Two years ago, across the Atlantic Ocean and all the way across Europe in Istanbul, the Thunder tested its mettle against one of the best European teams, Fenerbahce.
It was an incredible opportunity to experience a different side of the world and to promote Thunder basketball to fans across the globe as it competed a preseason contest. Tonight, the Thunder has the chance to return the favor and is excited for the opportunity to host the Turkish team to Oklahoma City for the first preseason game of the 2015-16 season at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
“Fenerbahce brings two of the most accomplished minds in the international game to Oklahoma City in Zeljko Obradovic & Maurizio Gherardini,” Thunder General Manager and Executive Vice Presti Sam Presti said.
Fenerbahce’s head coach, Obradovic, has won eight different Euroleague titles with four different clubs and was named Euroleague coach of the year twice. Before Gherardini became Fenerbahce’s general manager, he worked for the Thunder as its senior advisor of international affairs.
Back in October of 2013, the Thunder defeated Fenerbahce 95-82, as Kevin Durant led the way with 24 points, eight rebounds. It was a hotly contested game and one that the Thunder had to battle through before taking control in the second half.
Fenerbahce’s roster is different now, but it is loaded with talent including a handful of former NBA players. Pero Antic, Luigi Datome, Jan Vesely and Ekpe Udoh all have experience with a variety of NBA teams, and the Thunder understands that it will be a different type of battle than it normally faces due to the more prominent European style that Fenerbahce plays.
“We’re going to be really challenged and stretched from the three-point line,” Head Coach Billy Donovan said. “They’re a team that is going to run a lot of good action and a lot of good pick-and-rolls. They’re going to space the floor.”
“It’ll be good for us to test our defense, learn different things and go against stretch fours,” Westbrook said.
Equally, if not more electrifying, for the Thunder than what it will accomplish on the court is what they will be experiencing tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena. All summer long, the buzz in Oklahoma City for the start of a new season has been gradually building into what will be a fever pitch tonight.
In light of the resilience and dignity the team showed as it persevered through last year, Friday night’s preseason home opener will be a great celebration of the season of Thunder basketball to come.
“I’m looking forward to getting in front of our fans and trying to get better,” Durant said. “Fenerbahce, we know a lot about them. We went over there and played those guys. It should be a good one. We’re looking forward to playing.”
“I’m excited to get back on the floor and get back in front of home fans. It’s been a long summer,” Westbrook said with a grin. “It’s good to get back in front of them. We’re looking forward to it.”
Broadcast Information
Tip-Off: 7:00 p.m. CT
Radio: Thunder Radio Network, WWLS the Sports Animal