Does Seattle get to celebrate a Thunder championship?

COLUMBIA BASIN – The NBA Finals this year has been one of the best fans have seen in years. The incredible back-and-forth matchup has to be one of the more compelling finals series since the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1 comeback. In fact, it’s the first time fans have seen a game seven since that year.  

Now, having grown up in the era of the Warriors dynasty and the same finals matchups for consecutive years, it is refreshing to see two smaller-market teams go at it. Both teams have been building to this point for years.  

In their short history, this is the second time the Thunder have appeared in the NBA Finals. The first time around, they were led by future Hall of Famers Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Kevin Durant. That was a superstar lineup that many fans question how the organization ever let fall apart.  

Though their performance in 2012 pales in comparison to their production this year. They led the series at 3-2 and won it in game seven at home. As the series progressed, I pondered an interesting question.  

Does Seattle get to celebrate, too?  

In 2008, a piece of NBA history underwent a massive cosmetic makeover. The Seattle SuperSonics packed their bags and moved to Oklahoma City. Since they could not strike a new deal for an arena or renovations to the now-known Climate Pledge Arena, the team left Seattle and a passionate fanbase that has been clamoring for a team to return.  

While an expansion team is not outside the realm of possibility, it certainly is not going to happen in the near future. In the meantime, why not take the opportunity to celebrate with Oklahoma City? It’s the least that could be given to fans in Seattle, or the greater Washington state, since they took away their beloved Sonics.  

However, as an Ohio native, I would understand the hesitation to do so, given that I have family members who hold resentment towards the Baltimore Ravens after Art Modell suddenly moved the team on a Cleveland winter night. I’m sure they did not bask in their two Super Bowl wins since skipping town out of Cleveland.  

While some wounds may still be sore, it would be fair for Seattle sports fans to celebrate with the Thunder. Without the Sonics' history, the Thunder may not exist. They still hold their history and memorabilia.  

Should a fan feel so entitled, I say you are well within your rights to bask in the coveted glory of an NBA Championship. If not, throwing your fists up in frustration at the TV and shouting “That should be us!” is an acceptable option, too.