Fervor of Sonics Supporters Resurfaces upon Thunder's Advancement to NBA Finals
The ongoing rivalry between the Seattle SuperSonics fans and the Oklahoma City Thunder has intensified as the latter clinched their spot in the NBA Finals. The Thunder, formerly known as the SuperSonics, defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday, marking their first final appearance since 2012.
The Thunder's triumph has revived reminiscences of their past rivalry with the SuperSonics, and several Seattle fans are hoping for a repeat of the 2012 outcome, when the Miami Heat handed them a 4-1 series defeat. Despite nearly two decades passing since the SuperSonics left for Oklahoma City, the animosity between the two fan bases seems unabated.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with some critics slamming ESPN for showcasing SuperSonics playoff highlights during an Oklahoma City Thunder playoff game. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault's postgame speech, in which he thanked the team's owner Clay Bennett, further aggravated the situation.
In his speech, Daigneault acknowledged Bennett for his vision in moving the team to Oklahoma City and for establishing a strong bond between the team and the community. This sentiment was not received well by Seattle fans, who insist on viewing the Sonics and Thunder as separate entities.
The controversy surrounding the use of the SuperSonics' history is rooted in the $45 million settlement reached between Bennett and the city of Seattle in 2008. This settlement allowed the team to break its KeyArena lease and move to Oklahoma City, but it also established a shared ownership of the Sonics' history. Bennett retains ownership of the team's retired jerseys, banners, and the 1979 championship trophy, but he agreed not to use the Sonics name, colors, and logo in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder has referred to the Sonics' stats and history as their own, and Bennett has acknowledged the Sonics memorabilia as assets to market the Oklahoma City franchise. However, the Sonics' title trophy is housed at Seattle's Museum of History & Industry, and their banners have been preserved there since the team's departure.
As discussions about NBA expansion continue, there is hope that Seattle may once again have an NBA team. Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, has indicated that expansion will be on the agenda for the next meeting of the league's owners in July. Until then, Seattle's NBA legacy, including the SuperSonics' history, remains in limbo.
- The Seattle fans' ongoing disapproval of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who clinched a spot in the NBA Finals, is fueled by their shared history as the Seattle SuperSonics.
- Amidst the Thunder's journey to the NBA Finals, social media has been filled with Seattle fans' opinions criticizing ESPN for showcasing SuperSonics playoff highlights.
- The animosity between the two fan bases persists, as Seattle fans view the Sonics and Thunder as separate entities, despite the team's ownership history.
- In the midst of discussions about NBA expansion, there is optimism in Washington State that Seattle may once again have an NBA team, potentially allowing the SuperSonics' legacy to be reclaimed.
