The Oklahoma City Thunder have long been considered the NBA’s best-kept secret, but after their recent championship win in 2025, they have become the target of every franchise in the league. As the offseason approaches, competitors are already making moves to try and match the success of the Thunder. However, it’s important to remember that their journey to the top was not always smooth sailing. In a recent interview, Thunder player Lu Dort revealed when the team was most nervous during their championship run.
Dort, who played a crucial role in the Thunder’s championship win, opened up about the team’s mindset during the playoffs. He admitted that there were moments when the team was nervous, especially during the early rounds of the playoffs. “We were definitely nervous during the first few games of the playoffs,” Dort said. “We knew that we had a target on our backs and every team was going to give us their best shot.”
The Thunder had a dominant regular season, finishing with the best record in the league. However, as they entered the playoffs, they faced tough competition from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. Despite their nerves, the Thunder managed to stay focused and ultimately came out on top, winning the championship in a thrilling seven-game series against the Nets.
Dort also revealed that the team’s nerves were at an all-time high during the championship game. “We knew that this was our chance to make history and bring a championship to Oklahoma City,” he said. “The pressure was definitely there, but we used it as motivation to push us to play our best.”
The Thunder’s championship win was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The team had been building towards this moment for a long time, and their perseverance paid off. From drafting young talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort to making key trades and signings, the Thunder’s front office made all the right moves to build a championship-caliber team.
But it wasn’t just the front office that played a role in the Thunder’s success. The players themselves had to put in the work and sacrifice to reach the top. “We had a great group of guys who were all willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Dort said. “We pushed each other every day in practice and had each other’s backs on the court.”
The Thunder’s championship win has not only put them in the spotlight but has also elevated the expectations for the team. As they head into the next season, they will face even more pressure to defend their title. But Dort believes that the team is ready for the challenge. “We know that every team will be gunning for us, but we’re ready for it,” he said. “We have a championship mentality now, and we’re hungry for more.”
The Thunder’s success has also brought attention to the city of Oklahoma City, which has always been a passionate sports town. The city has rallied behind the team, and the championship win has brought a sense of pride and joy to the community. “The support from our fans has been incredible,” Dort said. “We couldn’t have done it without them, and we’re excited to continue making them proud.”
In conclusion, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship win has transformed them from a best-kept secret to a team that every franchise is aiming to beat. Despite facing nerves and pressure throughout their journey, the Thunder stayed focused and ultimately achieved their goal. With a talented roster and a championship mentality, the Thunder are poised to continue their success in the upcoming season. And as Lu Dort revealed, the team is ready for any challenges that come their way.
