Since the Seattle Supersonics left the NBA in 2008, most people believe the league lost a part of its history. They had a proper college basketball atmosphere at the Sonics Arena, and the opposition teams found it challenging to grab a victory there. However, Alex Caruso has come up to speak about the impact of the Oklahoma City Thunder on the NBA with their raucous fans.
After the Supersonics disbanded, they formed the Thunder by relocating to Oklahoma, which enjoys mass attendance for most games. They have vociferous fans who come in numbers to support the team from the get-go. Moreover, the Paycom Center remains among the loudest arenas in the NBA and is on most fans’ bucket lists.
Hence, Caruso praised the Thunder fans for supporting the team through thick and thin.
Alex Caruso Lauds the Rampant Oklahoma City Thunder Fans
One of the most notable pointers for the playoffs will be fan engagement. How many of you have witnessed the NBA fans not donning the free jerseys on the chairs to cheer the team from the front? More often, fans don’t put those jerseys on, and they will be forced to do so with the Jumbotron focusing on these fans. Embarrassment leads them to put it on, while some don’t budge.
But when you come to the Paycom Arena, it’s a sea of blue, and hardly any fan refrains from wearing the blue or white jersey. These fans create a unique atmosphere for the league, which rattles the opposition teams. Thus, Caruso gave his flowers to the Thunder Nation for coming in huge numbers to cheer the team on.
“Part of the reason we get paid so well is because we have attention on the league and people watch the league, and a lot of that has to do with the millions of people in the big markets,” stated Caruso. “Oklahoma City’s been here for 17 years, but they treat it like they’ve won 17 titles, too.”
The camaraderie within the franchise, from the players to the front office to the fans, remains a level above the rest of the franchises. It certainly contributes to the atmosphere, a bit like the Big Blue Nation.
Caruso continued, “The connection that our fan base has to us is like a Michigan football, it’s like a Kentucky basketball.”
If two college teams set a higher standard for all fans, it’s the Michigan Wolverines football and Kentucky basketball fans. Significantly, Michigan football fans come in large numbers, and according to a trusted website, they lead the league for ticket sales.
Likewise, the Big Blue Nation (Kentucky basketball) witnesses a sea of blue fans attending their arenas in huge numbers, and they create a memorable atmosphere in almost every home game.
These teams provide an edge to basketball teams, enabling them to overcome formidable opponents. Most would say fans remain crucial in any sport, and right now, no one can argue the Thunder have the best fans in town. Hopefully, it will lead them to their first NBA title.
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