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 somewhat greater than every week to the upstart Spurs, usually in embarrassing style, making OKC appear rather more susceptible than they initially had been seen as being.
Nevertheless, Oklahoma Metropolis and maybe the NBA have a a lot larger downside on their palms. The Thunder, regardless of being one of many smallest market groups within the NBA, seems to be despised amongst followers.
Simply take 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 essentially the most well-run group within the NBA and did every little thing proper to construct a championship group.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder is the NBA’s most hated group
However, it is easy to see why followers have rejected their fashion of play. Celebrity Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has infuriated followers along with his foul baiting, which has brought on him to get to the free throw line virtually at will.
Admittedly, that has turned me off to his recreation, with me being among the many largest critics of free throws usually. Particularly when offensive gamers actively attempt to trick referees into attending to the road.
The NBA is not a recognition contest, nevertheless it does pose an issue to the league if their most dominant group is each a small-market franchise and despised amongst different fan bases.
It appears as if the Thunder might be on a collision course to the Western Convention Finals, which suggests they are going to be enjoying lots on nationwide TV come playoff time. Whereas they might be enjoying larger market groups which might be larger attracts, they might be turning away some viewers as properly.
The NBA has the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder downside on their palms
They had been the clear favorites within the NBA Finals towards the Indiana Pacers however clearly weren’t the fan favorites. In reality, a number of moments from the Thunder went viral however for the mistaken motive.
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 mistaken 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 considering: 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 might 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 an even bigger level in regards to the Thunder and them seemingly getting favorable calls. They play far and away essentially the most aggressive protection within the NBA, getting away with lots. That is to not say they are not an incredible protection, however they do not get officiated the identical means. 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 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 tougher 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.
