OKC Thunder fan request: a bromance by any other name is a Stache-mance

With the Knicks in town to play the OKC Thunder it reunited the infamous bromance (stache-mance) of Enes Kanter and Steven Adams. As per fan request, T.I. reflects on the duo’s friendship.

Our TI fans asked for it and we aim to please. A fan recently contacted us asking for our insight on former OKC Thunder player Enes Kanter and current big man Steven Adams. More specifically, Thomas was hoping we could offer our opinion and insight on the duo’s relationship.

In follow up, here is our response and a view back to Wednesday’s interaction between the pair.

A stache by any other name:

As for the game, it was an old-fashioned beatdown as the OKC Thunder jumped on the team from the Mecca right from the tip and never looked back. Wins don’t get much more enjoyable than this even if it came at the expense of witnessing a former Thunder player getting bashed in the process.

Yet, for Kanter it must come with mixed feelings because of his attachment to his former team and city. It’s been a constant and consistent refrain from Kanter how Oklahoma City made him feel like he had a home. Given his situation with his native country and isolation from his family, it makes sense.

And, to be fair this isn’t a one-sided love affair. Oklahoma City adores Enes Kanter and enjoyed his very active community involvement.

As Kanter was introduced and took to the court Wednesday Thunder Nation roared their approval.

The Stache-mance – bromance:

Throughout the game there was ample interaction between the two men who became known as the “stache brothers”.

There was a cute moment in game when Kanter got called for a travel. The usually composed (at least on court) Steven Adams apparently ran up to him and as per Royce Young yelled: “you suck“. To be clear, this is similar to schoolyard banter between best friends.

As the match continued the pair offered other moments. Many are examples rarely witnessed by Steven Adams opponents. For example, I’m sure Adams has delivered the occasional headbutt however, it’s unlikely it was delivered with this much good naturedness.

Post game Kanter served up the social view of another meeting between the pair and reminds of how close the two remain. Don’t be fooled by Steven Adams sarcasm, he adores Enes. He just has a very sarcastic sense of humor.

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There is no way Adams would bother to take time to be playful during the game or meet with Kanter afterward if the pair weren’t close. In fact, I can’t ever remember Adams interacting during a game with an opponent like he does with Enes.

Silence is a more telling sign:

Thinking back to when OKC played nemesis Kevin Durant the first time after he departed and you’ll witness a very different Adams. At the time Kanter and Durant got embroiled in game banter. Kanter was seated and Adams simply put his hand on Enes’ leg to suggest he not bother interacting That action perhaps more than anything speaks volumes about Adams.

For Adams to ignore someone is a more telling action of his disdain. When he engages with you, especially sarcastically – he’s showing love (in his own way). I mean we all know Kevin Durant is a top three NBA talent, but you don’t see Adams interacting with KD in any way let alone playfully.

Watch other players who have bromances and it’s often the same thing. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are known as arguably the closest in the league. But, if you catch their on-air moments one is always teasing the other.

I think it tends to come with the territory. The guys are competitive and the closer they are the relationship resembles something akin to brothers. Perhaps that’s why Steven is viewed as more serious – after all, he’s the youngest of 18 and probably took a lot of ribbing. It also likely served as training ground for how he interacts with his buddies.

Whereas Enes even when he tries to come across as tough can’t help but be viewed as endearing and engaging. Then again, it’s also likely why these two are the perfect yin-yang partnership.

Thanks again to the OKC Thunder fan who reached out to request the article. T.I. hopes this offers some insight. To all OKC Thunder or T.I. fans who have a burning question or article idea, please feel free to contact us. We love hearing from you and will always make our best effort to accommodate your requests. Thunder Up!