For Oklahoma City Thunder nation, tonight was never meant to be. Rather, within the hearts of OKC’s faithful, expectations of a greater destiny for sports' consummate small-market franchise were to continue abiding.
After all, as recently as May 24, Oklahoma City towered upon the precipice of shaping a glory all its own. The apex? Transcendent stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant brashly scoffed in the face of resounding odds to place stalwart Golden State on the brink.
However, in that intensely palpable moment, fate conspired to author a new course. This winding pathway entailed a bitter re-write for all involved; and of course, has culminated with this evening’s acrimonious return of a formerly revered son.