The only Major league professional team located in Oklahoma, the team plays all its home games in the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma has reason to be proud of their team as it is currently dominating the division they play in.
History
Formerly known as the Seattle Super Sonics, the team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Super Sonics franchise was formed in 1967 and remained in Seattle during the whole time. In their forty one years in the NBA, the team was able to win six Division Titles, three Western Conference Championships and one NBA title, which they won in 1979. Overall the team had a 1745-1585 win-loss record in the regular season and a 107-110 record in the playoffs.
In 2006, the team was bought by a group of Oklahoma City investors, led by Clay Bennett, for 350 million dollars. It was announced the following year that the team would be relocated to Oklahoma as soon as the franchise’s lease with the Key Arena expired. Following a court battle between the City of Seattle and Clay Bennett, the team relocated to Oklahoma and set up residence at the Chesapeake Arena.
Success
The team’s relocation to Oklahoma signaled a shift in their fortunes. Their first seasons started off on a bad note as they had a 3-29 win loss record, but they slowly pulled back in the season and finished the regular season with a 23-59 record. This was an improvement on their last season in Seattle, which they finished with a 20-62.
Their second season was like a turnaround season for them. Fielding a comparatively young team, they looked determined from the onset. Led by Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, the team posted a 50-32 win-loss record. They made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2006 but lost to the Lakers 4-2 in the first round.
The team finished the 2010-2011 season with a 55-27 record, improving on their previous season and won the District title, the seventh in Franchise history. They made it to the Conference Finals, but lost to the Dallas Mavericks. However the seed had been sown and the following season they again won the District title and went on to win the Conference Championship. They however lost the NBA finals against the Miami Heat. The team again won the District title in the 2012-2013 season, but lost in the Conference Semi Finals against the Grizzlies.
The team has risen significantly since moving to Oklahoma. They are dominating their division and have become legitimate title contenders. If you want to watch this young exciting team in action, then buy Oklahoma City Thunder tickets and catch them as they set out on their quest to secure the NBA title.