2008 Thunder Inaugural Game vs Mavericks
From Seattle to Oklahoma City: A Thunderous Legacy
The Oklahoma City Thunder are an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City. The Thunder compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team plays its home games at Paycom Center.
Quick Facts
- Date
- October 29, 2008
- Headliner
- Thunder's Inaugural Game vs Mavericks
Lore & Background
The Thunder were originally established as the Seattle SuperSonics, an expansion team that joined the NBA for the 1967–68 season. The SuperSonics moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in July 2008, after a settlement was reached between the ownership group led by Clay Bennett and lawmakers in Seattle following a lawsuit. In Seattle, the SuperSonics qualified for the NBA playoffs 22 times, won their division six times, advanced to three NBA Finals, and won the 1979 NBA championship.
In Oklahoma City, the Thunder qualified for their first playoff berth during the 2009–10 season. They won their first division title as the Thunder in the 2010–11 season and their first Western Conference championship as the Thunder in the 2011–12 season, appearing in the NBA Finals for the fourth time in franchise history and first time since 1996, when the team was based in Seattle. The Thunder lost the series to the Miami Heat, 4–1. They returned to the NBA Finals in 2025 and defeated the Indiana Pacers in seven games to win their first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma City.
Reader's Guide
The Thunder's NBA G League affiliate is the Oklahoma City Blue, which it owns. The Thunder are the only team in the major professional North American sports leagues based in the state of Oklahoma. Oklahoma City previously hosted the New Orleans Hornets for two seasons following devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The Thunder's first regular season home game was against the Milwaukee Bucks, which they lost. Their first win came on November 2, 2008, against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Did You Know?
- The Thunder's name was chosen in reference to Oklahoma's location in Tornado Alley and Oklahoma City as the home of the U.S. Army's 45th Infantry Division, the Thunderbirds.
- The SuperSonics' final NBA draft was in 2008, and they used the fourth overall pick to select Russell Westbrook, who had already played for the franchise in Seattle during the 2007-08 season.
- The Thunder debuted blue, white, and orange uniforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Oklahoma City Thunder play their first game?
The franchise played its inaugural match on October 31, 2008, during Halloween night at the Ford Center. This date officially marked the arrival of professional basketball in Oklahoma City following the team's relocation from Seattle.
Who was the opponent for the Thunder's debut?
The Thunder faced off against the Dallas Mavericks in this opening contest. Choosing a division rival set the stage for high stakes immediately upon entering the league in their new city.
Did the Thunder win their first game ever?
No, the team suffered a loss to the Mavericks during this historic inaugural event. Although they did not secure the victory, the night focused more on launching the franchise than the final score.
Which stars debuted in this 2008 game?
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were highlighted as the key figures introducing themselves to the Oklahoma City fanbase. Their presence established them as the immediate leaders of the relocated franchise.
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