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NBA Makes Major Thunder Announcement After Game 1 Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 6, 2025 12:56 PM ET

Oklahoma City Thunder fans aren't having the best Tuesday.

After prolonged rest, the club dropped the ball in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.

The Thunder led most of the game, just for Aaron Gordon to hit a last-second 3-pointer to give the Nuggets the lead.

Oklahoma City, a 68-win team, has now suffered its first loss of the playoffs.

Is it the end of the world? Absolutely not.

Is it worrying that the Thunder allowed the Nuggets to steal Game 1 on their home floor? Absolutely.

Game 2 is going to be pivotal, as Oklahoma City needs to do everything it can to avoid going down 0-2 with the series headed to Denver.

There's some confidence in the city that the Thunder can bounce back, though.

The Thunder were the league's best regular season squad for a reason. They were a No. 1 seed a season ago and made two massive additions with Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, making them a brilliant team.

Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti was acknowledged for these moves, too, and the rest of his team-building.

Despite a Game 1 loss, Presti was awarded the Executive of the Year award on Tuesday.

"Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti has been named the 2024-25 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year," the NBA announced. "Presti earns the annual honor for the first time after building a team that led the NBA at 68-14, tied for the sixth-best record ever."

Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti has been named the 2024-25 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year.

Presti earns the annual honor for the first time after building a team that led the NBA at 68-14, tied for the sixth-best record ever. pic.twitter.com/lu1U7hEWJZ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 6, 2025

While there may been some doubt creeping in after a Game 2 loss, the Thunder have looked formidable up to this point, to Presti's credit, and the award was absolutely deserved.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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