Dean Blevins: Another great day to be an Oklahoma sports fan

It’s a great time of year to be a sports fan in Oklahoma.

The Thunder begins its playoff quest for the franchise’s first NBA title. OU’s remarkable women are favorites to win the program’s seventh NCAA gymnastics championship — and the men could win it all as well.

The Sooners and Cowboys are adding more transfer pieces to their 2025 football rosters and have reason to believe their teams will be improved this upcoming season.

And with one of the all-time great finishes at The Masters now in the books, three more majors are on the docket.

So batten down the hatches — literally, with spring breezes anywhere from 10 to 70 mph — and enjoy one of the major things that make this state special: sports.

The Thunder are healthy and head into Sunday’s first playoff game with momentum. Anything can happen, but if the postseason resembles anything like the regular season, locals are in for incredible games and thrilling wins.

Even 22-year-old rookie guard Ajay Mitchell is back after three months out with a toe injury — and is available if needed. By the way, the 38th pick in last year’s draft is looking like another home run by Sam Presti & Co.

I want to thank the Thunder organization for their incredible generosity in hosting a small but meaningful retirement celebration for me and my family this past week. The consistent class and excellence this franchise has demonstrated since Day 1 is nothing short of astounding. It all starts with their people — from Chairman Clay Bennett, to Presti’s Hall-of-Fame-worthy leadership, to the extraordinary Head Coach Mark Daigneault, and the highly uncommon greatness shown by the players both on and off the court — not to mention everyone else on the payroll. The overall greatness of the organization is rare and special.

No better time to be thankful and optimistic for all the blessings the world of sports in Oklahoma continues to produce. It doesn’t “just happen.” It takes effort, leadership, skill, and the will to succeed — all grounded in people committed to doing the next right thing.

Have a great weekend! See you Sunday night on The Blitz.