NBA Award-Winner Lou Williams Says OKC Thunder Aren’t ‘Villains’

The former Sixth Man of the Year says Oklahoma City shouldn’t be seen as villains, and are victims of unnecessary disdain.

Mar 30, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Paycom Center. | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently one of the NBA’s most polarizing teams. 

That typically comes with success, as even the Golden State Warriors' dynasty had its fair share of disdain from NBA fans and viewers. 

After winning a title and reaching 60 wins again the following season, it’s no surprise that OKC has generated some contempt. Even ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claimed earlier this season that there was “rampant jealousy” amongst NBA teams towards the Thunder. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort have been lightning rods for many of the complaints lodged against Oklahoma City, as observers and coaches mention Gilegous-Alexander’s free throw attempts and Dort’s physical play style.

On a recent episode of Run it Back, part of FanDuel TV, three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams said the Thunder don’t deserve the ire they have drawn.

“They (aren’t) villains, they (are) getting hated on,” Williams said. “This is not a unique circumstance. Anybody that’s at the top of the mountain, and you want to knock them off the top of the mountain, there’s going to be a problem. You’re going to find reasons to be upset.”

"They're getting hated on." 😤@TeamLou23 doesn't see a villain story with the Thunder. They're simply being hated on because they're too good. @boogiecousins compares them to when the Warriors started winning 🏆 pic.twitter.com/JDW7RSUgt5

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 31, 2026

“The only thing they’ve done is kicked everybody a** and have fun doing it,” Williams continued. “They (aren’t) bothering (anybody), they’re not giving you billboard material.”  

Williams did highlight Dort as a potential reason observers may dislike the Thunder, but acknowledged Dort’s recognition of “crossing the line” and noted that the All-Defense honoree isn’t known to “stare down” or “stand over” his opponents. 

Similar to the Warriors’ dynasty, the Thunder appear to be receiving disdain due to the team’s success, physicality and Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to draw free throws, rather than more substantial controversies that other teams have faced. 

The Warriors faced a similar phenomenon in the midst of their title runs, playing in four consecutive NBA Finals’ series. 

While the Thunder haven’t achieved the same level of success Golden State enjoyed during its run, the team has started to receive similar treatment from observers and other fanbases.  

If OKC continues to win and claims another championship this season, the group will likely only encounter more disdain. No NBA team has repeated as NBA champions since the Warriors, and if the Thunder become the squad to break that streak, OKC will continue to be a polarizing franchise. 

Of course, with success comes growth of the fanbase, as well, which the Thunder certainly appear to be experiencing as the team prepares to move into a new arena.