‘Can’t play Kanter’ returns to playoffs, this time in favor of OKC Thunder

Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Enes Kanter(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Enes Kanter(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKC Thunder
Enes Kanter OKC Thunder (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)

In a matchup with Portland, the OKC Thunder are met with an old friend, how Enes Kanter plays a role in OKC Thunder history and this series

We all know and love Enes Kanter. The big man spent three seasons in Oklahoma City (180 games) and served in two playoff runs with the OKC Thunder.

Along the way, he and Steven Adams made memories on and off the court, and quickly, Kanter became one of the more beloved OKC Thunder players in franchise history. Part of that was his embracing and love for not just the fanbase but the city. Something the National Media thought would never be done in fly over Oklahoma.

Enes Kanter loves the OKC Thunder, and his former-teammates so much he returned to the city after being traded to cheer on the Thunder in last years playoffs against the Utah Jazz, another former team of his. He sported his “Stache Bros” shirt if you were wondering which team he was rooting for.

However, the ending of the Enes Kanter era was a little bit rocky.

In 2017, the OKC Thunder were in their first playoffs since Kevin Durant departed. The team took on the Houston Rockets, Russell Westbrook played like the MVP, but when he left the floor, the team cratered.

One of the biggest lasting impressions on the series were three faithful words from the second year OKC Thunder head man Billy Donovan.