Isaiah “Zai” Joe isn’t just in the NBA Finals-he’s making the most of it. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard took a few minutes between practices and interviews to sit down with MARCA and reflect on the moment, the vibe in the locker room, and what it takes to shake off a gut-punch Game 1 loss.
The 24-year-old has grown into a key piece for OKC, not just on the court but in how he represents the culture the Thunder have been building. “It’s been great,” Joe said. “To be one of the two teams still standing… that’s special. And to do it with this group? It hits different.”
“You Learn More in the Losses”
Oklahoma City had control for most of Game 1, only to see it slip away in the final seconds. It wasn’t unfamiliar territory-Joe reminded us of a similar early-series stumble against Denver. “That loss taught us a lot,” he said. “So this one? It’s just another chance to grow. Forty-eight minutes. That’s the focus now.”
Despite the pressure, Joe isn’t fazed. ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently praised the Thunder for playing with the poise of a seasoned team, and that same mental edge will be tested again in Game 3, this time on the road.
“They’re gonna feed off the crowd, no doubt,” Joe said. “But that’s part of the fun. I like playing away. You beat the team, you quiet the fans, and you walk out with a grin. It’s competitive. That’s why we’re here.”
Inside the Thunder Locker Room: Music Battles and BMW Flexes
Post-game interviews have become a bit of a show with Joe. His chemistry with Thunder staff, especially reporter Nick Gallo, has sparked a few viral moments. But none of it feels forced-it’s just part of the Thunder’s energy.
“We’re close,” Joe explained. “Players, coaches, media-we’re connected. So when we have fun, it’s real.”
That energy carries over behind the scenes. Joe named Dillon Jones as the locker room DJ, gave himself the crown for best car (a BMW, naturally), and couldn’t name a single teammate with bad taste in music-diplomatic to the end.
As The Athletic noted in their Finals breakdown, “The Thunder have built something organic. No superteams. No shortcuts. Just chemistry and commitment.”Isaiah Joe might not be the loudest star on the team, but he’s quickly becoming its most relatable.
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