Thunder vs Spurs feels predestined for West finals, not just for this year's NBA Playoffs

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball past Jalen Green #4 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts in front of Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns after his made three-point basket during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns steals the ball from Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder compete for a jump ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns collects a loose ball away from Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reach after a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a three-point basket over Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

1 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball past Devin Booker #1 and Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

1 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball past Devin Booker #1 and Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

2 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball past Jalen Green #4 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

3 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

4 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

5 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

6 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

7 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts in front of Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns after his made three-point basket during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

8 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns steals the ball from Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

9 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder compete for a jump ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

10 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns collects a loose ball away from Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

11 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

12 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

13 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

14 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns compete for a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

15 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reach after a loose ball during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

16 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

17 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a three-point basket over Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

18 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

19 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

20 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

21 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

22 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

23 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

24 / 24

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Game 4 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 27: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder runs onto the court before Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mark Daigneault’s place as playoff head coach

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault entered Monday night with a 25-11 record in the playoffs.

The NBA, in its playoff media guide, listed the all-time coaches by playoff winning percentage (minimum 40 games). I don’t know where the 40 games threshold came from, but Daigneault is only a few games away from qualifying.

As of now, Daigneault’s .694 winning percentage in the playoffs would rank first among the qualified coaches.

1. Phil Jackson: .688 (229-104)

2. Steve Kerr: .684 (104-48)

3. Joe Mazzulla: .660 (33-17)

4. John Kundla: .632 (60-35)

5. Billy Cunningham: .629 (66-39)

6. Larry Costello: .617 (37-23)

7. Larry Bird: .615 (32-20)

8. Pat Riley: .606 (171-111)

9. Gregg Popovich: .599 (170-114)

10. Chuck Daly: .595 (75-51)

A couple of notes: Spurs coach Mitch Johnson is off to a 3-1 start in the playoffs, giving him a .750 winning percentage. Former Cavaliers coach David Blatt went 14-6 in the playoffs, but his .700 winning percentage doesn’t qualify.

REPORT CARD: Chet Holmgren plays like true No. 2 option as Thunder sweeps Suns in NBA Playoffs

Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) lays up the ball in the second quarter during an NBA game between The Oklahoma City Thunder and The San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.

2026 NFL Draft by the numbers: New Big 12 schools show out

87: SEC players drafted. Alabama and Texas A&M had 10 each. OU had seven. The SEC produced 19 more draft picks than the Big Ten despite the SEC having two fewer schools. The SEC is deeper, but the Big Ten can claim supremacy having claimed each of the last three national championships. No school produced more draft picks than Ohio State (11).

40th: The Chiefs selected OU edge rusher R Mason Thomas with the 40th pick. Thomas was the first Sooner off the board. The Chiefs now have five Sooners on their roster: Thomas, Creed Humphrey, Wanya Morris, James Winchester and Ethan Downs.

38: Big 12 players drafted. Tied with the ACC. The 38 picks were the most in Big 12 history. On one hand, it’s not surprising. There are 16 teams in the league. More teams equals more picks. On the other hand, it’s still impressive given the departures of OU and Texas.

6: Big 12 players taken in the first round. And here’s what I found interesting: After Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey went second overall to the Jets, the next five Big 12 first-rounders were all from new Big 12 schools. Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson went eighth to the Saints. Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano went ninth to the Browns. Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor went 21st to the Steelers. UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence went 23rd to the Cowboys. Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu went 28th to the Patriots.

9: Texas Tech players drafted. The Red Raiders, talent-wise, have separated themselves from the rest of the conference.

0: OSU players drafted. Same goes for Colorado and West Virginia.

More: Oklahoma State football spring grades are in for each position. How did Cowboys fare?

OU football spring spotlight: Dakoda Fields

Small-school players transfer to bigger schools for more shine and more money. Big-school players transfer to smaller schools to get more playing time.

Dakoda Fields doesn’t fit in either category. The 6-foot-1 corner from Compton, California, transferred from one blue blood in Oregon to another in Oklahoma.

“I wanted a fresh start,” Fields told The Oklahoman at spring football media day. “A lot of things didn’t go my way.”

Fields missed all of 2024 with a knee injury and he only played in three games last season before entering the portal.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning sounded frustrated when asked about Fields leaving the team midseason.

“He didn’t come to work today,” Lanning said before an early November game at Iowa. “We haven’t talked to Dakoda. I guess that’s the way it goes nowadays.”

Fields said he was drawn to OU because of Brent Venables.

“They have a grimy but disciplined mindset,” said Fields, echoing one of Venables’ favorite words. “They know how to get their players going.”

Fields, going from one defense-first head coach in Lanning to another in Venables, said OU’s system is “a lot more complex.”

Same goes for the food scene in Norman compared to Eugene, apparently.

“Eugene, there weren't too many places,” Fields said. “It was a lot of fast food and I would get tired of it most of the time. Here, there is a lot more variety.”

More: OU football grades for every position after spring camp. How did Sooners fare?

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - OCTOBER 18: Dakoda Fields #11 of the Oregon Ducks intercepts a pass intended for Arhmad Branch #6 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 18, 2024 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Q&A: LIV Golf president Chris Heck has OKC connection

Chris Heck, the president of LIV Golf, was in Oklahoma City last week for the unveiling of OKGC — an Oklahoma-branded LIV team captained by Talor Gooch.

Heck spent 10 years as an executive with the Philadelphia 76ers, and before that he worked in the NBA’s league office. After Hurricane Katrina, Heck was involved in the Hornets’ temporary relocation to Oklahoma City. He remains close with Thunder chairman Clay Bennett.

Q: Take us back to how you first got connected with Clay Bennett and basketball in Oklahoma City.

Heck: “In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit. A couple days after I got a call from (then-NBA commissioner) David Stern. He decided that he was going to move the team to Oklahoma City. It was a bit of a shock to all of us up in New York, but he was like, ‘Get on a plane, you’re going there. You’re gonna meet a guy named Clay Bennett. He’s the one that convinced me to do this out of all the cities that wanted it. And don’t ask any questions. Report to Clay.’

“And so I did. I came down here and was completely welcomed by some of the most powerful and influential people that I’ve come across in my career. Clay and I went door-to-door and we asked for support and community involvement with the business leaders. Two months later we launched the first game of the season in the NBA, and here we are 20 years later and you’re world champions. What (Bennett) has done and what he showed me is that caring about your city or your community, it matters. It’s a part of the fabric of what you do in business. It’s a part of the fabric of how you should walk through life. I just have the most respect for this market and for the leaders that started the Oklahoma City Thunder than I’ve come across in 34 years of my professional career.

Q: What was your role with the NBA?

Heck: “I worked for a department called team marketing and business operations. We were almost like internal consultants on the business. My specific job coming down here was to raise money for sponsorships to kind of keep this thing going. Someone else was assigned ticket sales, someone else marketing and so forth.”

Q: When you saw how the Hornets were welcomed, did you think that this market could one day have its own NBA team?

Heck: “Everything that Clay said he would do, he would do tenfold. It was a great education to not just the NBA, but to all of major-league sports. If you get the right community and you get the right leaders, you can actually make something happen that no one thought would be imaginable. This is a major sports town and state, and no one can deny that.”

Q: Being here 20 years later, how have you seen the city grow?

Heck: I wish they had more hotels like they now have. Listen, there’s great things to do here, there’s of course great people, and I love how they’ve centered it around an NBA franchise. The support, whether it’s softball or college football, we know the power of sport in this state. We think we can extend that into golf.”

Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at jmussatto@oklahoman.com. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder vs Spurs in Western Conference Finals feels predestined