Seven years ago, I wrote what might have been the most ruthless obituary in sports journalism history. The piece was titled “Path of Destruction: The Warriors are the Thunder’s dream realized,” and I didn’t just bury Oklahoma City ladies and gentlemen. I cremated them, scattered the ashes, and salted the earth for good measure.
Looking back at those words now, after watching Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy in Oklahoma City, I’m experiencing something between amusement and appreciation. Because the Thunder proved that sometimes the most devastating losses create the most beautiful redemptions.
From the top, to the bottom, to the top
Don’t forget that the Thunder had Durant, Westbrook, and Harden all at once.