Gameday. This shirt you will wear. This chair you will not use. It is Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
For only the second time in NBA history, both teams facing each other in a Game 7 have at least 62 wins. This heavyweight series has reached its final chapter. And though only the players get to touch the basketball, our fans in the arena tonight in downtown OKC will help determine the outcome.
In the playoffs this year and last, the Thunder are 17-3 at home and 10-7 on the road. At home or on the road, it’s the same players, the same coaches, the same basketballs, but the results are quite different. The difference is you.
Tonight, if you’re in the arena, you will give it everything you have for 48 minutes. By the end, you should be as exhausted as the players. You must always remember that it is a privilege and an obligation to be in that arena tonight. You are not a mere spectator. You are carrying the cheers and the hopes of millions of Thunder fans watching on TV across Oklahoma City and the world. You are there tonight to claim sports immortality on behalf of Thunder fans everywhere.
To the fans in the arena tonight - Arrive early. No sitting except in timeouts. Get back for the start of the third quarter. Give it everything you’ve got for all 48.
To the fans in their living rooms or bars and watching across Oklahoma City and the world - We can hear you, too. We’re all In this together.
It’s Game 7. Thunder Up.
In 2009, it was obvious Kurt Warner's career was coming to an end.
The Cardinals had no succession plan.
In 2017, it was obvious Carson Palmer's career was coming to an end.
Again, the Cardinals had no succession plan.
In 2024, questions were raised internally about Kyler Murray.
Once again, the Cardinals have no succession plan.
Three different GM's. Three different approaches and philosophies how to building a team.
Other teams plan for unforseen events, even aging, at the premier position on the team.
Patriots had Brady for years. They still drafted Jimmy G in the 2nd (2014), Brissett in the 3rd (2016). In 2021 they drafted Jones but moved off him after 3 seasons and drafted Maye in 2024.
For 32 of the last 33 seasons, the Packers leading passer has been either Favre (92-07), Rodgers (08-16, 18-22), or Love (23-25). They've missed the playoffs only 8 times in that stretch (75%).
With Alex Smith at QB, the Chiefs made the playoffs 4 out of 5 years. That didn't stop them from taking Mahomes in 2017 (before his career altering injury in 2018).
The common link to the Cardinals incompetency?
Michael Bidwill.
Bidwill took over day-to-day operations in 2007 and has effectively run the team since that time.
He witnessed each of the Cardinals missteps post-Warner and post-Palmer, yet didn't learn this simple truth.
You cannot win in the NFL without a QB.
Until Michael steps aside as team President, I don't believe this organization will ever find the formula for winning consistently.
It's no surprise he continues to be ranked as one of the league's worst owners, by his own players.
I want you to remember Charlie Kirk getting his neck blown out in front of college kids. The entire world watched it happen. And I want you to remember how the left reacted. How they celebrated. How they justified it. How hundreds of thousands of people liked a post where Amanda Seyfried said he deserved it.
Then remember how enraged they were when President Trump moved his head and survived an assassination attempt on live television… something that would have thrown this country into chaos, if not outright civil war.
Remember how they built shrines and merch for Luigi Magionie after he murdered an innocent man in cold blood.
And Ashli Babbitt? They didn’t just defend the shooting, they turned her killer into a hero and have mocked her death for five straight years. Their hypocrisy is so loud and rancid it makes their obnoxious red whistles seem quiet.
This isn’t “politics.” This is a communist insurgency, carried out by ppl who openly worship the ideology of Karl Marx and want to eliminate everyone to the right of him. They don’t care about life or “innocent victims.” They care about power, and they will justify any amount of bloodshed to get it.
Accept where we are. It is not going to be pretty. Do not be manipulated by their narcissistic, emotional-blackmail warfare. The only way is through.
Breaking: Oklahoma City Thunder star and NBA champion Chet Holmgren has agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $250 million, agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball told ESPN.