Thunder Up!

Let’s face it – many of us were convinced Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder would make it into the NBA finals last spring, but Memphis stole that hope through better play (or perhaps because of Russell Westbrook’s right knee). Sure, we were disappointed, but we told ourselves the next year would be different. It’s time to find out. The Thunder returns to Thunderdome, a.k.a., the Chesapeake Energy Arena, for preseason play against Denver at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15. The team moves to the BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave., Tulsa, to face New Orleans at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, before bringing it back home to 100 W. Reno Ave., against Utah at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. Barring any catastrophic trades (though some would argue Kevin Martin’s departure for Minnesota is a substantial loss), the Thunder looks ready to make another run for the ultimate clash. The first official home game is Nov. 3. For tickets and a complete schedule, go to www.chesapeakearena.com.