NBA refuses to put Thunder in national spotlight

Brody Bitters

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NBA refuses to put Thunder in national spotlight image

With the official NBA schedule being released for the 2024-25 season, there were a ton of tremendous games and matchups announced. Yet, the Oklahoma City Thunder seem to be receiving the short end of the stick.  

Last season, OKC ranked first in the Western Conference, the youngest team to ever do so. Moreover, they were able to make it to the Western Conference Semifinals, breaking another record of becoming the youngest team to win a playoff series. However, the NBA refuses to recognize the team's accomplishments, as the Thunder are ranked 11th amongst teams with nationally televised games.

One would think that a team with such a resume, as well as an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and promising young stars with the likes of Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, would be ranked higher than some of their competition.

This is not news to Thunder fans, however, as not only were they left off the Christmas Day schedule of games, but they were left off Opening Night as well. While it makes sense that some teams are ahead of the Thunder, a strong argument can be made for many others.

 

 

The Bucks, Timberwolves, Sixers, and Suns all ranked worse than the Thunder last season, yet they are all above the Thunder. Moreover, Shai has proven he is in the same tier as those franchise's stars, if not above. 

It just goes to show that the NBA has their favoritism towards certain players, teams, and markets, and the Thunder apparently are not a part of that illustrious group. The Thunder may just have to hoist the Larry O'Brien in order to gain the respect they deserve.

 

MORE THUNDER CONTENT:

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Why Alex Caruso is key to Thunder championship
 

Brody Bitters

Brody Bitters Photo

Brody Bitters is a graduate from Butler University, where he studied Sports Media and Strategic Communications for four years. Brody previously worked as a sports reporter in Zanesville, Ohio, where he covered all things athletics from high school football, baseball, and track & field to the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Brody played basketball, football, and soccer and is a diehard Buckeye. Moreover, Brody is a massive fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Broncos, which appear random on paper, but have very specific and unique backstories.