Thunderous Intentions
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Thunder make a clean sweep among Hall of Fame level sports panel

The OKC Thunder have officially arrived... at least, according to these legendary sports pundits.

By Mark Nilon

Dec 8, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7), guard Luguentz Dort (5) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrate after Chet Holmgren scores a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7), guard Luguentz Dort (5) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrate after Chet Holmgren scores a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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After becoming the youngest team in league history to clinch a number one seed in a conference standing and to win a playoff series, the OKC Thunder head into the 2024-25 NBA season looking to prove that last year was no mere aberration but, rather, the beginning of something truly special.

With superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as  Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, leading the charge for coach Mark Daigneault's promising squad, it should come as no surprise that odds-makers see Oklahoma City as one of the favorites to represent the West in this year's Finals.

Though not everyone may be betting on the Thunder winning it all, fans and pundits alike seem to be high on the club's chances of again making a deep run in the playoffs.

In fact, during a recent episode of NBA Today, the show's rather prestigious panel on the day made it quite clear that OKC was their choice to represent their conference in the 2025 NBA Finals.

Thunder chosen by NBA Today panelist to rep West in 2025 NBA Finals

On a day filled with a mixed bag of emotions following storied NBA Insider, Adrian Wojnarowski's announcement that he would be stepping down from his role at ESPN to take on General Manager duties with his alma mater, St. Bonaventure's basketball program, the sports media outlet still found a way to stay upbeat and entertain themselves as well as their viewers.

Perhaps the most elated group who watched their program on the day were the loyal followers of the OKC Thunder, as each one of NBA Today's guests projected that SGA and co. will end up heading to the championship round come June.

Of the three panelists, two had Oklahoma City coming away with the Larry O'Brien Trophy, with NFL Insider Adam Schefter going as far as to jokingly say that if the franchise does win it all, "I will officially be applying to take over Woj's job to become the new NBA Insider.”

Throughout their 57-year existence, the organization has made it to the title round on just four occasions and even won an NBA Finals back in 1979, though while known as the Seattle SuperSonics.

Since their relocation out to Loud City back in the summer of 2008, the franchise has made it back to the final round just once back in 2012, though they have knocked on the door on several occasions over the years, going as far as the Western Conference Finals on four separate instances.

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