Wait, this was a preseason game? The stands were packed to the brim and the fans on their feet. As the names were announced in starting lineups, the roars were nearly at playoff levels.
For the first time, Chesapeake Energy Arena had a chance to shower the team with their adoration – for Russell Westbrook who committed long-term to the team, to the newcomers Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, to crucial glue guys Steven Adams and Andre Roberson, and Nick Collison, Mr. Thunder.
The Thunder’s 102-91 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night was as much of a celebration of the continuation of contending basketball in Oklahoma City as it was an early October showing of what the team will be like in 2017-18.