Deafening, a wall of noise, ringing ears, ruckus and ground shaking – that’s how the Oklahoma City Thunder crowd was described Sunday during Bricktown’s return to the playoffs.
Hosting their first playoff game since 2019, ushering in a new era of basketball, the Thunder faithful filled the Paycom Center in Game 1. Collectively losing their voice and leaving their mark on the game as soon as the doors opened.
Oklahoma City’s rowdy crowd can make life difficult for opposing players, especially when it comes to communicating on their defensive coverages and aligning offensively.
Pelicans big man Jonas Valanciunas, who had a remarkable performance on Sunday with 13 points, 20 rebounds, two assists and a steal. The big man was asked about the roaring crowd.
“The atmosphere was good, I just enjoyed playing here. Yes, it’s loud, and maybe communication is a little difficult, but we know each other, we know the places we need to be in. We know how to communicate without really shouting loudly,” Valanciunas said during Wednesday’s shoot.
The Oklahoma City Thunder fan base will try to replicate the raucous atmosphere of Game 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans who struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Wednesday’s affair begins at 8:30 p.m. CT on TNT.
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