OKC's Thunderous Support

It's not easy being an Oklahoma City Thunder fan these days. The team is wonderfully inventive at finding new ways to lose each night, members of the sports media cast jabs our way whenever possible, and the internet is filled with "take that" sentiments from the resentful. That's alright. I'll take it all.

Yes, this team has played poorly. Heck, we knew they'd be bad, and we're still surprised with the 2-24 record. But count me among those still on an NBA high, and I plan to be for some time. It appears I'm not alone. The Thunder are averaging 18,473 fans per game, good for 12th in the NBA, and the folks I've seen at the Ford Center are as raucous as possible at every opportunity.

Sports experts doubt the team, doubt the ability of the players. We can live with that. It's part of the game. But those who doubt Oklahoma City are just waiting for the support to slide, that feverish loyalty to wane. We can't let it. The organization has just released all remaining single-game tickets for the 2nd half of the 2008-2009 season, a stretch that includes visits from the Hornets, Lakers, Mavericks, Spurs and more. With prices as low as $10, grab a few and stuff them in some stockings this year.

Even if the NBA record for fewest wins in a season should fall upon Oklahoma City this spring, "Loud City" will be full and roaring.

_{Photo: Chris Graythen / Getty Images}