Comments on: How have you seen the OKC Thunder unify Oklahoma?

By: Dan Holloway

Dan Holloway — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:00:50 +0000

The flaws of Clay Bennett and the NBA should not be the focus. Before now I have never cared much for pro basketball because of what I have read of the vacant morality of so many of the players. For me all people in the forefront of public attention matter far more as potential examples (especially for youth)than as athletes or actors or government leaders, etc. Thanks to the on and off court integrity of Kevin Durant and his Thunder brethren I have changed my mind about the possible value of pro basketball. E.g., among other factors, Kevin’s Bible in his backpack, and his kisses for his mother, and the time he spends with the fans after games, etc., tells me he is a man to be admired and emulated by youth. So what most deeply pleases me about Kevin et al is not their current success. By my measure they shine because they seem to live by principles instead of just their pocketbook and pleasures. In that regard they bless Oklahoma just as they are blessed by Oklahoma.

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:16:48 +0000

Clay Bennett you are a crook! When teams win everyone “unifies”, this is nothing new in pro sports.

By: G_Houston

G_Houston — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:13:04 +0000

Strange, I didn’t realize Oklahoma was a divided state. Politically, Oklahoma may be the most homogeneous state in the union. From a sports-influencing-society perspective, I suppose Bud Wilkinson’s 1950s OU football teams did as much to “unify” the people of Oklahoma, or more accurately, to provide Oklahomans with something they could rally around and feel proud about after decades of fighting the “dust bowl image.” From a socio-cultural perspective, I don’t think this current NBA success in 2012 can quite compare.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:00:52 +0000

You’re a sad individual John.

By: John

John — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:41:43 +0000

The people of OKC have always been unified ever since the bombing. I’m not going to give all the credit to a bunch of overpaid, greedy guys who so happen to play a popular sport with very little intensity. I like the players of the Thunder, but it’s no secret that the NBA is a joke of a league. Refs outcome games in this league, not “hustle” if that exists outside of a few players in this league. When I see sports such as college football running through the middle of the field making a play it makes me smile. When I see a hockey player dropping to the ice to take a 100+ MPH shot to the body for his team that makes me smile. When I see Durant, Parker, Harden, and Ginobili flop, it makes me chuckle how sissified this league is.

By: Edwin

Edwin — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 08:43:08 +0000

It is somewhat like what Oklahoma Sooner football did for the state post-World War II. The Sooners became the winningest football program by 36 more wins (577) than the number two program Penn State (541). This changed us from the Grapes of Wrath Okies to the home of the football Sooners champions. The Thunder players who choose to be here rather than NY or LA give a national lift to the state. I am amazed at how much time Kevin Durant is in state during the off season. The team lifts the people, the people lift the team.

By: Jr.

Jr. — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 04:50:13 +0000

How cool is this for the “Thunder is One” slogan 18,203 Fans and 15 players

(1+8+2+0+3)-15=(-)1

By: Carrie

Carrie — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 06:12:54 +0000

I found this video on youtube. At first it just looks a video at your typical Buffalo Wild Wings during a big game. But, when you scroll down & see that it was taken at Buffalo Wild Wings in Muskogee, OK. Then the video seems to take on a whole new meaning. It is the last few seconds of the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dtiISq4cx8