The Oklahoma City Thunder franchise has appeared in four NBA Finals throughout its history, winning just one championship in 1979 when the team was still the Seattle SuperSonics. Since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder have made only one NBA Finals appearance in 2012, falling to the Miami Heat.
The Thunder franchise began its journey in 1968 as the Seattle SuperSonics, establishing a rich basketball legacy before moving to Oklahoma City ahead of the 2008-2009 season. Throughout their 56-year history, spanning both Seattle and Oklahoma City eras, the franchise has experienced varying levels of playoff success. Despite having talented rosters in both cities, championship glory has been elusive, with their lone title coming during the Seattle era when Dennis Johnson led the SuperSonics to victory in 1979.
The Seattle years: Foundation of a franchise’s Finals legacy
The Seattle SuperSonics made their first NBA Finals appearance during the 1977-78 season, facing the Washington Bullets in a hard-fought series. Despite strong performances from Fred Brown, who averaged 19.1 points, and Marvin Webster, who dominated the paint with 13.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, the Sonics ultimately fell short in a dramatic seven-game series. This defeat, however painful, laid the groundwork for what would come the following season.
In 1978-79, they returned to the Finals with redemption on their minds, once again facing the Washington Bullets. This time, the outcome was dramatically different as Seattle dominated their opponents in a 4-1 series victory. The championship squad wasn’t built on star power but rather continuity and chemistry. Gus Williams was exceptional, averaging 29.0 points per game in the Finals, while Jack Sikma controlled the boards with 14.8 rebounds per game. Dennis Johnson emerged as the series MVP, averaging 22.6 points per game and anchoring the team’s elite defense that had been their calling card all season. This victory marked-and still remains-the franchise’s only NBA championship.
From Seattle to OKC: Finals appearances in a new era
After their 1979 championship, the SuperSonics experienced a lengthy drought before returning to the NBA Finals in the 1995-96 season. Led by the dynamic duo of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, they faced Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, who were in the midst of their second three-peat. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the Sonics fell to the Bulls 4-2.
Jordan’s greatness proved too much to overcome, even for a talented Seattle team that had established itself among the league’s elite.
Following the 2007-2008 season, the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City, rebranding as the Thunder. The team would make one NBA Finals appearance as the Thunder in 2012, led by their young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Despite having three future MVPs on their roster, the inexperienced Thunder couldn’t overcome LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat, losing the series 4-1. This marked the franchise’s fourth NBA Finals appearance overall and first since moving to Oklahoma City.
With the current Thunder team built around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a talented young core, Oklahoma City fans hope to add more championship success to the franchise’s history. As it stands, the Thunder have a 1-3 record in NBA Finals appearances. The franchise’s championship drought has now extended over four decades, a statistic current Thunder players are determined to change as they work to bring Oklahoma City its first NBA championship since the team’s relocation.
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