Justin Martinez

OKC Thunder beat writer for @TheOklahoman_. Ball isn’t life, but there are parallels.

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

"There are so many people in my life who sacrificed for me to just play this game I love."

The name on the back of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's jersey is the longest in league history, but it still isn't long enough.

There are so many other people he represents every time he steps on the court. So many who helped him win a second straight MVP award on Sunday.
https://t.co/AmrUqoTQ5s

[Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles]

Today's Locked on #Thunder Podcast:
🏀 5 Biggest Questions for OKC
🏀 Biggest Ned This Offseason
🏀 Grading this season
🏀 With @Justintohoops
#ThunderUp #FirstListen:
https://t.co/mMkaoVLwqq

[NBA Communications @NBAPR]

The Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder finished as the most-watched Conference Finals in 24 years with an average of 10.8 million viewers per game on NBC/Peacock.

San Antonio’s victory over Oklahoma City in Game 7 averaged 15.9 million viewers, peaking with 17.7 million viewers.

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

What's next for the OKC Thunder after being eliminated in the Western Conference finals?

@joe_mussatto and I discussed that and more in the latest episode of the Thunder Buddies podcast.
https://t.co/k3F6xnKWUG

[Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto]

In this week's edition of Mussatto's Minutes ...

- SGA's "failure" comments
- Joy rivals: Jaylin Williams and Jared McCain
- Dort, Hartenstein team options
- New York's version of Alex Caruso

https://t.co/dThIVzWS1E

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Here's a breakdown of OKC's roster entering the 2026 NBA offseason, from player outlooks to contract details
https://t.co/nEN1Rh1Ge6

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

@MayeuxDoug @SuaveCEO_ Thank you, Doug!

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

That’s a wrap on my first season as a Thunder beat writer. If you read even one of my articles or liked even one of my tweets, thank you. It means the world to me.

Offseason coverage starts tomorrow morning with exit interviews. Stick around 🏀

[Jeff Patterson @jeffpattOKC]

Monday's @OklahomanSports cover:

@JenniCarlson_OK: https://t.co/tT1Q7BbA3d
@Justintohoops: https://t.co/nKPBQdpep3
@joe_mussatto: https://t.co/Yg5ARqim8M
@nick_sardis: https://t.co/MpI4Sq7p4V
@corahalll: https://t.co/wts3ZpzlZp
📰: https://t.co/Jb6BUFre2N

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

@KillianMWright @joe_mussatto Thanks, Killian!

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

@twominutedrives No date announced yet, but it’s usually a few days after the season ends. Will share when that’s confirmed.

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

From Mark Daigneault to each player, here’s what was said during the OKC Thunder’s exit interviews today
https://t.co/kAQABs93MU

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

@Tusaintsman Thanks for following my work!

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

@okkikss Always a pleasure! Thanks for following my coverage, man

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Thomas Sorber on what he learned this season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee:

"I learned a lot. I learned a lot of patience. I learned a lot just from the players, like just telling me my time is going to come but it takes time. So just being there, working hard every day, knowing that my time will come and just staying locked in."

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Thomas Sorber on if the plan is for him to play in Summer League:

"That would be my plan, but I'm not sure on my timeline yet."

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Nikola Topic on what he learned about himself this season after overcoming testicular cancer and making his return to play:

"I learned a lot about myself. I didn't know how tough I was, honestly. It wasn't the best, but I'm grateful that I went through those experiences. I grew from those experiences as well, and it made me a better person today. I wouldn't be here if those things didn't happen. I'm looking forward to getting ready to play."

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Update: Jared McCain says he has framed that picture in his home, and it's "beautiful."

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Jared McCain says he wants to get this photo framed. I asked him where he wants to put it:

“Maybe like right next to my TV in the living room. Or maybe right above my bed, so right when I wake up I can just look at that and it reminds me that this is where I’m supposed to be.”

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Jared McCain on his bond with OKC's fans:

"When you come into a city like that, it makes you want to play for the city. It makes you want to play hard for them. The people who come up to me randomly and say thank you for inspiring my kids or inspiring me, anything like that. Like, thank you for playing hard for the city. It means the most to me. So being able to go into Paycom and play in front of the crowd, it's the most fun feeling any player I think can ever go through."

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Jared McCain on his breakout with OKC:

"It's been pretty insane. I was writing in my journal last night how if you told me four months ago that I would start in some Western Conference Finals games and play the role that I was able to play, not that I would've thought you were crazy, but I would've looked at you a little weird. ... The fact that they allowed me to be myself and have fun with this basketball stuff, it makes the job fun. It makes everything else in life fun. And so I say it a lot, but just being thankful for it, for everything that's happened in my life. This is a blessing, for sure."

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Ajay Mitchell on if he's surprised with his rapid rise:

"If I had to tell (a younger me), 'Hey, in your first year, you're going to win a NBA championship. And then in your second year you're going to be really impactful for one of the best teams in the NBA.' I don't know if I would be like, 'Yeah.' You know? So it's definitely been an amazing ride so far. But I just look at it as there's so much more that I feel like I can do better and be better at and so much to build on."

[Justin Martinez @Justintohoops]

Ajay Mitchell on how he feels physically, as he continues to recover from a right soleus strain:

"It's my first calf strain. So just going through it, obviously, I'm feeling better and better every day. But I've still got a lot of work to do to just be 100 percent healthy."