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Remembering OKC Thunder legendary photographer Layne Murdoch

By Jordan Buckamneer

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 11: The Oklahoma City Thunder huddle before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 11, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 11: The Oklahoma City Thunder huddle before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 11, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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He wasn’t a household name or a face fans recognize, but the photos taken by former OKC Thunder Layne Murdoch will live on forever.

One day after losing his mom to cancer, OKC Thunder photographer Layne Murdoch was diagnosed with the disease himself. After a month of battling, Murdoch passed away on Friday.

Even if you haven’t heard of him, you’ve almost certainly seen his work. Murdoch was one of the best NBA photographers and followed the Thunder from the very beginning.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmXFUcjAxHQ/?hl=en&taken-by=flydre21

Murdoch mainly split his time between the Thunder and the Pelicans, but also shot various other games around the league. Murdoch was well known around basketball after a long career and had become beloved by the NBA family.

After a decade of documenting the highs and lows, Murdoch accumulated an unbelievable portfolio of photographs. So looking back on his historic career, here are a few of many historic shots.

The first 10 years in Oklahoma City has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Players have come and gone as the Thunder come within a few wins of earning their first title several times. There have been times when OKC looked unbeatable and others when fans felt like it was never meant to be.

Throughout it all, the tiny, small-market city has been home to some of the best basketball players of this generation. Images of the early days with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden will live on forever.

One of Murdoch’s many strengths was his ability to capture emotion, which is a fitting theme given the Thunder’s history. And, even though he wasn’t behind the camera for the shots taken behind the backboard, he still captured them and edited them to near perfection. It’s shots like these of Russell Westbrook fans will hold close for forever.

Things were beginning looking bleak for the Thunder after Kevin Durant left. Oklahoma City went from three superstars and a great supporting cast to almost a rebuilding roster. The one Russell Westbrook, however, went on to keep the franchise on pace. Not only did he single-handily lead OKC to the playoffs, but he also had a big hand in acquiring and re-signing Paul George.

These more recent photos will always represent the second chapter of the Thunder franchise.

What these photos and the countless other memorable shots he took show is Murdoch’s love for the game and commitment to excellence. His name will forever be a part of Thunder history on the bylines of some of the greatest photos taken of the team.

But more important than basketball, his memory will live on through his family. So thank you, Layne, for all of the work you put in for fans to enjoy. May you rest in peace.

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