December 10: Utah Jazz at OKC
Every Thunder fan most likely is still holding onto the disappointment from the first-round exit last season against the Utah Jazz. After high expectations for the post-season had been made by many, the Thunder fell 2-4 against the Donovan Mitchell-led Jazz. With a new season coming around the corner, fans are definitely looking forward to getting revenge on Utah.
In addition to the hard feelings held by fans, the players also got heated. Russell Westbrook even went on to smack a phone out of a Utah fan’s hands, causing uproar from much of the NBA community. Thunder fans were upset, Jazz fans were angered and the rivalry between the two teams only grew.
With the return of Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Jae Crowder and the addition of promising rookie Grayson Allen, the Jazz are a team that many could underestimate. Depending on how well the Thunder have adjusted with their roster changes, the Jazz could once again be an obstacle that the Thunder have to overcome.
Many fans are looking forward to this match-up, and for good reasons. The Thunder were ridiculed for months due to their inability to tackle the Jazz in the playoffs. Regardless of the Thunder’s performance in the coming months ahead, the games between these two teams will be some of the best in the 2018-2019 season.