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Nick Richard is a junior at Sacred Heart University, majoring in Sport Management and minoring in Business Economics. Hailing from Bedford, NH, he’s been a devoted Oklahoma City Thunder fan since first falling in love with basketball as a little kid. As a writer for The Lead, Nick covers all things Thunder, combining his passion for the game with a drive to one day work within a professional sports organization.

14 Articles
May 26, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8), forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) talk to the media after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
NBANBA WestThunder

Thunder’s Smart Offseason Moves Signal Long-Term Dominance

Just weeks ago, OKC celebrated center court at Paycom Center. Confetti raining down, a young core beaming with promise, and a city reveling...

July 17, 2025
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals
NBANBA WestThunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Become Greatest Player in Thunder History

In a franchise full of stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, it’s no small feat to rise above the legends....

June 24, 2025
Mark Daigneault Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Oklahoma City Thunder
NBANBA WestThunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Having One of The Best Seasons in NBA History

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just having a great season— he’s delivering one of the most complete and dominant individual campaigns the NBA has seen...

June 11, 2025
Alex Caruso Should Start in Game 4
NBANBA WestThunder

Alex Caruso Plays a Crucial Role in Thunder Playoff Success

During the offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso. This move initially raised eyebrows around the league. Giddey, a...

May 30, 2025
Alex Caruso Should Start in Game 4
NBANBA WestThunder

A Thunder Championship Run is in Sight

The Oklahoma City Thunder have spent years laying the groundwork for this moment. After a patient rebuild and a commitment to player development,...

May 22, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Luguentz Dort
NBANBA WestThunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Can’t Afford Any More Off Nights

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened the playoffs with two dominant wins. As the series shifts to Memphis, they’ll need Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to elevate...

April 23, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jalen Williams
NBANBA WestThunder

‘Loud City’ Gives Thunder Unprecedented Home-Court Advantage

“Loud City” isn’t just a slogan— it’s a culture that makes up Thunder Basketball. In a league dominated by massive media markets, Oklahoma...

April 17, 2025
Isaiah Hartenstein Thunder
NBANBA WestThunder

Caruso, Hartenstein Critical for Thunder’s Playoff Dreams

The Thunder’s second-round exit against the Mavericks made one thing clear: the roster needed changes. General Manager Sam Presti made two big moves...

April 10, 2025
Mark Daigneault Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Oklahoma City Thunder
NBANBA WestThunder

Mark Daigneault Deserves Back-to-Back Coach of the Year Honors

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has had an impressive season in only his fifth year as head coach. He’s led the...

April 3, 2025
Jaylin Williams
NBANBA WestThunder

Jaylin Williams Needs To Be in OKC’s Playoff Rotation

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on a roll recently despite several players’ injuries. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, and Cason Wallace...

March 25, 2025
Josh Giddey is going to be a big piece of the Bulls' offseason
BullsNBAThunder

The Impact of Josh Giddey’s Departure From OKC

The trade that sent Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey this past summer was a surprise for both Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder...

March 14, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jalen Williams
NBANBA WestThunder

The Thunder Must Adjust to Make a Deep Playoff Push

The Oklahoma City Thunder sit atop the ultra-competitive Western Conference. So far, it has been a dominant year for one of the league’s...

February 28, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jalen Williams
NBANBA WestThunder

OKC’s Standout Moments at All-Star Weekend

Oklahoma City Thunder’s finest made their presence known at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend despite fans’ high level of criticism. This past weekend,...

February 20, 2025
Lu Dort
NBANBA WestThunder

Lu Dort Deserves All-Defensive Honors

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, also known as the “Dorture Chamber,” is one of the league’s best defenders. Dort worked his way...

February 15, 2025