Thunder Brings Bingo Delight
by Jimmy Do | okcthunder.com(Photography by Zach Beeker | OKC Thunder)
Rewinding back to almost this time last year, the mustachioed tandem of Steven Adams and Enes Kanter became an instant favorite among bingo circles in the retirement community. With an endless repertoire of quips and comebacks between them, the frontcourt buddies returned to the bingo hall, but this time, they brought teammates Andre Roberson and Alex Abrines to join in on the fun. Coming off a 3 a.m. landing from New York and an early Tuesday afternoon practice in Oklahoma City, the fun-loving, good-natured quartet did not miss a beat to the delight of the residents at sleepy Brookdale Village in this encore, part of Holiday Assist, presented by Cox Communications.
Feeling the afterglow of a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double performance in Monday’s win at Madison Square Garden, Kanter continued his winning ways by claiming the afternoon’s first bingo victory. Kanter on playing bingo with his older peers: “It’s an awesome experience. I did this last year and I wanted to do it again this year.”
Much to the chagrin of Adams who rained down boos on his Turkish running mate, Kanter played with three cards to increase his chances. But in Kanter’s view, the tactic underscored his improvement rather than his advantage. “We did the same bingo game last year with Steven,” said Kanter. “Last year, I played with five cards. So I’m getting better every year.” Nonetheless, Adams’ “Can we check it first?” was a pleading refrain that mimicked the skepticism of being delivered counterfeit goods, adding to the comic relief.
“These people have lived through everything,” said Abrines. “It’s nice to be able to talk to them and share in their experiences.”
“B-7 lookin’ like heaven...N-31 we’re just havin’ fun.” Bingo Caller Andre Roberson was one of the highlights of the day revealing each ball number with such smooth, pleasant delivery and color, garnering smiles and laughter in the room as a nod of approval. On Roberson's MCing performance, Adams remarked, "Spitting flames, man...Release an album already."
"This card is hot." LuLu Stephens, 89, celebrated with the players after she notched her seventh bingo win of the day. She was deluged with congratulatory cheers and Thunder goodies. Stephens: “Look how happy everybody is. It makes us feel we’re wanted and it’s fun.”
“Playing bingo with the players gives them a purposeful experience and definitely enriches their lives,” said Cindy Sheehan, Clare Bridge program coordinator. “It’s very uplifting to them. It also lets them know the outside world does care about them.”
“Let me say bye to my peach.” Steven Adams bids farewell to Lillian Venable, 94. “We thoroughly enjoyed the players that help us with bingo. It was great,” said Venable.
“It meant a lot. I’m glad we’re able to do this for them—just bringing joy to the day,” said Roberson.
Watch: Thunder Joins Bingo Fun