During the Murrah Bombing almost all immersed ourselves into community qualities that we had perhaps not known before or at least not as vividly — the melding impact on those of all walks of life and regardless of economic, racial, religious, political, or other differences, and our city became one. Despite the horrific tragedy, we felt good about that coming together feeling perhaps for the first time in our city’s history.

It was during the Hornets time here that our community witnessed and experienced those same good feelings in a positive way to a sports team that we, at least for a time, perceived to be our own. In a major way, the presence of the Hornets in Oklahoma City solidified and clarified who we are and perceived ourselves to be.

The Thunder’s presence here is simply a continuation of what had already begun. Hornet’s attendance was great even when they were losing games, and that was true of the Thunder in its inaugural year, as well, when the win/loss record was not so rosy. Thunder team members seem to get it, as well. The standing ovation two seasons ago when the Thunder lost its final playoff game against the Lakers – some said they’d never seen anything like it — was not unnoticed by our players nor were some post-midnight showings of support at Will Rogers airport.

After the last game of the Hornets here, David West said in the locker room, “Just be patient. Your team is coming. One way or another, you guys are going to have a basketball team. You’ve proven it and you deserve one.”

Now that we do and having had that initial experience, is it any surprise that all stripes of Oklahoma Citians have continued to come together and support OUR team, even when they were not playing so well? Now that our minds are all blown by the Thunder’s wholly unexpected meteoric rise to the point of perhaps becoming an NBA champion, or, at least, a contender for that role, those types of rewards have come much sooner than expected.

But, even if they hadn’t, fan support was already a given, and both teams that have played here have internally known that.

To your questions: Does fan support through thick or thin have an effect upon the players? One would have to be in the minds of lots of players to truly know that. The city clearly loves the team no matter what, and I’m pretty sure that the team knows that, also. My guess is that, for that unconditional love, they love us back and that is part of the reason the Thunder has a 17-1 home record while being 14-7 on the road this season. While that’s just a guess, I’d venture to say that it’s a damn good one.

2. I think that the crowd at the Peake has been influential in that OKC now has a reputation as having THE best fans in the NBA. That’s a big statement, but I’ve heard it from writers, analysts, players and coaches ever since the Thunder’s first trip to the playoffs. So from a national perspective, when people think of the Thunder, their crowd is one of the first things they think of, after Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

3. The Thunder is worth supporting because these guys are easy to root for. The players are hardworking, high character, classy guys who give back to the community. They are great role models. They are endearing. And they are growing up before our eyes, much like OKC is to the rest of the world. They reflect the city they represent in all those ways, really. And it’s not just the players, it’s the entire organization. Classy from top to bottom. I have season tickets up in Loud City, and I’d support these guys whether it’s 82-0 or 0-82. I’m head over heels in love.

2. Home crowd influence – at this moment, 4-6 wins a season. We’re loud city baby!!!

3. Thunder tix//investment – it’s the biggest show in town. Though many 98 yr old sooner ticket holder may argue, we’re global! NBA IN OKC has that ring to it doesn’t it? The investment is 2 1/2 hrs of forgetting work and everyday family stress. And we are a family oriented community. My investment? Gameday swag man! I just picked up an $84.00 sweat shirt, a $28.00 ball cap and $48.00 T shirt. Hey thats an investment. Serious though, The Thunder do a great job at marketing to their core fans and putting a product on the floor everyone enjoys.

No matter what, thunder games are fun. It’s a great atmosphere. It’s fun just to be there.