Andrew Destin of The Associated Press reports that passionate supporters of the now-defunct Seattle SuperSonics are fully backing the Indiana Pacers in this year’s NBA Finals.
The connection runs deep, stemming from the painful departure of the SuperSonics franchise in 2008, when the team, under new ownership by Clay Bennett, relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder.
For many former Sonics fans, that move remains a raw wound. Eric Phan, a devoted SuperSonics follower, expressed the lingering disappointment felt by the fanbase.
“A lot of Sonics fans that I know I’m sure never got over the wounds of what happened here 17 years ago with them leaving (for) Oklahoma City,” he said, emphasizing the lasting impact of the relocation.
This emotional history has translated into a strong allegiance during the Finals.
Phan added, “All of the Sonics fanbase (is) rooting for the Indiana Pacers,” signaling a collective desire to see the Thunder’s Finals opponent triumph over the franchise that replaced their beloved team.
This sentiment underscores how deeply sports teams can be woven into community identity – and how the SuperSonics’ departure continues to shape fan loyalties years later.
NBA Finals Notes: Pacers, OKC, CBA, Sonics, Wallace https://t.co/4goKZJysnI pic.twitter.com/BbrvEkSCcw
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 5, 2025
