OKC Thunder: season opener looms, memories of 18 months ago linger

A month from today the OKC Thunder will play their season opener in Utah versus the Jazz. It’s an exciting time as the league gets back to its typical calendar after the coronavirus pandemic adversely impacted the past two seasons.  In fact, it was the postponement of the Thunder and Jazz match that will forever be remembered as the night sports shut down.

Most of us recall the night of March 11th like it was yesterday. For many, that night is the one we

associate with the actual day COVID hit North America.  Although the virus had been circulating for months that date is synonymous with the end of everyday life as most of us knew it.

None of us will ever forget the flurry of activity on the then Cheasapeake court. It started with Thunder executive Donnie Strack approaching the officials.  Chris Paul and Joe Ingles are at the scorer’s table talking and it’s clear CP3 mouths “where’s Rudy?”  Shortly after the PA announcer tells fans the game is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

OKC Thunder season opener looms as memories of 18 months ago linger

A little over 18 months later we’re still adapting to a new reality but life is inching closer to where we were in a pre-pandemic world.

With the return of the NBA and fans back in arenas, we’re reminded of how sports pulls us together.  Supporting a team unites fans both in their communities and to the fanbase no matter where they live.

The OKC Thunder will start the season on the road first versus the Jazz followed by a match in Houston versus the Rockets. The home opener will take place October 24th at the newly named Paycom Center versus the Philadelphia 76ers.

Prior to these matches, there will be opportunities to see the team in action as they play four pre-season games between October 4th and 14th.  Three of the four games are in OKC with two at the Paycom Center and one in Tulsa at the BOK Center.

Several new faces will be on hand as the club added four rookies including the top choice by Sam Presti, point guard Josh Giddey. Frontcourt depth was bolstered via the addition of Derrick Favors and while he’ll start off with a two-way contract keep an eye on Paul Watson Jr.

Training camp will open on September 28th which means media day a week from today OKC Thunder players, Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault will be chatting with us at media day.

Our lives are still very different than they were prior to March 11th, but the prospect of the NBA returning to a typical calendar and protocol confirms how much things have improved.  I can hardly wait to see what new tweaks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has added to his game or how much muscle Aleksej Pokusevski has added.

Sure, the agenda calls for a tanking season, but the fact we can all congregate to support our favorite players and team(s) again has me filled with joy. A year ago this day seemed unfathomable.

As the later days of March and early April 2022 approach and the OKC Thunder are still in search of their 20th this is what I’ll remind myself of. That being able to come together in-person to celebrate a common interest/love will at least for this narrator never be taken for granted again.