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The league-leading Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder had been just lately dealt a sequence of setbacks by the San Antonio Spurs, bringing them again right down to earth after an unimaginable begin. They misplaced 3 times in slightly greater than per week to the upstart Spurs, usually in embarrassing style, making OKC appear far more weak than they initially had been seen as being.
Nevertheless, Oklahoma Metropolis and maybe the NBA have a a lot greater downside on their fingers. The Thunder, regardless of being one of many smallest market groups within the NBA, seems to be despised amongst followers.
Simply have a look at the response to OKC on social media websites like X and particularly Reddit, and it is clear that followers of different groups and even informal followers dislike the Thunder and their type of play. That’s shocking contemplating that they’ve been probably the most well-run group within the NBA and did every thing proper to construct a championship staff.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder is the NBA’s most hated staff
However, it is simple to see why followers have rejected their type of play. Celebrity Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has infuriated followers along with his foul baiting, which has prompted him to get to the free throw line nearly at will.
Admittedly, that has turned me off to his sport, with me being among the many greatest critics of free throws typically. Particularly when offensive gamers actively attempt to trick referees into attending to the road.
The NBA is not a reputation contest, nevertheless it does pose an issue to the league if their most dominant staff is each a small-market franchise and despised amongst different fan bases.
It appears as if the Thunder may very well be on a collision course to the Western Convention Finals, which implies they are going to be enjoying lots on nationwide TV come playoff time. Whereas they could be enjoying greater market groups which can be greater attracts, they may very well be turning away some viewers as properly.
The NBA has the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder downside on their fingers
They had been the clear favorites within the NBA Finals in opposition to the Indiana Pacers however clearly weren’t the fan favorites. In actual fact, a number of moments from the Thunder went viral however for the incorrect purpose.
Whether or not it was SGA pushing off and hitting a four-step again jumper to seal a Sport 2 win, or Lou Dort grabbing T.J. McConnell’s hand to stop him from driving previous him in entrance of the refs, these moments went viral for the incorrect causes.
Even now, Dort went viral for seemingly deliberately operating into Victor Wembanyama’s leg whereas he was boxing out.
Spurs fan @JaeeYT is asking the query we’re all pondering: What precisely was OKC’s Lou Dort making an attempt to do to Victor Wembanyama right here – and the way the hec did @NBA official Tony Brothers select not see it? pic.twitter.com/Z2kGLMltjv
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) December 26, 2025
That reckless play may have simply ended his season, and NBA followers took discover, with it being R/NBA’s most considered submit in weeks.
The NBA should step in to assist the Thunder, type of
It goes to a much bigger level concerning the Thunder and them seemingly getting favorable calls. They play far and away probably the most aggressive protection within the NBA, getting away with lots. That is to not say they are not an amazing protection, however they do not get officiated the identical approach. SGA would not both with him incomes journey after journey to the road by tricking the refs.
Look, they are not the Unhealthy Boy Pistons stage of villains, however they’re removed from well-liked. Contemplating that, and them being one of many league’s smallest markets, it makes them even more durable to market regardless of them being the most effective within the NBA.
The easy repair can be for the NBA to officiate them extra evenly, forcing them to regulate. Fewer nonsense foul calls on offense and them having to abide by the identical guidelines on protection would make them extra watchable and fewer hated.
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