Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder Trivia: uncovering 50 fun, surprising and random facts

By Heather Koontz

Russell Westbrook, OKC Thunder (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
Russell Westbrook, OKC Thunder (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 30: Rumble the Bison mascot of the Oklahoma City Thunder keeps the fans going during a break in the action against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2012 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 30: Rumble the Bison mascot of the Oklahoma City Thunder keeps the fans going during a break in the action against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2012 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rumble the Bison has a backstory.

Sure, he’s cute. But, did you know the official OKC Thunder mascot has a story to tell? According to the team’s website, the Legend of Rumble is as follows:

A large herd of American bison was lost in the Arbuckle Mountains during a very ferocious Oklahoma storm. As the herd tried to find safety from the hail and tornadoes, one lone bison stayed behind to help his friends escape.

But by the time his friends made it to safety, the lone bison’s path was blocked by fallen boulders. As he climbed and searched for a way out, he was struck by lightning.

"The bolt did not destroy him, but, by the power of the god of thunder, changed him. Suddenly, he walked on two legs like a man. He possessed amazing strength and agility – he could jump higher, run faster, think more clearly than any beast. But because he was no longer just a bison – and yet not a man – he was alone."

Then one day, legend says, a group of men with similar powers came to Oklahoma City. They could jump high, run fast, and carry the roar of thunder. So, Rumble joined their team and hasn’t looked back since.

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