Thunder Nation: Utah Edition

By Isaiah Magar | KZA Sports

Following the Thunder's Finals victory, I had the privilege of interviewing one of Oklahoma City's biggest fans, Hayden Wheatley. Following the team from Utah, Hayden has been an OG supporter. Below are the questions I asked and the glorious responses he gave in return. You can follow Hayden on X here.

1) Okay, first things first… you live in Utah — how in the world did you become a Thunder fan?

2 words, 1 name. Russell Westbrook! I watch a basketball game in like 2010(?) maybe 2011 and loved how Russ was playing 1000% all gas no brakes all the time.

2) Was there like a moment that locked it in for you? Like a game, a player, something that just clicked?

Not really… maybe when Russ went at KD all game after KD left.

3) Assuming you were a fan in the early days, were you more a KD or Russ truther (Pre July 4th)?

Russ, Russ and Russ again. KD was nice but it’s always been Brodie.

4) And have you ever made the trip out to OKC for a game?

Yes, been to so many games in Paycom. During the tank years I went to a lot, and I was also able to make it out to Game 5 of the FINALS!

5) So you’re out here in Utah — Jazz country — what’s that like? Ever get into it with Jazz fans?

Everyone here is pretty respectful for the most part but I ran into a couple fans at the Delta Center during a game (when they had Mitchell and Gobert) and they said “I’m sorry you are a Thunder fan, I could never be a fan of a team that is losing on purpose.”

6) Do you ever feel like you’re repping the Thunder solo out there?

Yes, I know I’m not the only Thunder fan here but it’s so rare to see on. Lol

7) Alright let’s talk current Thunder. Who’s your guy on the roster right now aside from SGA?

Luguentz Dort! Love that man! Jumped on his bandwagon day 1 and couldn’t be more happy!

8) If you could take one Thunder role player from any previous year and add them to the 2025-26 squad, who would it be?

Pooookkkuuuuu.  I love Poku, but for real someone that legitimately would help, I would take Dre. Let’s not allow teams to score 90.

9) Most underrated player on the squad?

J Will for sure! I see so many people hating on him because he doesn’t have the “stats.” He’s the vibe guy that every team needs.

10)  I know you're a big Mountain Dew guy. How many Dews go down during a Thunder game?

Regular season game 2 maybe 3. Game 6 and 7 of Finals, probably 8 or 9.

11) If you could pick one Thunder player — past or present — to star in a Mountain Dew commercial, who’s got the energy for it? (We all know it's Nick)

That’s a very good question, I don’t know who I would choose.  let’s go with Alex Caruso or Dub they play with that energy!!

12) We all know the correct answer, But what’s more refreshing — a cold Mountain Dew or an NBA Championship?

Both. A cold Mountain Dew during the NBA Championship.

Alright, speed round. First thing that comes to mind.

Westbrook or SGA? Russ. Love that guy!

KD or Harden? KD.

Blue jersey or orange jersey? Orange

Best Thunder moment ever? I’d say winning the championship but that’s a given so…. When we traded for Paul George. One of my favorite all time non Thunder players, played for OKC.

Thunder win 2026 championship… or unlimited Mountain Dew for life? BACK TO BACK CHAMPS!! Give me 2026 championship.

Once again, shoutout to Hayden. He was great to work with and definitely worth a follow if you love Thunder Basketball.

You can find Isaiah Magar on X here.

Shop the Official NBA Store here.