The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their championship in style Tuesday night, receiving their NBA title rings before tipping off the new season against the Houston Rockets.
It was a special moment for the franchise, which claimed its first championship since moving from Seattle in 2008. The Thunder captured the title by defeating the Indiana Pacers in last season’s Finals, capping off a dominant 68-14 regular season that earned them home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Before the ceremony began, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the crowd, then presented rings to Thunder chairman Clay Bennett and team president Sam Presti. One by one, the players made their way through the tunnel—sharing hugs with Silver and Presti—before receiving their rings from Bennett.
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the final player to emerge. As fans chanted “M-V-P,” he opened his ring box, admired the sparkling hardware, and gave a little shimmy before joining his teammates on the floor.
The rings, designed by Jostens, are made of 14-karat gold and feature over 800 hand-set gemstones. The top showcases “OKC” in diamonds over the team’s shield, with a gold-outlined championship trophy and 46 blue sapphires circling the logo. “NBA” and “Champions” appear in diamonds against a gold background.
Each ring includes a removable inner band engraved with the player’s signature and jersey number in diamonds. The band also features the numbers of every teammate wrapped around it. The outer side of the ring honors the Gates of Time and Reflecting Pool at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
After the rings were handed out, the Thunder’s championship banner was raised to roaring cheers.
Returning stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren all signed extensions over the offseason, keeping Oklahoma City among the top contenders this year. Coach Mark Daigneault and most of last season’s roster are back as well.
Adding intrigue to the opener was Houston’s newest star — former Thunder great Kevin Durant. The 37-year-old signed a two-year extension with the Rockets on Sunday, reuniting with Oklahoma City fans as an opponent. Durant, who won four scoring titles and the 2014 MVP award with the Thunder, famously left for Golden State in 2016.
It was a night full of emotion — a celebration of the past, and a reminder that the Thunder’s future looks just as bright.