OKC Thunder's NBA Cup Run Shows Christmas Game Snub was Mistake

The Thunder have been among the most exciting teams this season and could earn some more recognition in Vegas.

Dec 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles the ball down the court against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City will be showcased in Vegas during the NBA Cup, but it will be away from the league’s premier day.

On Tuesday, the Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks to punch their ticket to the NBA Cup semifinal in Vegas. They’ll have a chance to beat the Houston Rockets on Saturday and play for the grand prize.

While the NBA Cup is nothing close to a championship, it recognizes some of the best teams early in the season and can help a team build season-long momentum. Of course, the Thunder have established themselves as one of the top teams in the league and are the favorite to win the West when May comes around.

Despite having one of the most exciting young teams in the league, the Thunder will be spending Christmas Day at home. Already dealing with the rarity of missing out on a Christmas game as a No. 1 seed the previous year, the Thunder’s NBA Cup run has only solidified their status among the league’s elite.

Oklahoma City has been away from the court on Christmas for six straight seasons, not making an appearance since Russell Westbrook’s last season with the team in 2018. While the team is poised for plenty of appearances over the next decade, the Thunder will have to wait at least one more year.

The Thunder aren’t the only team in Vegas that felt disrespected by the league’s Dec. 25 slate. None of the four semifinalists will be in action on Christmas. While the other three teams combined to win two playoff games last season, Oklahoma City became the youngest team to win a playoff series.

Still, the Thunder will have a chance to earn an 83rd game if they can beat the Rockets. And considering the prize that comes with game 83, the Thunder probably won’t have a problem with staying at home on Christmas and counting their money.

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