The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the NBA’s most captivating franchises since arriving from Seattle in 2008. With superstar talent, passionate fans, and a reputation for relentless play, they’ve cemented themselves as a perennial contender — but have they ever won it all?
From Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook’s peak to their current resurgence with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s journey has been defined by thrilling highs and heartbreaking near-misses. Let’s revisit their Finals appearances and whether they’ve ever captured the elusive Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Now led by league MVP Gilgeous-Alexander and a splendid coach in Mark Daigneault, the Thunder are right on the verge of greatness. For the first time since Durant and Westbrook left, the Thunder are now competing to win the ultimate prize. However, when was the last time they won a championship?
Have the Thunder Ever Won an NBA Championship?
Ever since relocating from Seattle in 2008, the Thunder have never won a championship. The franchise, however, does boast one NBA title, which they won in 1979, when the organization was still called the Seattle SuperSonics.
Their Seattle Glory Days
Founded in 1967, the Sonics reached the NBA Finals three times — in 1978, 1979, and 1996.
In 1978, they competed against the Washington Bullets, battling in a gritty series before losing the thrilling series in Game 7.
In 1979, they managed to find their redemption story, winning in five games. The Sonics were led by Finals MVP Dennis Johnson. This was Seattle’s first and so far remains the franchise’s only NBA championship.
Then, in 1996, Seattle saw a star-studded squad led by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp return to the NBA Finals against the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, their efforts went in vain as they fell to Chicago in six games.
Oklahoma’s New Era
Since the 2008 revamp, the Thunder have appeared in the NBA Finals just once — in 2012. At the time, they were led by the “big three” of Durant, Westbrook, and James Harden. They led the Thunder to their franchise-best record, a 47-19 mark. They also did well in the Playoffs, winning 12 of their 15 Western Conference Playoff games to reach the NBA Finals.
Despite putting in their best effort, though, the three could not stop the Miami Heat, who were led by their own “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Thunder fell 4-1 in that series.
That makes this current NBA Finals appearance more significant. For the Thunder, this is their first Finals appearance after a 13-year wait.
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Anchored by Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have looked every part the title favorites en route to the NBA Finals. They swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, survived the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Semifinals, and dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Conference Finals.
Nearly 50 years after their first championship in Seattle, the Thunder stand on the brink of history — this time, in Oklahoma City. This isn’t just another Finals appearance; it’s their best shot at a title since the franchise arrived in 2008.
With the MVP leading a dominant squad, the 2025 Finals offer more than redemption—they’re a chance to cement the Thunder’s legacy as a winner in two cities. One more victory, and Oklahoma City won’t just raise a banner — it will finally claim the crown it’s been chasing for nearly two decades.