Oklahoma Thunder - the hated champion

If Indiana ace Tyrese Halliburton hadn't torn his Achilles tendon early in Game 7 of last season's NBA playoffs, a different story might be told today.

Thus, Oklahoma won the ring, becoming the best, but without a doubt, as time goes by, the most hated team in the strongest basketball competition in the world.

The Thunder have it all, class, width, and a steely defense, but the general impression of the local public, experts, and especially opponents - they also have officiating that one can only wish for.

First up is MVP Shay Gilges-Alexander, and it all seems to have culminated this season during the first-round playoff series in the West against Phoenix.

Oklahoma, it's true, swept the Suns 4-0 because they're simply a much better team, but the noise about Shay being protected by the referees, and not just him, has become louder. Anyone who watches Oklahoma's games probably knows best what it's all about...

Because, everything that is not called against Oklahoma is called in favor of Gilges-Alexander on the other side. That's why Devin Booker "exploded" during the series with Phoenix, especially when the referee gave him a technical just a second after Oklahoma guard Alex Caruso asked him to do so.

Booker probably made the dissatisfaction even greater, but Oklahoma is not paying attention, and is two steps away from qualifying for the Western Conference finals as it leads 2:0 against the weakened LA Lakers, who are still without Luka Dončić.

What Booker did and said was in a way echoed by LeBron James in the first two games against the reigning champions. He made no secret of his belief that the officiating was terrible, and neither did Lakers coach JJ Redick.

- The biggest star and the least authority among the referees - said his coach about LeBron.

When you look at the numbers, Redick's statement makes sense - James made 5,3 free throws per game in the regular season, and a total of five in the first two games of the series with Oklahoma.

Oklahoma celebrated a 125:107 victory on Thursday night, making the difference in the second half, in which they were up 19 points.

- Oklahoma has several players who commit fouls in every opponent's attack. But those fouls are not called. Despite all the quality they have, it is very difficult to play against Oklahoma, and when the referees allow it - then it becomes even more difficult - Redick is clear.

That refereeing is the number one topic is also evidenced by what Lakers winger Rui Hachimura said.

- Oklahoma is the champion, the judges probably show them respect and we can't do anything about it - Hachimura pointed out.

However, Oklahoma has its goal and is not giving up - to defend the title and confirm its dominance.

"We have a group of guys who are real competitors. They just attack the challenge that is in front of them," said coach Mark Dagnolt.