The league-leading Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder had been lately dealt a collection of setbacks by the San Antonio Spurs, bringing them again all the way down to earth after an unbelievable begin. They misplaced thrice in somewhat greater than per week to the upstart Spurs, typically in embarrassing style, making OKC appear far more susceptible than they initially had been seen as being.
Nonetheless, Oklahoma Metropolis and maybe the NBA have a a lot larger drawback on their arms. 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 fashion of play. That’s shocking contemplating that they’ve been probably the most well-run group within the NBA and did every little thing proper to construct a championship staff.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder is the NBA’s most hated staff
Nonetheless, it is simple to see why followers have rejected their fashion of play. Famous person Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has infuriated followers together with his foul baiting, which has induced him to get to the free throw line nearly at will.
Admittedly, that has turned me off to his recreation, with me being among the many largest critics of free throws normally. Particularly when offensive gamers actively attempt to trick referees into attending to the road.
The NBA is not a recognition contest, but it surely 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 could possibly be on a collision course to the Western Convention Finals, which implies they are going to be taking part in loads on nationwide TV come playoff time. Whereas they could be taking part in larger market groups which might be larger attracts, they could possibly be turning away some viewers as nicely.
The NBA has the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder drawback on their arms
They had been the clear favorites within the NBA Finals towards 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 unsuitable 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 forestall him from driving previous him in entrance of the refs, these moments went viral for the unsuitable causes.
Even now, Dort went viral for seemingly deliberately working 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 attempting 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 might have simply ended his season, and NBA followers took discover, with it being R/NBA’s most considered publish 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 loads. That is to not say they don’t seem to be an incredible 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 don’t seem to be the Unhealthy Boy Pistons degree 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 very best within the NBA.
The straightforward 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.
