing consistently Friday night. Simply put, he sees the game as another opportunity to go out and play good basketball.

- About the ESPN coverage, Sefolosha said "we're probably not going to think about it too much." The late 8:30 pm tip has just one meaning to him: a "longer nap."

- Admitting it may sound "corny," Brooks said the players have a lot of pride playing in Oklahoma City.

OKCThunderFans — The Biggest Thunder Fans On Earth

I think by January of next year (2010) more of our own OKC locals will become loyal fans. To some, they haven't proven themselves as a good team yet. I was a hardcore fan the day of the relocation - and this year has, so far, proven that they are going to be a good organization to support. As we progress later in the year, hopefully keeping a winning record - more of our own locals will begin to show pride in having this team.

I love our team, if the Thunder stay competitive no matter the competition, get better (steadily improving wins), on a consistent basis (at least 3 consecutive years), I believe they may very well be as popular during the BB season as College Football. What I really hope as well is that the increased exposure will generate a desire to improve the CITY even more (Maps3). I think the Thunder can help do for OKC what Sports did for Indianapolis when it was known as "naptown", I was there and the downtown took off (new construction of hotels, museums, a canal w/boats, zoo remodeling etc) with the arrival of the colts, NASCAR (along with the 500), the NCAA HQ's move etc.

After the Utah game I switched over to NBA to see what the guys had to say about the team. It was Ernie, Kevin McHale and Chris Webber. They were very complimentary about the team and did keep calling us OKC instead of the Thunder. They also talked to Jeff Green after the game via the video phone thingy. If you watch NBA tv game summaries they are always talking about how fun this team is to watch.

I've noticed that, too. And assuming that sports is just entertainment, isn't that what it's all about? I keep thinking that we're just an acquisition or two away from being a scary team. I know it's crazy, but when I heard that Allen Iverson was considering stepping away from basketball, I wanted the Thunder to go make him an offer, treat him to Durant's slap-fest game until he agreed to become a team player, then put him on the court and see what happened from there. lol

Y'all keep talking this team and game up, and you might even get lil' ol' me more interested in it. That's nuttin' agin the team, don't even know the W/L status except when it is posted here. I've just nevah been real interested in b-ball, but hey, it's become more clear that you're making some headway with me.

Man, tonight was incredible. The team played so well, and the crowd was rockin'. I can guarantee you we looked good on ESPN tonight.

OKCThunderFans — The Biggest Thunder Fans On Earth

Yeah that was a VERY impressive performance from our guys on NATIONAL TELEVISION!!! Man!!! I absolutely love having an NBA team in my home city. It makes me proud to live in OKC! Hopefully the people and the city continue with the momentum and keep moving forward. I'm patiently waiting for the NFL to arrive! CAN'T WAIT!!!

NFL??? ehhhh NO WAY! well I should not say that,6-7 yrs ago no one would have thought we'd get an NBA franchise,right now OKC's metro doesnt have the population for an NFL team and OU trumps anything!all that said I'll get back on topic! great impressive win for the Thunder!another sellout!

5 sellouts out of 7 home games. Not bad. I'd like to see them all sold out, but perhaps as the team gets better and now that college football season is over we'll see even more support. This is a fun team to watch. We've got great guys on the team, they like each other and they like playing at home for us. Hard to ask for much more.

OKCThunderFans — The Biggest Thunder Fans On Earth

Great victory!

9-7

Watched it on ESPN and it was great! They had a couple of great skyline shots as bumpers in/out of commercials. The team was great, the crowd was great, and the city was looking mighty pretty.

Friday's game almost had a playoff atmosphere to it. ( I am totally guessing since I have never actually been to a playoff game) I am hoping the crowd tonight can ride the Thunder to its third straight victory.

Depends on which team is in the playoffs. I went to a Laker's NBA finals game and it wasn't much different from a regular, exciting game at the Ford Center. Nothing earth or ear shattering.

IMO, if you look around the country, there really are only 2-3 places anywhere that massively support both college football and NFL football. I just can't see OKC as being one of those. Its a numbers game and our population and general wealth just aren't up to those levels.