Sports Headlines

Thunder go from futility to the finals in 3 years

Posted: 7:58 PM Jun 7, 2012

When Scott Brooks took over the Oklahoma City Thunder, his first task was trying to get the team to a point that it was even competitive in the fourth quarter.

A little more than three years later, opponents can't seem to put the Thunder away when it comes to crunch time.

In the blink of an eye after a 3-29 start a few seasons ago, Oklahoma City has gone from trying to avoid the worst record in league history to rolling into the NBA finals.

A youthful core featuring homegrown first-round draft picks Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Serge Ibaka has combined with a trio of veterans who already have championship rings to produce a title contender.

The Thunder will host Game 1 of the finals Tuesday night.