The confetti had barely settled in Oklahoma City when the whispers began. Lucky breaks. Injury-riddled opponents. Asterisk-worthy title. Sound familiar? It should, because this exact conversation has echoed through NBA history with stunning consistency, creating a peculiar tradition where every championship carries the weight of skepticism.
The Thunder’s 2025 title brings this phenomenon into sharp focus. When Tyrese Haliburton crumpled to the floor with a torn Achilles in Game 7’s opening quarter, social media erupted with the predictable chorus: “OKC got bailed out.” When Aaron Gordon limped through the playoffs on one healthy hamstring and OKC survived the Nuggets in 7 fiery games, the narrative crystallized further.