While watching the Thunder on their run to the NBA Finals, you might have caught a glimpse of one of their biggest supporters in the stands sporting a mask and decked out in body paint.
Garrett Haviland, better known as “Thundor," is an avid Oklahoma City fan and native of the Sooner State. Haviland eagerly awaited the arrival of a professional sports team in Oklahoma, which finally happened when the Seattle SuperSonics relocated and became the Thunder in 2008. OKC held an ultimate fan competition that season and “Thundor” was born.
The Thunder have been largely successful since the move, making a dozen playoff appearances, though they’ve yet to win a title. This year’s team, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has the best chance to end that drought. Oklahoma City is tied 2-2 with the Pacers in the NBA Finals on the heels of a franchise-record 68-win regular season.
With his team in the midst of a back-and-forth Finals series, Haviland spoke with Athlon Sports’ Sam Suzuki. He shared the genesis behind his persona, recounted some of his interactions with players over the years and discussed his work in behavioral health.
“Being Thundor is like the ultimate version of self care for me,” Haviland said. “It’s my way of changing out of my work clothes, putting on a whole new persona and getting out whatever frustrations or difficulties I’ve had throughout the day.”
Haviland also hit on comparisons between the 2012 Thunder squad and this year’s team, discussed the SGA “free-throw merchant” narrative and shared what scares him most about Indiana.
Game 5 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET Monday on ABC from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.