Jerry Buss built an empire but feared infighting among his children would tear it apart. He was right. “I don’t think my dad would be happy with the way things just went down,” said one. “Not at all.” Link in bio for my story inside the family dysfunction and discord that fueled the $10B sale of the Los Angeles Lakers.
NEW: The Thunder are built upon a tragedy that seared their city 30 years ago. When Sam Presti arrived in 2008, he was so inspired by the recovery that he built his team in its image, forging powerful bonds with those whose lives forever changed on April 19, 1995. Link in bio for more.
✍🏾 Baxter Holmes’ path to becoming a respected voice in modern sports journalism began far from the glamorous arenas he would eventually cover. His parents instilled in him a deep appreciation for Choctaw history, culture, and community. When they moved back to Oklahoma, it was a significant return to their Native American roots, shaping Holmes' perspective in the world of sports. Explore his full story at the link in our bio. #TogetherWereMore #TWM
UPDATE: We have reached capacity for this event!
#BetterConversations returns on Wednesday, May 20 with a special edition featuring a screening of @espn 's E60: The Oklahoma Standard, followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.
This documentary explores the connection between the @okcthunder , the Oklahoma City bombing and the response that followed, highlighting how a community came together through Service, Honor and Kindness.
Following the screening, Kari Watkins, President & CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, will moderate a panel with ESPN Senior Writer Baxter Holmes, Director David Seronick and special guests.
Doors open at 11:00am with complimentary boxed lunches provided for registered attendees. The film begins at 11:35am and the program concludes at 1:00pm. Space is limited and registration is required.
Visit our website to reserve your seat.
From covering rural sports for local Oklahoma high schools to writing for major media outlets like The LA Times, The Boston Globe, and ESPN, Choctaw tribal member Baxter Holmes has learned that a strong work ethic and the pursuit of constant improvement can take you anywhere. See and share his story at the link in our bio. #TogetherWereMore #TWM
When you join the OKC Thunder organization, it is required to tour the OKC National Memorial Museum site to truly understand the city that’s being represented. That tour serves as a history lesson to all, but especially those who weren’t born until after the bombing.
Stream E60’s ‘The Oklahoma Standard on the ESPN App.
From our @espne60 doc, ex-Thunder superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook weighed in on what the Thunder’s 2025 NBA title and the ensuing championship parade in Oklahoma City meant to them:
Durant: “Making the team synonymous with everybody in the city and the state, wanting the community to feel a part of their success — I have a sense of pride, man, like, I really, really am grateful to be an alumni of the Thunder.”
Westbrook: “I was extremely, extremely happy for them, for the fans. They deserve it because they are truly the best fans in sports.” #okc #oklahomacitythunder #okcthunder #kevindurant #russellwestbrook
Sara Sweet lost her father in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. In the year’s since the Thunder have dedicated time for the organization to honor those who were killed. This has brought about a unique connection within the Oklahoma City community.
Stream E60’s The Oklahoma Standard on the ESPN App.
Since the team was formed, Thunder GM Sam Presti has every player visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum to better understand the history of the 1995 bombing and how it permanently affected the community.
📺 Watch "The Oklahoma Standard” April 26 at 11 AM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App.
A photograph from the Oklahoma City Thunder championship parade represents the story of the city so much, it literally hangs in a museum.
📺 Watch "The Oklahoma Standard” April 26 at 11 AM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App.
At 11 a.m. EST this Sunday, April 26, ESPN will air our E60 documentary, “The Oklahoma Standard.” It’ll also be available then for on-demand streaming on the ESPN App. The documentary is the first I’ve ever been part of, and it’s based on my 2025 ESPN feature story on the Oklahoma City Thunder and the organization’s deep ties to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and those directly impacted by the April 19, 1995 bombing, including survivors, first responders and those who lost loved ones. In all, I’ve been working on this story – both in print and the subsequent documentary – for more than a year. And I’m deeply appreciative of everyone at the memorial museum and the Thunder and around Oklahoma City who have participated. (There are far too many to name.) Lastly, I first pitched this idea in early 2025, and ESPN has championed me and this story ever since and devoted considerable resources to tell it in full, which I greatly appreciate. As an Oklahoman, it has meant a lot to me to work on this one, and I hope everyone will tune in! #okc #oklahomacity #okcthunder #oklahomacitythunder #oklahomacitymemorial
“Life has never been the same since the Thunder arrived.”
After coming over from Seattle in 2008, the Oklahoma City Thunder had an immediate impact for the city both on and off the court.
📺 Watch "The Oklahoma Standard” Sunday at 11 AM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App.
