Nick Gallo’s playoff tribute: ‘Down to Dunk’ podcasters create paper doll, t-shirt for Thunder fans

As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepares for the NBA Playoffs, fans are once again rallying around a familiar face: Thunder broadcast reporter Nick Gallo.

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Last season, the “Down to Dunk” podcasters celebrated Gallo with a custom T-shirt. This year, they’ve taken the tribute a step further, introducing a paper cutout of Gallo, complete with accessories inspired by the team’s postgame rituals.

After every Thunder game, Gallo is there, microphone in hand, interviewing players. And in many of those snapshots, he’s surrounded by players proudly sporting “Gallo” towels or T-shirts — a sign of just how much he’s been embraced by the team.

“It’s a joy to incorporate him into the things we’re doing because he’s just a great person,” said podcast host Andrew Schlecht.

Schlecht and co-host Luke Stephens teamed up with artist Dusty Gilpin to create the latest tribute, a customizable paper doll of Gallo holding a microphone.

“They started out just doing towels, and then I think they put a camera on him, and then they put a jersey and a hoodie,” Gilpin said.

Now, Thunder fans can get in on the fun. The new “Postgame Gallo” shirt is available for pre-order online for $33, and fans can also download and print the paper cutout version of Gallo for free.

As for Gallo, the attention hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I’m always surprised and just blown away that these guys treat me the way that they do,” he said. “It’s really special to see the way they are there for each other, the way they celebrate each other’s successes. And for them to include me in that is such an honor — it’s something that I don’t take for granted at all.”